Patek Philippe Ref.2501 Calatrava Disco Volante 18ct 1951

Patek Philippe – Simply the Finest Watch Money Can Buy

Even today, Patek Philippe’s extraordinary care and commitment towards perfection means it takes almost year to manufacture even its simplest watch movement.

Significant moments in watchmaking since 1839 …

– 1839 Antoine Patek began producing about 200 high-quality pocket watches per year
– 1845 Patek & Co. Partnership founded in Geneva with Jean Adrien Philippe, Technical Director
– 1846 Tiffany & Co. New York, Tiffany appoints Patek Philippe as its principal supplier of pocket watches
– 1857 Universal Exposition, London, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert buy a timepiece, shooting Patek to international fame
– 1867 the company produces the world’s first wristwatch.
– 1927 the company produces the world’s first perpetual calendar wristwatch
– 1941 the company produces the world’s first perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch
– 1962 the company produces the world’s first automatic, perpetual calendar wristwatch

It is said that fewer than 1 million Patek Philippe watches have been made since the first watch was completed in 1839. That is fewer than some high-end Swiss manufacturers (notably Rolex) produce in one year. In fact, the company limits itself to producing less than 50,000 watches per year, even though it is estimated by watch market analysts, the company could sell ten times this figure. Patek production is so detailed, it takes almost a year to complete its most basic watch and more than two years to produce some of the more complicated timepieces.

Patek’s vintage complications hold more world record prices at auction than any other brand. Landmark models include the model ref. 1518, the world’s first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, and its successor, the model ref. 2499. Other famous models include perpetual calendars such as the model refs. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450.

We, of course, associate Patek Philippe with the very best, but more particularly, understated elegance, craftsmanship, heritage, exquisite design, perfection and total confidence and commitment in everything it does.

Description

In 1932, Patek released its model reference 96 timepiece: The epitome of understated elegance, the Patek Philippe Calatrava is considered by many to be the blueprint for the ultimate dress watch. Inspired by the Bauhaus principle of form follows function, the minimalist design created by David Penney distilled timekeeping down to its most pure essence. There were no superfluous details, no unnecessary flourishes and yet the concept has remained virtually unchanged for almost 90 years. It is no coincidence that vintage Calatravas are still highly sought after by collectors. Today, the design has become so familiar it is difficult to fully appreciate the underlying elements that make the original design so ageless.

The Dial

Please take a good look at the simplicity and classic beauty of this two-tone vertical grain gold dial. This classic Calatrava dial is such a timeless design. Simple, symmetrical and perfectly well balanced. The dial carries mixed ‘baton’ hour indices with roman numerals at ‘3 – 6 – 9 – 12’ which are matched by the original solid gold ‘index’ hands. The inner centre of the dial has a delicate, but wonderful vertical grain which adds a certain uniqueness to this watch.

This dial is simply signed ‘Patek Philippe’ along with ‘Genève’ just below 12.

This is the original dial which has been restored to the very highest standards by our dial restorers who are considered to be the best in the UK.

Movement

The watch carries the Patek Philippe Calibre 10-200, 18 Jewel, Geneva Seal hallmarked, Gyromax balance, free-sprung regulator, nickel-finished lever movement with a power reserve of 44 hrs.

As can be seen, this movement is in spectacular condition. The Geneva wave finishing on the bridge and plates and the bevelled edging throughout was all applied by hand almost 60 years ago and looks as beautifully bright and fresh today as one could ever wish. This movement is in A1 condition indicating this watch has been properly cared for and regularly serviced.

The movement has been fully overhauled and serviced by a Master Watchmaker. This means dismantling the movement to each of its component parts, careful inspection under high magnification, replacement where necessary with only genuine parts, then careful reassembly and adjustment, before final calibration in 5 positions. The movement winds, sets and runs accurately and reliably and at final testing and calibration, it was running within +15 seconds per day, averaged over 5 positions. This is truly outstanding for any watch of this age. We are therefore highly confident in offering our 12-month warranty* with this watch.

The movement is correctly signed, ‘Patek Philippe & Co.’, ‘Genève’, ‘Eighteen 18 Jewels’ and ‘Swiss’, with the Calibre number 10-200 and the movement serial number 956347, which dates this watch to 1951.

*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the full list price is paid.

The Case

The watch carries a 34mm, 18ct yellow gold, round, ribbed case with short sweeping lugs and the correct, sunken Patek Philippe unsigned crown; each of these attributes contribute to the distinct ‘Calatrava’ style of this watch.

The condition of the two-piece case is outstanding, indicating the watch has seen only very light use and proper care. It is as sturdy and tight as the day it was made, with all parts pressing together with a very firm click. There are no scratches, other marks, or signs of wear visible to the naked eye.

Inside the case, the case-back all is signed correctly and as expected: ‘Patek Philippe & Co.’, ‘Geneve’ and ‘Swiss’, with the case serial number 665229, the  model reference number 2501 and 18ct hallmarks. The exterior of the case- back is also signed 18K.

The Strap & Buckle

The watch is fitted with a genuine Patek Philippe brown leather strap and a matching 18ct yellow gold buckle, which we feel matches the watch perfectly. However, if a different colour or style of strap is preferred, please do let us know and we will do our best to oblige, free of charge. We carry tan, conker, dark brown and black in stock in plain padded leather, crocodile skin or lizard skin, however we can also obtain most types and colours from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs. Please take a look at their huge range of straps if you wish here.

Box and Papers

This watch comes complete with the Original Extract from The Archives which dates this watch correctly at 1951, along with the original Patek Philippe wallet and presentation box as shown in the images.

Detailed particulars will be included with our purchase receipt for your interest and security. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this watch will be provided at the time of sale along with our unique ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If this watch proves to be anything less than 100% genuine, authentic and original, a full refund will be given at any time”.

Payment and Delivery

If you would like to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to assist you with this. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or Bank Wire Transfer we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.

Please check the import duties and any taxes your government may apply, these are different for each country and, unfortunately, out of our control.

We understand there may be some ‘loopholes’ that may help you avoid these charges; however, attempting to use these could impact our ongoing ability to serve our growing international customer base.

For those who happen to visit London on occasion, we are, of course, more than happy to store your watch until we can meet you in our offices in Kensington, London, and hand your watch directly to you there.

As with all our watches, this watch will be sold under our 14 days no-quibble sale or return policy.

This is a truly first class example of a vintage Patek Philippe which is ready to wear and completely practical for everyday use. If treated with care, it will make an excellent investment or heirloom piece. Even though vintage gold Patek Philippe prices have risen markedly recently, we still feel good examples such as this are still undervalued and as each year goes by and the world market for vintage gold Patek Philippe watches continues to expand, prices will continue to climb ever higher.

A word on our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before restoring them to the highest possible standards. We then offer these at the fairest prices we can, taking into account our pre and post-sales care and service. This approach means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are some well-known stores in West London which are highly successful charging between two to three times the price you see here. We, therefore, consider our prices to be fair, given the quality of watches we have to offer.

Please note, we also welcome part exchanges. If you have a watch or a small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss this.

We will also be happy to Service your watch, Repair your watch or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.

If you have any questions please call us on 020 7727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.

Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.

Thank you.