- 243
Patek Philippe
Estimate
100,000 - 150,000 USD
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Description
- A FINE AND EXTREMELY RARE MASSIVE 18K YELLOW GOLD CENTER SECONDS WRISTWATCH1955 REF 2512/1 MVT 704539 CASE 690545
- yellow gold
- diameter 46 mm
• cal. 27SC jeweled manual winding nickel lever movement, precision regulator • glossy black dial, applied faceted baton indexes, gold dagger hands, gilt outer track calibrated for seconds • massive case, stepped chamfered bezel, curved fluted lugs, snap case back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle
Provenance
Sotheby's New York, June 22nd, 1988, lot 852.
Condition
The movement is running at the time of cataloguing, however it may benefit from a service soon. Dial in very good condition, slight spotting to the surface but this is barely visible. Case with light scuffs but overall in good condition. The strap of this watch contains endangered species; please see Important Notices for further information.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.
Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.
Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."
Catalogue Note
With an Extract from the Archives confirming sale with black dial on April 28th, 1956.
The present lot is a legend among collectors of Patek Philippe watches. Originally sold as the back cover lot of Sotheby's June 22nd, 1988 catalogue, the piece has remained in a private collection for nearly 25 years. It re-emerges today as one of the finest time-only specimens ever created.
At 46 millimeters in diameter, the dimensions of the watch are extraordinary. This case size is matched only by two chronograph models:
• the 'Trossi Legenda', movement number 197952, sold by Sotheby's Geneva, May 11th, 2008, the largest single button chronograph wristwatch ever made
• movement number 867857, a unique aviator's split second chronograph wristwatch
The latter model is now exhibited in the Patek Philippe Museum, and shares the same base reference number as the present model, 2512. This piece, made in 1952, is illustrated in Huber, M. & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Watches, First Edition, Vol. II, p. 208, pl. 353a, b.
Mirroring movement number 867857, the present lot also features a black dial and a nearly identical case design, with a stepped bezel and fluted, gently downturned lugs. While oversized watches are highly sought after, it is rare to find a piece that achieves the level of understated elegance of the present lot.
Indeed, with its captivating and extraordinarily rare black dial and even rarer massive size, this example possesses an unassuming simplicity. It is the rare piece that would be equally suited on the wrist of a connoisseur of the utmost discretion and taste, or in a vitrine alongside Patek Philippe's most museum-quality creations.
The present lot is a legend among collectors of Patek Philippe watches. Originally sold as the back cover lot of Sotheby's June 22nd, 1988 catalogue, the piece has remained in a private collection for nearly 25 years. It re-emerges today as one of the finest time-only specimens ever created.
At 46 millimeters in diameter, the dimensions of the watch are extraordinary. This case size is matched only by two chronograph models:
• the 'Trossi Legenda', movement number 197952, sold by Sotheby's Geneva, May 11th, 2008, the largest single button chronograph wristwatch ever made
• movement number 867857, a unique aviator's split second chronograph wristwatch
The latter model is now exhibited in the Patek Philippe Museum, and shares the same base reference number as the present model, 2512. This piece, made in 1952, is illustrated in Huber, M. & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Watches, First Edition, Vol. II, p. 208, pl. 353a, b.
Mirroring movement number 867857, the present lot also features a black dial and a nearly identical case design, with a stepped bezel and fluted, gently downturned lugs. While oversized watches are highly sought after, it is rare to find a piece that achieves the level of understated elegance of the present lot.
Indeed, with its captivating and extraordinarily rare black dial and even rarer massive size, this example possesses an unassuming simplicity. It is the rare piece that would be equally suited on the wrist of a connoisseur of the utmost discretion and taste, or in a vitrine alongside Patek Philippe's most museum-quality creations.