84 Patek Philippe Extremely Fine and Valuable, “Marylin Monroe”, Rectangular-Shape Wristwatch in Pink Gold, Flared Sides, Detachable Pink Gold Bangle Bracelet, Reference 2442

Estimate: €50,000 –⁠ 100,000

Model: Marilyn Monroe
Reference: 2442
Case Material: Pink Gold
Bracelet Material: Pink Gold
Year: 1949
Movement: Manual
Caliber: 9′ 90
Case N°: 657528
Movement N°: 972 015
Dimensions: 26 × 42 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement
Accessories: Extract from the Archives

Between the 1930s and 1950s, the production of Patek Philippe was mainly dedicated to shape watches and especially to a huge variety of rectangular models. Times slowly changed and in the ’50s round watches came to the fore for their fashionable and chic design. On the opposite side, the production of rectangular watches soon became a rarity and even more so if fitted with a rectangular movement. The reference 2442 was one of those amazing creations with both case and caliber with rectangular shape and the lot offered here is a really nice and fashionable example of it. The reference 2442 model “Hour Glass”, also called by Italian collectors “Marylin”, was introduced into the market in 1948 and could be found in Patek Philippe sales catalogues until circa 1960. Featuring the 9′ 90 caliber, no more than two hundred watches were made in total, most of them in yellow gold, making the present specimen in pink gold an extremely rare example. Its generous case proportions and fluid lines lend it a seductive presence hardly ever achieved by any other rectangular wristwatch. The present lot immediately strikes the lovers of watches by its storage conditions are remarkable considering the over 70 years of life. The silver dial has a decoration with Arabic indexes and applied gold dagger. Gorgeous, elegant and precious, this sophisticated piece is one of the nicest shape watches ever produced.