Exceptionally well preserved retailer stamped Calatrava from the 1950s, featuring an automatic movement housed in a 36 millimeter Wenger case with a screw down caseback and distinctive ridged lugs.

Following the introduction of the reference 2526, Patek Philippe responded to market demand for a thinner, more wearable automatic watch. The reference 2551 was the result of that refinement. While retaining the same celebrated caliber 12-600 AT, one of the most revered automatic movements of the era, Patek Philippe redesigned the dial and case architecture to meet contemporary expectations. The enamel dial of the 2526, admired for its depth but prone to cracking, was replaced with this silvered dial. This change allowed for a slimmer profile without compromising the watch’s elegant proportions.

The case of the 2551 was crafted by Wenger, one of the most distinguished Geneva casemakers of the period. Its ridged lugs are distinctive and bear a strong resemblance to those used on the reference 2499, Patek Philippe’s iconic perpetual calendar chronograph. This connection is not incidental. Wenger was producing both references during the same period, and it is likely that the same artisans were responsible for shaping the cases of both models. The presence of the original PP-signed crown further reflects continuity with the earlier reference 2526.

This particular example is further elevated by a rare and highly desirable feature. The dial is signed by Gübelin, the renowned Swiss retailer and jeweler known for its close relationship with Patek Philippe throughout the twentieth century. Watches with dual signatures from this period are increasingly sought after by collectors for their historical context and the added provenance they bring to the timepiece.

Produced from 1954 through 1960, the reference 2551 was offered in yellow, rose, and white gold, as well as in platinum. The yellow gold variant, especially when paired with a retailer-signed dial, strikes a balance between traditional elegance and rarity.

This watch offers more than a glimpse into Patek Philippe’s past. It reflects a precise moment in the company’s trajectory where innovation met refinement, where technical progress was matched by aesthetic discretion. For the collector interested in early automatic Patek Philippe with strong design pedigree and exceptional condition, this 2551 with Gübelin-signed dial stands as a compelling acquisition.