136 Patek Philippe An extremely rare, fascinating and well preserved, Calatrava, manual wristwatch in yellow gold, with black gilt dial and herringbone gold bracelet, reference 2508.

Estimate: Fr. 50'000 –⁠ 100'000

• Model Calatrava
• Year Circa 1950s
• Reference 2508
• Case Material 18K yellow gold
• Case Number 679'160
• Bracelet Material 18K yellow gold bracelet, approximate length 185mm
• Movement Manual, cal. 27 SC, 18 jewels
• Movement Number 703'459
• Dimension 35mm Diameter
• Signed Case, dial and movement
• Accessories Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present timepiece in 1954 and its subsequent sale on 23rd December 1954.

A rare and highly charismatic interpretation of Patek Philippe’s most emblematic dress watch, the reference 2508 in yellow gold occupies a distinguished place within the Calatrava lineage. Produced from approximately 1950 until the mid-1960s, the model is notable for its generously proportioned 35 mm case, an imposing presence for its time, perfectly balancing mid-century elegance with a modern sense of scale. The case, of waterproof construction, was manufactured by the renowned François Borgel (Taubert & Fils), the same celebrated casemaker responsible for such iconic references as the Calatrava 565 and the chronograph reference 1463 “Tasti Tondi.” The caseback bears the FB hallmark alongside the Poinçon de Maître number 11, attesting to its prestigious origin. It retains its inner dust cover, and, consistent with early examples of the reference, features the cross beneath the “Patent” engraving, later iterations would display only the “Vacuum” designation. The flat, oversized crown, supplied by the esteemed Boninchi SA, is characteristic of the period and notably unsigned, predating the widespread use of the Patek Philippe logo on such components. Powering the watch is the calibre 27 SC, a refined automatic movement distinguished by its double Geneva Seal applied to the bridges, an exceptional mark of quality and finishing that underscores the Manufacture’s uncompromising standards. What elevates this example into the realm of exceptional rarity is its dial. Manufactured by Stern Frères, the "Type 1A" geometric black dial with gilt graphics represents an extraordinarily rare configuration. The applied indexes, as seen in early series of the reference, alternate between faceted square and dagger forms, lending rhythm and architectural sophistication to the display. To the best of our knowledge, only four gold reference 2508 watches are known with this black geometric dial configuration. Notably, another example to have appeared at auction in recent years bears a case number just one digit apart from the present watch, further emphasizing the exclusivity of this production. Offered with an 18k gold herringbone bracelet and accompanied by an Extract from the Archives, this reference 2508 stands as a remarkable confluence of rarity, design, and historical importance, an opportunity to acquire one of the most elusive and visually striking Calatravas ever produced.