33 Patek Philippe A very fine and unusual, Hour Glass, manual wristwatch in yellow gold, with concave, flared sides, reference 2456.
Estimate: Fr. 12'000 – 24'000
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- Model Hour Glass
- Year Circa 1950s
- Reference 2456
- Case Material 18K yellow gold
- Case Number 665'469
- Bracelet Material Leather strap
- Movement Manual, cal. 9-90, 18 jewels
- Movement Number 973'451
- Dimension 23mm width x 39mm length
- Signed Case, dial and movement
An intriguing departure from conventional rectangular forms, the Patek Philippe reference 2456 illustrates Patek Philippe’s early exploration of more expressive case architecture during the post-war period. While still firmly rooted in classical watchmaking, this model introduces a subtle tension between restraint and sculptural ambition, an approach that would later define much of the brand’s shaped watch production in the decades to follow. Its most compelling feature lies in the case itself. Crafted in yellow gold and manufactured by Baumgartner (poinçon de maître number 2), the profile is distinguished by gently concave flanks that flare outward, creating a sense of expansion and movement along the wrist. This nuanced geometry transforms what might otherwise be a simple rectangular watch into an object of quiet complexity, where light plays continuously across its surfaces. The dial, by contrast, adopts a deliberately understated role. Clean and balanced, with discreet hour markers and a subsidiary seconds register, it provides clarity without competing with the case. This deliberate hierarchy, where form takes precedence over ornament, signals a broader stylistic shift that began in the 1950s and would flourish in the 1960s and 1970s, as designers increasingly favored bold cases paired with minimal displays. Notably, the present example retains strong definition throughout its case, preserving the original intent of its design. With only a limited number of examples believed to exist, the reference 2456 stands as a compelling testament to Patek Philippe’s willingness to innovate within the boundaries of elegance.
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LUGANO
Villa Principe Leopoldo, Via Montalbano 5
3 June - From 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
GENEVA
Beau-Rivage, Quai du Mont-Blanc 13
9 May - From 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
10 May - From 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM