114 Patek Philippe A very fine and sought after, “Marylin Monroe”, rectangular-shape wristwatch in pink gold, flared sides, reference 2442.

Estimate: Fr. 40'000 –⁠ 80'000

• Model Marilyn Monroe
• Year 1949
• Reference 2442
• Case Material 18K pink gold
• Case Number 657'528
• Bracelet Material Leather strap
• Movement Manual, cal. 9-90, 18 jewels
• Movement Number 972'015
• Dimension 27mm width x 43mm length
• Signed Case, dial and movement
• Accessories Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the production of the present timepiece in 1949 and its subsequent sale on 26th June 1950.

The Patek Philippe reference 2442 Hour Glass belongs to a period when Patek Philippe explored form with remarkable freedom. Between the 1930s and 1950s, shaped watches were not exceptions but central to the brand’s creativity, with rectangular and tonneau cases offering an alternative to the increasingly dominant round wristwatch. The reference 2442 stands out within this context. Introduced in 1948, it features a distinctive “hourglass” case, softly curved, with a natural flow that follows the wrist. Italian collectors later nicknamed it “Marylin Monroe”, a fitting reference to its elegant, almost sculptural silhouette. Beyond its design, the technical aspect is equally important. The watch is powered by the rectangular caliber 9’’’90, a movement specifically shaped to match the case. Such coherence between form and mechanics was never common and became increasingly rare as round calibers took over production in the following decades. Production of the reference remained limited, with fewer than 200 examples believed to have been made, the majority in yellow gold. The present pink gold version is therefore particularly uncommon and adds a layer of refinement to an already distinctive model. The dial maintains a balanced and classical layout, with applied Arabic numerals, faceted indexes, and a small seconds at six o’clock. Its restrained design contrasts nicely with the expressive case, creating a watch that is both decorative and wearable. Today, the reference 2442 represents a specific moment in Patek Philippe’s history, when shaped watches combined technical consideration with aesthetic exploration. It remains one of the more elegant and less conventional expressions of mid-century watchmaking.