117 Patek Philippe A tasteful and original Patek Philippe reference 2442 rectangular “Hour Glass" watch in 18K Pink gold with flared sides

Estimate: €38,000 –⁠ 70,000

Model: Hour Glass Retailed By Gubelin
Material: Pink Gold
Reference N°: 2442
Year: 1949
Case N°: 653947
Caliber: 9''90
Movement N°: 971372
Bracelet: leather strap
Dimensions: 43 mm
Accessories: Extract from the archives

Between the 1930s and 1950s, the production of Patek Philippe was mainly dedicated to shape watches and especially to a huge variety of rectangular models. Times slowly changed and around the ’50s round watches came to the fore for their fashionable and chic design and the production of rectangular watches soon became a rarity, and even more if fitted with a rectangular movement of which the present reference 2442 is a wonderful example. The reference 2442 model “Hour Glass”, also called by Italian collectors “Ossa da morto”, was introduced into the market in 1948 and could be found in Patek Philippe sales catalogues until circa 1960. Featuring the 9–90 caliber, no more than two hundred watches were made in total of this reference mainly cased in yellow gold, 3 examples in platinum and very few, such as the present watch, in pink gold. Its generous case proportions and fluid lines lend it a seductive presence hardly ever achieved by any other rectangular wristwatch. The lot offered here features curved and flared lugs that give a lot of presence on the wrist. Moreover the principle of oxidation at 5 o’clock make this watch absolutely fascinating. The silvered dial with pink-gold dagger and Arabic numerals is further embellished with the always sought after Luzern retailer Gübelin signature slightly over the subsidiary dial for the seconds. Gorgeous, elegant and precious, this almost unique piece is one of the nicest shape watches ever produced.

Accompanied by a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in rose gold with gold hour markers in 1949 and its subsequent sale on 7 October 1949.