251 Patek Philippe Extremely Rare, Attractive and Elegant, Manta Ray, Rectangular Shape Wristwatch in Platinum, Silver Dial, Reference 2554, With Original Platinum Bracelet

Estimate: €90,000 –⁠ 180,000

Model: Manta Ray
Reference: 2554
Case Material: Platinum
Bracelet Material: Platinum
Movement: Manual
Caliber: 9′ 90
Case N°: 696 400
Movement N°: 977 389
Dimensions: 41 × 26 mm
Signed: Dial, movement and case

The reference 2554 is one of the rarest rectangular wristwatches of Patek Philippe’s post-war production and also has to be considered as one of the most avant-garde designs. Also called “Manta ray”, it has been designed by the genius of Gilber Albert with a shape that reminds that of the marine animal. The case of this watch was made by Markowski, one of the finest case makers in Geneva. In addition to this model, they were also responsible for the case production of other unusually shaped rectangular watches, including the “Hour-Glass”, Ref. 1593, the “Top-Hat”, Ref. 2480, the “Tegola”, Ref. 2461, and the “Tegolino”, Ref. 425. An exceedingly rare reference in any metal, it’s especially rare in platinum as in the present lot. The case of the present watch is in excellent condition, still retaining crisp hallmarks and is further embellished with a striking original platinum tile bracelet. The opaline silver dial and applied baton hour markers, along with its curved crystal underlines the sophisticated and elegant shape of the watch. Charismatic, precious, with an historically important movement and one of the few examples of this avant-garde reference known, this watch is the utmost in understated elegance.