Patek Philippe
Reference 2481 Calatrava | A yellow gold wristwatch, Circa 1956
Lot Closed
June 17, 02:44 PM GMT
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 USD
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Read more.Lot Details
Description
Dial: silvered
Caliber: cal. 27 SC mechanical, 18 jewels
Movement number: 706’839
Case: 18k yellow gold, snap on case back
Case number: 2’603’272
Size: 37 mm diameter
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: no
Papers: no
The imposing reference 2481 by Patek Philippe was launched in 1950 and was one of the largest wristwatches offered by the brand during this era, featuring a 37mm case. Given the size of the dial and the central (not subsidiary) seconds hand, the reference became a canvas for Patek to experiment with finishes, including enamel (DC for Décor Émail) featuring portraits, geographical maps, and tropical forests.
One of the most famous examples is the pink gold version made in homage to King Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, featuring ruby-set hour markers and an enamel “Portrait of the King of Saudi Arabia.”
In total, only around 1,000 examples of the 2481 are thought to have been produced, with 600 of those cased in yellow gold. The current example is presented in very nice condition, with some attractive tarnish to the case.