Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 2459 – 18K Yellow Gold – 1951 – Extract from the Archives, Box & 18K Patek Philippe Buckle Offered for auction is an elegant and remarkably rare Patek Philippe Calatrava, Reference 2459, executed in 18K yellow gold and dating from 1951. A beautiful example of Patek Philippe’s mid-century Geneva watchmaking, the Ref. 2459 is immediately recognisable by its distinctive teardrop-shaped lugs, beautifully proportioned round case and refined dial architecture. The silvered dial features applied gold hour markers, prominent applied 3-9-12 numerals and subsidiary seconds at 6 o’clock. The unusually low positioning of the subsidiary seconds dial, close to the lower edge of the dial, gives the Ref. 2459 its particularly distinctive appearance. The vintage crystal and the honest signs of age acquired over more than seven decades further contribute to the authentic character of this mid-century Patek Philippe. According to the accompanying Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives, the watch was manufactured in 1951 and originally sold on November 15th, 1951. Details * Brand: Patek Philippe * Model: Calatrava * Reference: 2459 * Year of manufacture: 1951 * Date of original sale: November 15th, 1951 * Case size & material: 37mm (Jumbo) 18K yellow gold * Case number: 664.597 * Movement: Manual winding * Calibre: Patek Philippe 12-120 * Movement number: 968.535 * Dial: Silvered dial with applied gold indexes and 3-9-12 numerals * Seconds: Subsidiary seconds at 6 o’clock * Lugs: Teardrop-shaped lugs * Strap: Leather strap (not Patek Philippe) * Buckle: Patek Philippe signed pin buckle in 18K yellow gold * Functions: Hours, minutes and small seconds Rarity of Reference 2459 Reference 2459 is considered a particularly rare vintage Patek Philippe reference. According to current published scholarship, only 21 examples of the Ref. 2459 are presently recorded, comprising approximately 14 examples in yellow gold and 7 examples in pink/rose gold. The very small number of recorded examples illustrates the scarcity of this reference and makes the Ref. 2459 particularly interesting for collectors of vintage Patek Philippe. Accompanied by * Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives, issued in Geneva on September 26th, 2014 * Patek Philippe presentation box The Extract confirms the movement and case numbers, Reference 2459, 18K yellow-gold case, raised gold indexes, year of manufacture and original date of sale. With its sculptural teardrop lugs, distinctive dial proportions and manually wound calibre 12-120, this Ref. 2459 captures the restrained elegance for which mid-century Patek Philippe is so highly regarded. The watch displays signs of age and wear consistent with a vintage timepiece of more than 70 years. Please study all photographs carefully, as they form an important and integral part of the description and provide the best representation of the watch’s cosmetic condition. As with any vintage mechanical watch, no guarantee can be given regarding water resistance unless specifically tested. It is therefore recommended to avoid contact with water. The watch will be carefully and securely packaged for shipment. Important information for international buyers: Any customs duties, import taxes, VAT, handling charges or other fees imposed by the destination country are not included in the purchase price or shipping costs and are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Buyers are advised to check the applicable import regulations and charges in their country before bidding. A rare opportunity to acquire a highly collectible 18K yellow-gold Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 2459 from 1951, accompanied by its Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives, presentation box and period-correct 18K yellow-gold Patek Philippe pin buckle.