PATEK PHILIPPE | REFERENCE 2497 A VERY FINE AND RARE YELLOW GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR WRISTWATCH WITH CENTRE SECONDS AND MOON PHASES, MADE IN 1953

Dial: silveredCalibre: cal. 27SC mechanical, 18 jewelsMovement number: 888'046 Case: 18k yellow gold, snap on backCase number: 679'781Closure: brown unsigned alligator strap and 18k yellow gold buckle Size: 37 mm diameterSigned: case, dial and movement Accessories: Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1952 and its subsequent sale on 4 May 1955

The movement is in working condition at the time of cataloguing. The calendar is advancing. The dial is the sought after version with a minute pearls. The dial has been cleaned during a servicing. Some of the numerals are tarnished. The signature is intact and raised in hard enamel. There is minor oxidation to the moon phases. The case is in very attractive overall condition. The lugs still retained fluted edges. There is light service wear to the case. The case back with English hallmarks. There are two crisp hallmarks underneath both lugs. The crown has been replaced during a servicing. This is a very attractive overall example. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"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."

The reference 2497 was launched in 1952 and was the world's first perpetual calendar with centre seconds. There are only 179 examples made of the reference 2497, 2498 and 2438/1 with screw on case back. The 2497 can be divided into three series and the series is distinguished by the configuration or dial layout. The present example is in lovely original condition and has the sought after pearl minute track. The case is in nice original condition and the lugs still retain their fluting. There are two hallmarks stamped underneath the lugs and the case back still retains its English hallmarks.