212 Patek Philippe Well Preserved and Extremely Rare, Calatrava, Automatic Wristwatch in White Gold, Diamond-Set Dial, With Extract From the Archives, Retailed by Serpico y Laino, Reference 2551

Estimate: € 90.000 –⁠ 180.000

Model: Calatrava Reference: 2551 Case Material: White Gold Bracelet Material: Leather Strap Year: 1956 Movement: Automatic Caliber: 12–600 Case N°: 698 126 Movement N°: 764 165 Dimensions: 35.5 mm Signed: Dial, Case and Movement Accessories: Extract from the Archives This model, reference 2551, was produced from 1954 until 1960. The lot here offered has a very elegant case with fluted lugs, stepped concave bezel and screwed down case back. The material used is 18k white gold that has maintained its quality throughout all these years with sharp edges and very clear crown. This model features the 12–600 movement, an engineering marvel which made its debut at the 1953 Basel Fair. The dial is perfect with matte silver background, applied diamond set cut indexes and a baguette at 3, 9 and 12, outer minutes divisions pelage, subsidiary seconds dial and white-gold dauphine hands. Moreover the dial presents a signature in the middle: the Serpico y Laino retailer that matches the case back, engraved by the retailer stamp too. In business since 1925 and based in Caracas, Venezuela, the famous shop has had the privilege of stamping their name on vintage Rolex or Patek watches, obtaining the exclusive right to sell it in Venezuela. Accompanied by a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in white gold in 1956 and its subsequent sale on 15 November 1957, the present lot is possibly the only one known at the moment with this precious signature in white gold.