18 Patek Philippe Nice and Attractive Calatrava in Yellow Gold, Reference 2481, With Centre Seconds Two Tone Dial, Gold Roman Applied Numbers, Elongated Lugs, Retailed by Gobbi Milan

Estimate: €30,000 –⁠ 60,000

Model: Calatrava
Material: Yellow Gold
Reference N°: 2481
Year: 1954
Case N°: 681886
Caliber: 27SC
Movement type: Manual
Movement N°: 703180
Bracelet: Leather Strap
Dimensions: 36 mm
Signed: Dial, case and movement
Accessories: Extract from Archives

Within the list of Patek Philippe’s references there is one to have stolen the hearts of collectors and enthusiasts for its unique style and for the absolutely special dials that were equipped on it. The 2481 model was indeed launched in 1950 and was fitted with a variety of dials, mainly created with the complicated technique of the cloisonné or champlevé enamel. Those dials were very difficult to realize and could depict many different themes such as continents, portraits or landscapes. Paradoxically is harder to find and example of this reference fitted with a “simple” argentè dial and when that happens is always a wonderful discovery. The present lot is one of the nicest examples of this reference with a simple but at the same time very special dial. Its style is instantly recognizable for the elongated claw lugs and the concave bezel. This special features, added to the 36mm wide, make the case produced by Bernard Dubois very contemporary. Realized in 18k yellow gold, it is still well preserved with very deep hallmarks and shows some charming oxidation all over the edges. The reference is equipped with the famous caliber 27SC, which was, at the time Patek Philippe’s only sweep centre calibre available on the market. The dial, as previously said, is something difficult to find in its simplicity since very few are know made with argentè decoration and applied roman and dot indexes in yellow gold. The outer minutes and seconds track has vivid black printing and is even more special isthe rare signature at 6 O’clock Gobbi Milano. Gobbi is one of the most important retailers in Italian history, born initially in Modena in 1842 from the desire of the watchmaker Riamondo Gobbi who obtained the title of “Real Court Watchmaker” directly form the Grand Duke in 1852. His younger son, Giuseppe, contributed to the development of the company and in 1896 he moved to Milan, opening his own workshop in Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 15 where is still located nowadays. This reference 2481 in yellow gold is definitely special for all collectors and is “simple” and unusual dial with important retailer is something not to be left behind.

Accompanied by a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in yellow gold in 1954 and its subsequent sale on 10 August 1954.