PATEK PHILIPPE, REF. 2438/1, A RARE GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR WRISTWATCH
CASE NUMBER: 2’602’735, MOVEMENT NUMBER: 888’135
Important information about this lot
Estimate
USD 200,000 - USD 400,000
Estimates do not reflect the final hammer price and do not include buyer's premium, any applicable taxes or artist's resale right. Please see the Conditions of Sale for full details.
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PATEK PHILIPPE, REF. 2438/1, A RARE GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR WRISTWATCH
Reference 2438-1 was produced between 1952 and 1963 and only available in either yellow or pink gold. It was in fact made as a water-resistant variation of the more familiar reference 2497 which is fitted with the same movement and dial. Supplied by Wenger, one of the best case makers in Geneva, the case of the 2438-1 is fitted with a screw down back as opposed to the 2497s snap on back and is 0.7 mm smaller with a still impressive diameter of 37 mm. - oversized at the time of its first inception, but totally in line with today’s standards.
The references 2438-1 and 2497 were the first and only sweep centre seconds perpetual calendar watches produced by Patek Philippe right up until the launch of references 5050 and 5059 nearly forty years later in 1993.
The aesthetic impact of the reference 2438-1 largely stems from its iconic lugs, defined by the carved groove to the upper outer edges, a feature it has in common with the reference 2499. This detail transfigures the overall look of the watch imbuing it with a subtle yet stately importance leaving no doubt that one is in the presence of one of watch collecting’s all-time classics.
The present watch is from the model’s second series with a second series Mark II dial. The first series reference 2438 is recognized by its applied Arabic numerals and feuille hands. The second series, such as the present, can be found with two dial variations: Mark I - with applied five-facet ‘bullet’ baton numerals and dauphine hands; Mark II – with shorter four-facet baton numerals
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You have agreed to be bound by the Conditions of Sale and if your bid is successful, you are legally obliged to pay for the lot you have won. The purchase price for a successful bid will be the sum of your final bid plus a buyer’s premium, any applicable taxes and any artist resale royalty, exclusive of shipping-related expenses.
Condition report
A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.
The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
Please note: Condition reports are prepared by the department as a service to our clients. Watches have not been tested for their accuracy. Please refer to the condition report images, kindly contact a specialist in order to receive additional images of the watch if required.
OVERALL CONDITION: The watch is appealing, in good condition for its age with good case proportion and a dial in relatively good condition.
CASE: The case is in good condition for its age. The bezel has a good curve and shape. All four lugs are well balanced and all retained the ‘step shape’ until the very tip. A gold hallmark is visible on the side of a lug. It is clear and deep.
DIAL: The dial is nice, clean and original. There are signs of minor loss around some index.
MOVEMENT: The movement is nice clean and original.
BUCKLE: Patek Philippe gold pin buckle
Cost calculator
Lot 57Sale 21092
CASE NUMBER: 2’602’735, MOVEMENT NUMBER: 888’135PATEK PHILIPPE, REF. 2438/1, A RARE GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR WRISTWATCHEstimate: USD 200,000 - 400,000
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