Exceptional Horological Works of Art

Geneva, Oct 19, 2002

LOT 25

Patek Philippe & Cie, Genève, "Calatrava", No. 727 309, case No. 309776, Ref. 2597 HS (Heures Sautantes). Production of this reference started in 1958. Extremely fine and very rare, two time-zone, 18K yellow gold gentleman's wristwatch with three hands. The prototype of this reference was made by Louis Cottier in 1957.

CHF 100,000 - 150,000

EUR 70,000 - 100,000

Sold: CHF 124,500

C. three-body, solid, polished and brushed, flat bezel, concave lugs, band bearing two buttons moving the hour hand independently forward and backwards, by steps of one hour at a time. D. matte silver with applied yellow gold and painted indexes, auxiliary seconds dial. Two "Dauphine" yellow gold hands for the hours and minutes, and one blued steel "Dauphine" hand for the second time zone. M. Cal. 12-400 HS, stamped with the Geneva Quality Hall-mark, rhodium-plated, "fausses-côtes" decoration, 18 jewels, straight line lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions, shock-absorber, Breguet balance spring, micrometer regulator. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 35 mm.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3 - 01

Notes

Ref. 2597 HS (Heures sautantes) Production of this reference started in 1958. It was produced in two versions: first, with an adjustable jumping hour hand ; the other with a second adjustable jumping blued steel hour hand; the manufacture of this second device began in March 1962. For further information, see the biography of Louis Cottier, page 42. Similar watches are published in "Patek Philippe Wristwatches", by Martin Huber and Alan Banbery, 1998 Edition, pp. 238-239. Calatrava (next three lots) For over sixty years the Calatrava has been considered a classic and the most popular wristwatch of Patek Philippe. Since it takes considerable time to complete one watch, its production is limited to a few thousand pieces each year. Patek Philippe, which initially specialized in custom-made watches, launched its first collection in 1932 with the creation of the Calatrava. This gentleman's wristwatch derives its name from the knight's cross, symbol of Patek Philippe. Over the years, several variations have been created. Some cases are endowed with straight lugs, others have integrated lugs that flow harmoniously and produce a "tonneau" effect.