Patek Philippe

The Reference 2426 features elegant hooded lugs and a case crafted by Eggly & Cie, as indicated by the Geneva Key No. 23 stamped inside the case back. Eggly & Cie was renowned for producing high-end cases for the “holy trinity” of watchmaking: Vacheron Constantin, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet. Think of the shaped watches and distinctive lug designs that defined some of the most daring and architectural timepieces of the 20th century, including the Vacheron Constantin Cornes de Vaches, Patek Philippe Calatrava 2407, and Audemars Piguet Ellipse.

The present watch is a highly attractive and well-preserved example of this rare model, featuring the uncommon combination of a pink gold case and pink dial — a pairing often produced for the South American market. This example was made for Freccero & Cia., Montevideo, Uruguay. The firm was founded in 1868 as a jewelry retailer by Oscar Spangerberg, a German national, who later sold it to his employee Francisco J. Freccero. In 1908, Freccero & Cia. relocated to 25 de Mayo in Montevideo. Initially focused on jewelry, the descendants of Francisco Freccero expanded into watches, becoming the sole authorized retailer of Patek Philippe in Montevideo in 1929. This 70-year partnership produced some of the most exclusive and unique retailer-signed watches of the 20th century.