PATEK PHILIPPE | REF 2497RA RARE PINK GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR CENTER SECONDS WRISTWATCH WITH MOON PHASES MADE IN 1954

Dial: silveredCaliber: cal. 27 SC Q manual winding movement, 18 jewelsMovement number: 888081Case: 18k pink gold, solid snap on case backCase number: 683320Closure: 18k pink gold Patek Philippe buckle Size: diameter 37 mmSigned: case, dial and movementAccessories: Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the year of manufacture in 1954 and sale on August 26, 1959

CASE Case in overall very good condition with light wear and some light signs of previous polish. Gold marks to the lug backs are apparent but rubbed. Stepped lugs still well proportioned and robust, with some wear and softening to the stepped feature. Case overall with light surface scuffs under close inspection. Buckle in overall very good condition with light wear. DIAL Dial is highly attractive with applied pink gold Arabic numerals and dot indexes. A very light surface mark at 6 within the moon phase sub dial. Some light dust. Some faint signs of oxidation to the indexes. Some small surface scratches on the moon phase and date register. Possibly lightly cleaned. MOVEMENT Calendar and moon phases operating. The movement is running at time of cataloging, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement. ***Please be advised that the bands on this watch are made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) and thus not sold with the watch, they are for display purposes only. We will remove these bands prior to international shipping.***
"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."

Reference 2497 was ground-breaking for Patek Philippe, as well as the horological community.  The iconic reference features a perfectly symmetrical dial configuration and well-proportioned sculpted ‘claw’ lugs.  Launched in 1951, it was the world's first perpetual calendar wristwatch with center seconds made in series.  Shortly thereafter, reference 2438/1 was introduced to the market – essentially a reference 2497 with a water-resistant screw-down caseback rather than a snap-back caseback.

Reference 2497 ceased production in 1963, and according to scholarship, less than a total of 200 pieces of these references combined were made.  Of the pieces manufactured, roughly 20 were encased in pink gold.

Reference 2497 can be divided into a first and second series, depending on the case maker. First series cases were made by Emile Vichet featured a flatback with elongated ‘claw’ lugs while second series cases made by Wenger featured a domed back with slightly shorter lugs.

The present example is extremely well preserved, and Sotheby's is pleased to prominently display this outstanding piece on the cover of our catalogue.