Introduction
Long established as one of the ‘Holy Trinity,’ Patek Philippe’s watchmaking skill is without question. While they are now famed for their incredibly impressive complications and sought-after sports watches, in the middle of the 20th century it was their dress watches that were their most popular offerings with collections like the Calatrava earning Patek their distinguished place in modern luxury watchmaking. Similar to the Calatrava, Patek have also produced several other simple dress watches, much like this ref. 2424 that we have here. Launched around the 1950s, the ref. 2424 features a square case made of 18kt yellow gold that was distinctly large for its time, with a 30.5mm diameter and a rather hefty 44mm lug to lug width that comes as a result of the ref. 2424’s incredibly distinctive ‘flame’ lugs that swoop out from where they meet the case and back in to a rounded point. With a gentle rounded edge along its corners, the ref. 2424 is a watch whose design seems like it would be sharp and angular, but instead is more rounded, like how dress watches typically were at the time. Featuring a simple dial, this example boasts applied indices with a running second subdial at 6 o’clock and a beautiful feuille hands that complete the look for this stunning piece of mid-century watchmaking.
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Grade
V 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Extract from the Archives
Est. value range
$6,000 – $12,000
The Details
Brand
Patek Philippe
Dimensions
30.5mm x 30.5mm
Model
"Flame Lugs”
Movement
Manual-wind cal. 10-200
Reference
2424
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
1950
Condition
Very Good
Material
18kt yellow gold
Included
Watch and Extract from the Archives
Dial Color
Silver
Condition
Watch is in very good overall condition. Case exhibits surface wear consistent with careful use over 70 years. Soft edges on the flame lugs, with a warm patina developing on the case. The gold hallmark is sharp and visible on the backside of the upper left lug. Dial has some minor oxidation marks, as well as some wear on the edges which is generally obscured by the crystal. Watch comes on a generic leather strap and generic buckle.
Our Perspective
An excellent example of the rich diversity that came from mid-century watchmaking, it wasn't all simple round dress watches. Indeed, timepieces like this ref. 2424 were created as a way for watchmakers to showcase what they could do and just how unique their timepieces could be.