Description

100% Genuine & All Original

Fully Inspected, Serviced & Guaranteed

A Beautifully Well Cared For, Lightly Used Example

Patek Philippe Model Ref. 2488 18ct Yellow Gold Dress Watch

Very High-Grade P.P. Cal.10-200, 18 Jewel, Hand-Wound Movement

Beautifully Restored Silver White Dial with Gold Hands & ‘Baton’ Hour Indices

Large Sized Patek Philippe Swiss Made 33mm x 35mm case, Excluding the P.P. Crown

Patek Philippe ‘Extract From The Archives’ Showing Date of 1st Sale, Applied For

Genuine Black Alligator Patek Philippe Strap & 18ct Solid Gold Patek Buckle

All in Absolutely Top Grade, Beautifully Restored Condition

Patek Philippe

Simply the finest watch money can buy….

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

Some 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 its first watch was completed in 1839. This 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 precise, detailed and intricate, it takes almost a year to complete its most basic watch and more than two years to produce many of the more complicated timepieces.

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

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

Description

A rare, model reference 2488 square cased Patek Philippe with a subsidiary seconds dial from 1960 in 18ct yellow gold. Relatively few square or rectangular shaped Patek Philippe watches were produced in during the 1950s and 1960s and so these case shapes are more exclusive. At 33 mm across, excluding the Patek Philippe signed crown, this is a large sized gent’s Patek Philippe dress watch for the period. It may not seem so large until one considers the case is 42.5mm across the diagonal.

The Dial

Although this watch is over 60 years old, the dial design is so elegant and timeless it could easily be mistaken for a contemporary watch today.

Silver white, with original gold ‘index’ hands and gilt indices, doubled at 12, along with the Patek Philippe signature. Add a subsidiary seconds dial and that’s it.  So simple, yet so pleasing. Nothing more, nothing less, so well balanced, beautifully proportioned and executed to perfection. In harmony with the watch case, the dial speaks of pure class, simple elegance, quality and confidence.

This is the original dial which has been previously restored to a very high standard.

The Case

Square cased Patek Philippe watches were rare during the 1950s and 1960s which makes these highly sought after today. The case is beautifully crafted with multiple facets providing a classical look. The case features a broad bezel, sweeping away from the face, providing added drama and style to the watch.

Patek Philippe watches have always been conservatively sized and at 33 mm across, excluding the Patek Philippe signed crown, this was a typical for the period. However, this is deceptive because at 42.5 mm across the diagonal making this is a large-sized watch for this period.

The condition of the two-piece case is outstanding, indicating the watch has seen only light and careful use. It is as sturdy and tight as the day it was made, with its two halves 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 is all correctly signed and as expected: ‘Patek Philippe & Co.’, ‘Geneve’, ‘Swiss’, with Swiss 18ct hallmarks, the case serial number 2601930 and the Patek Philippe Model Reference number 2488.

As ever, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

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 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 +5 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 all correctly signed, ‘Patek Philippe & Co.’, ‘Geneve’ and ‘Swiss’, with the Calibre number 10-200 with the movement serial number 750654, which dates this watch to 1960.

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

The Strap and Buckle

The watch is fitted with an original high-quality Patek Philippe Black Alligator strap, with matching Patek Philippe solid 18ct yellow gold buckle. However, if a different colour or style of strap is preferred, please let us know and we will do our best to oblige free of charge. We carry tan, conker, dark brown and black straps in stock in plain padded leather, crocodile skin or lizard skin. We can also obtain most types and colours from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs.

The Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating this watch to 1960.

Detailed particulars will be included with the receipt, along with our 12 months’ warranty*. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value will also be provided at the time of sale with our ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If this watch proves to be anything less than totally authentic, or not as described, Vintage Gold Watches of London will offer you a full refund at any time”.

A Patek Philippe ‘Extract from the Archives’ has been applied for and will be included in the sale.

This watch comes complete with the Patek Philippe felt purse and the high-quality hardwood presentation box as shown.

In Conclusion

Here we have a truly rare and highly sought after vintage gold dress watch from horology’s most revered name which is truly a thing of beauty – to wear, use, treasure and enjoy. It will also make an excellent investment as well as a family heirloom piece. Even though Patek prices continue to rise, we still feel outstanding examples such as this remain grossly undervalued particularly compared to the price of a new Patek Philippe. As each year goes by and the world market for vintage Patek Philippe watches expands, availability will become ever more limited, meaning prices are destined to climb ever higher!