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- 1955 Patek Philippe 'The Flying Saucer' Yellow gold Automatic & waterproof- Ref. 2552
1955 Patek Philippe 'The Flying Saucer' Yellow gold Automatic & waterproof- Ref. 2552
A very rare and elegant yellow gold, automatic & waterproof, Patek Philippe
WHY IS THIS WATCH SPECIAL
The reference 2552 was one of Patek Philippe’s earliest automatic wristwatch and featured their first and revered automatic movement, 'the' caliber 12-600 also used in reference 2526. In fact, 14 references shared this legendary movement, produced in circa 7,100 examples, and with only around 650 being cased in Wenger made 2552 cases. These cases featured the double P crowns, indicating the watch's waterproofness, combined with its screw-down case back. The Stern Freres made dials usually featured applied indexes with pearled outer minute scale and unique cross and index combination on the small running seconds. Of special note is the present lot, with an unusual subsidiary dial layout featuring an open cross with batons. Of the suspected 580 cased in yellow gold, only 62 have been known to the market since production ended in 1960.
The present example is in near to mint condition and comes with it's Patek Philippe box.
THE STORY
1839: Antoine Patek, a Polish businessman, and François Czapek, a Czech watchmaker, established Patek, Czapek & Cie in Geneva.
1851: Jean-Adrien Philippe became a partner in the company he had joined in 1844. Following the departure of François Czapek, it was renamed Patek Philippe & Cie.
1932: Dialmakers Charles and Jean Stern bought the company, which became Patek Philippe SA. It still belongs to the Stern family.
Patek Philippe belongs to the very small circle of historical Fine Watch brands. Established in 1839, since 1932 it has been in the hands of the Stern family. From its earliest days, Patek Philippe showed a remarkable capacity for innovation and excelled in the artisanship required to create a beautiful watch. This dual expertise was backed by sharp business acumen. Patek Philippe quickly became a favourite among a wealthy international clientele who commissioned bespoke watches from the Manufacture. One of these discerning patrons, the American financier Henry Graves, took delivery in 1934 of a pocket watch with 24 complications, a record for that era.
Placing quality uppermost, for many years Patek Philippe had its watches certified by the Poinçon de Genève. In 2009 it instead created its own standard of quality, the Patek Philippe Seal, which applies to every stage from the manufacturing to the sale of the watch. Since the mid-2000s, Patek Philippe has dominated the auction market. The Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva holds one of the richest private collections of timepieces in the world.
Based in Geneva but with production sites spread throughout the Arc Jurassien, Patek Philippe is renowned for its command of complications, in particular striking watches. While perpetuating traditional watchmaking skills, it also embraces new technologies, such as silicon. Accordingly, in 2011 Patek Philippe endowed a research chair in micro- and nanotechnologies at the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne.
THE DATA
- Maker: Patek Philippe
- Model: 'The Flying Saucer' or 'Disco Volante'
- Reference: 2552
- Case N°: 6864XX
- Year: 1955
- Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold
- Dimentions (WxHxT): 36x40x11mm
- Caliber: 12-600 automatic, 30 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap: New Piaget Black genuine aligator
- Lug width: 19mm
- Box/Papers: Patek Philippe original box
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
We particularly appreciate the classical and comfortable size of this 'Milestone' wristwatch. The yellow gold large 36mm case gives an unbeatable exclusive contemporary touch. This watch can be worn everyday and for more formal occasions.
The case, crystal and buckle doesn't show any scratches. The crown is stamped with the Patek 'Double P'.
Only 580 pieces of this particular waterproof yellow gold watch were manufactured !
This timepiece is signed Patek Philippe on the dial, case, movement and on the crown.
The watch comes with its Patek Philippe original box.