145 Patek Philippe Elegant and Glamorous Rectangular-Shape Wristwatch in Yellow Gold, Reference 2488, With Subsidiary Seconds Dial, Retailed by Black Starr & Gorham

Estimate: € 8,000 –⁠ 16,000

Sold € 10,400

Material: Yellow Gold
Reference N°: 2488
Year: 1956
Case N°: 698978
Caliber: 10″200
Movement type: Manual
Movement N°: 746250
Bracelet: Leather Strap
Dimensions: 28x35mm
Signed: Dial, case and movement
Accessories: extract + revision

The expressive force of a square/rectangular watch is able to surprise every time. This concept was perfectly understood in the ’30s/40s/50s when the watchmaking indulged in creating timepieces using this intriguing form. One of the most active brands was Patek Philippe. The reference 2488 offered here is one of those objects with absolute stage presence, capable of attracting the gaze even of a neophyte. Produced between 1951 and the early 1960s, it was available in all four materials. The 2488 here has a beautiful yellow gold case that is attractively oxidized along its entire perimeter with sloping edges and rounded lugs. Inside it, a mechanical masterpiece: the Patek Philippe calibre reference 10 200. The dial remains faithful to the case and was made with a beautifully preserved champagne color and the applied numbers have the iconic Breguet style. To further embellish this watch, slightly above the Patek signature, has been printed the name “Black, Starr & Gorham”. That was an official retailer of watches on the American soil, whose origins date back to Marquand & Co. founded in 1810 in New York City. After the entry of some partners, in 1876 it acquired its current name, Black, Starr & Frost. In 1912 the shop moved from the corner of Broadway and Prince Street in New York City to the southeast corner of Fifth Avenue and 48th Street, known as the diamond district. During the interlude from 1940–1962 it was known as Black Starr Frost Gorham as it partnered with Gorham Manufacturing Company and is exactly in this period that the retailer had the chance to sign this special dial making it a really rare example and the perfect piece for a prestigious collection of Patek Philippe shaped watches.

This watch is also provided with the extract from the archives confirming its production in 1956 and subsequent sale the 20Th September 1957.