Patek Philippe 2497 '1st Series'

A centre second perpetual calendar is, even for Patek Philippe's impressive historical portfolio, out of the ordinary. The 2497 was the first ever and was released in 1951. After the production ceased 12 year later, it took Patek 3 decades to launch another such timepiece. The groundbreaking movement that powered this novelty is cal. 27SCQ. This engine was used across 2 timepieces, as they also introduced the waterproof 2438/1. Between that reference and the 2497, merely 179 watches ever saw the light of day. Having consecutive movement numbers; it starts at 888.000 and stops at 888.178. This one belongs to the first batch, dating to 1953, with a number as early as .025!

From the outside it is also possible to differentiate the earlier series compared to the subsequent "second series". Starting with the case; which is produced by Emile Vichet instead of the later Wenger cases. The "first series" features a flat caseback and has slightly longer and more prominent lugs, complimenting the characteristic concave bezel. It is believed only 40 or so have been issued by this case maker with key number 9. It is executed in 18K yellow gold and measures 37mm in diameter. We are happy to conclude that the case has been preserved rather well and retains its impressive shape. The crisp hallmark on the bottom side of the lug attests to this observation.

The dial lay-out is also differing to the subsequent series. Stern Frères delivered this beautiful design with applied Arabic and dot numerals and equally elegant "feuille hands". The seconds hand is made out of blued steel and matches with the moon phase. It is important to know such dials have a solid gold base plate and the apertures are cut by hand. Only the most skilled and experiences artisans work on such procedures and it confirms once more why Patek Philippe is on a level of its own. The silvered grené finish seems to have been professionally cleaned in the past, luckily, thanks to the durable production process -including the raised enamelled lettering- it remains in attractive condition.

This watch comes with an extensive report by Eric Tortilla and an extract of the archive. In 2023 it went under the hammer at Monaco Legend Group, as one of their top lots in their Exclusive Timepieces auction. It reached an impressive value of €321.000. The quality of these intricate mechanical wonders are mind-boggling and this specimen is a testimony to why vintage Patek Philippe watches are so collectible and coveted.