Exclusive Timepieces & Jewels 17 –⁠ 18 July 2019 | Monaco

Auction Details

A Selection of Pure Vintage/Contemporary Timepieces and Rare Jewels. Our first auction with Davide Parmegiani.

Session 1 starting at 3 p.m.
Session 2 starting at 6 p.m.

214 Patek Philippe An elegant Patek Philippe Calatrava model reference 2533 in yellow gold with charming black gilt dial and Extract from the Archives

Estimate: € 20,000 –⁠ 40,000

Sold € 29,900

Model: Calatrava
Material: yellow gold
Reference N°: 2533
Year: 1954
Case N°: 681256
Caliber: 27SC
Movement N°: 703906
Bracelet: leather strap
Dimensions: 35 mm
Signed: case, dial and movement
Accessories: Extract from the Archives

In 1952 there was a shift between the reference 565 (see lots 182 and 209 in this catalogue) and the present reference 2533, a decidedly rare model given its low production numbers limited to 400 total pieces. The resemblance between the two watches is remarkable: the curved design of the case is inherited from the previous model but modernized with some small details, such as the stepped bezel, usually delicate but very visible in this lot thanks to the splendid almost coppery oxidation of the yellow-gold case. The oxidation is a process that leads to the loss of the characteristic shine of a material up to the formation of rust on their surface, as a result of prolonged exposure to air and humidity. For someone this represents a negative detail, but for the great majority of watch lovers and collectors it is precisely that characteristic that adds further value to the object. Even the black dial is a great rarity which can be found on this watch, along with the particular arrow indexes also in yellow gold with internal rhadium. A set of features, details and peculiarities that make this watch a possibly unique piece in the world.
Accompanied by a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with black dial in 1954 and its subsequent sale on May 16th, 1955.