213 Patek Philippe A very rare and valuable Patek Philippe reference 2442 in 18K yellow gold rectangular wristwatch with flared sides and official Patek Philippe letter

Estimate: €28,000 –⁠ 50,000

Model: Banana
Material: yellow gold
Reference N°: 2442
Year: Circa 1949
Case N°: 655215
Caliber: 990T
Movement N°: 971491
Bracelet: leather strap
Dimensions: 26 mm x 42 mm
Accessories: papers

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 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 but even if most of them were made in yellow gold like the present watch, it turns out to be very rare since only a few specimens of the same material have appeared in public in recent years. Offered in excellent overall conditions, the present 2442 surprises for the very well-preserved case and the principle of light oxidation on the concave edges that intrigues us. Moving our gaze on the dial, we immediately notice the excellent conditions of the silver quadrant but above all are the dagger and Arabic numerals that surprise for their rare composition and their still vivid color. The watch is also offered with the official Patek Philippe letter confirming the production and subsequent sale of this item.