Beschreibung:

189 Patek Philippe Follow Ref. 2438/1 A very fine and extremely rare yellow gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with centre seconds, moon phases and screw-down caseback 1958 37mm. Diameter Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1958 Reference No: 2438/1 Movement No: 888'148 Case No: 2'602'748 Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 27SC Q, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe pin buckle signed PPCo Dimensions: 37mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1958 and its subsequent sale on 15 September 1960. Literature: Reference 2438/1 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 284. Catalogue Essay Vintage Patek Philippe perpetual calendars (either simple or associated with a chronograph) are not only often considered by the cognoscenti as being the most beautiful in the world, but also are easily recognizable thanks to their elegant taught lines and easy legibility, in addition to the day date apertures on the top part of the dial. References 2438/1, with a screw down caseback, and 2497 with a snap on caseback, were launched in 1951. They were the world’s first perpetual calendars with centre seconds. Reference 2438/1 is a gem of horological design with its balanced symmetry, spectacular curves, and large case size. It is very similar to that of the iconic reference 2499 second series that was launched about the same time. It is believed that only 35 examples of references 2438/1 in yellow gold were produced of which 28 are known. Reference 2438/1 is generally divided into two different series: - First series, with applied Arabic numerals and feuille hands. - Second series, such as the present watch, with applied baton numerals and dauphine hands. Reference 2438/1, with its highly complicated movement and sporty waterproof case was decades ahead of its time, the equivalent of a Bentley SUV today. One can only be mind blown by Patek Philippe's thinking out of the box, at a time where it was unimaginable to wear such complicated timepieces whilst partaking in activities requesting intense efforts, the famed Geneva brand created a watch that its elite clients could wear whilst sailing the Pacific or hunting in Africa. The present lot, preserved in beautiful condition, can only entice with its perfectly crisp hallmarks, large case with the typical downturned fluted lugs with incredible, powerful dial design facetted baton numerals and masculine dauphine hands. Giving life to this superb masterpiece is the Patek Philippe caliber 27SC Q, SC for “Secondes Centrales” (central seconds in French) and Q for “Quantième” (date in French). The painstaking hand decoration of the movement is further attested by the Geneva seal stamped on it. The movement is further stamped “HOX”, an import mark for watches made for the American market, which is further confirmed as the calendar discs is printed in English. The present lot is not only superb and uber-rare but it remains to date the only Patek Philippe vintage perpetual calendar with a screw down caseback making it a jewel of choice in any collection. Read More Maker Bio Patek Philippe Swiss • 1839 Follow Since its founding in 1839, this famous Geneva-based firm has been surprising its clientele with superbly crafted timepieces fitted with watchmaking's most prestigious complications. Traditional and conservative designs are found across Patek Philippe's watches made throughout their history — the utmost in understated elegance. Well-known for the Graves Supercomplication — a highly complicated pocket watch that was the world’s most complicated watch for 50 years — this family-owned brand has earned a reputation of excellence around the world. Patek's complicated vintage watches hold the highest number of world records for results achieved at auction compared with any other brand. For collectors, key models include the reference 1518, the world's first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, and its successor, the reference 2499. Other famous models incl