Patek Philippe

• cal. 27 SC Q manual winding nickel-finished lever movement, 18 jewels, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions • matte silvered dial,
applied faceted baton numerals, sweep seconds, fan-form sector for
moon-phases combined with date, apertures for month and day, dauphine
hands • 18k yellow gold case with scooped bezel and stepped lugs, snap-on
back • case, dial and movement signed

Please note that the movement has not been checked for timekeeping accuracy and Sotheby's will not be held responsible for any repairs should they be required. The movement is running at the time of cataloguing and the perpetual calendar is operational. dial in very good condition. hands with some light scuffs. Case polished and with usual scuffs due to use and age. Very nice example.
"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."

Introduced in 1951 and produced until 1963, reference 2497 was fitted with a modified version of the revered 27SC calibre, which was upgraded with the perpetual calendar module and re-named 27SC Q, with “Q” representing “quantième”. The under-dial modification of the calibre featured Victorin Piguet’s perpetual calendar cam. Victorin Piguet was a master watch making house based in Le Sentier, Switzerland. They had a very long and trusted relationship with Patek Philippe, enhancing their perpetual calendar movements and designing unusual complications, such as split-second and single-button chronographs. The calibre 27SC Q was also used for references 2498 and 2438/1 and the series’ production was numbered 888’000 to 888’178. It is notable that the first 2497, movement number 888'000, was delivered to Mr. Fullerton, one of the most celebrated collectors and the grandson of Henry Graves Jr. For further information about the Fullerton watch, please refer to Sotheby's New York, 14 June 2012, lot 17. 

With the exception of the chronograph buttons, the case of reference 2497 is extremely close to the celebrated reference 2499 (please refer to lot 150 and the following lot), which was introduced during the same period. Nevertheless, according to literature, the perpetual calendar Ref. 2497 was produced in less than 1/3^rd of the quantity of its chronograph cousin. Indeed, it is believed that only 115 reference 2497 models were delivered. This extremely limited production is nearly half that of the preceding and first of Patek Philippe’s series produced perpetual calendars (also without chronograph), the reference 1526. 

Following the end of production of references 2497 and 2438, the combination of sweep centre seconds, perpetual calendar and moon-phases was not re-introduced by Patek Philippe until the mid 1990s, with the launch of reference 5050.

Reference 2497 is commonly divided into two series:
- the first series was distinguished by a combination Arabic and dot numeral dial with feuille hands
- the second series was fitted with applied faceted baton numerals and Dauphine hands.

The masculine and elegant gold case of this watch is perfectly complimented by the symmetrical, linear design of the dial with its faceted, Dauphine hands. The present lot is a beautiful example of the second series and this exceptional wristwatch would be a superb addition to any connoisseur’s collection.