Introduction
Throughout the middle decades of the twentieth century, Patek Philippe produced an extraordinary variety of dress watches that explored the possibilities of case design while remaining faithful to the manufacture's tradition of understated elegance. Although the original Calatrava ref. 96, introduced in 1932, had established the principles of the classical round wristwatch, subsequent references demonstrated a willingness to experiment with proportions, lugs and case architecture. The ref. 2591, introduced during the late 1950s, is a particularly interesting example of this approach. Its unusual case construction, characterised by a broad circular profile and distinctive concealed lug arrangement, has led collectors to describe the model as the 'Flying Saucer'. The design gives the watch an almost uninterrupted circular silhouette, while its relatively slender construction reflects Patek Philippe's expertise in creating elegant manually wound dress watches.
Dating to the 1960s, this ref. 2591 is crafted from 18K yellow gold and features a silver sunburst dial with applied gold baton hour markers and matching slender hands. The restrained two-hand display allows the unusual case architecture to take centre stage, while the dial's subtle radial brushing introduces depth and texture. Of particular interest is the additional Beyer signature positioned above six o'clock, identifying the watch with the historic Zurich retailer Beyer Chronometrie. Established in 1760, Beyer has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with Patek Philippe, and watches bearing its signature represent an appealing connection between the Geneva manufacture and one of Switzerland's most distinguished watch retailers. Inside is the manually wound calibre 23-300, a slim movement developed during the period and celebrated for its refined construction and traditional finishing. Combining the distinctive Flying Saucer case with an attractive double-signed dial, this example represents a particularly elegant expression of Patek Philippe's mid-century design philosophy.
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Grade
V 8
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$5,000 – $8,000
The Details
Brand
Patek Philippe
Dimensions
35mm
Model
Calatrava
Movement
Manual-winding Patek Philippe Calibre 23-300
Reference
2591
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
Circa 1960s
Condition
Very Good
Material
18K Yellow Gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Silver
THE DIAL
The silver sunburst dial features applied yellow gold baton hour markers, with a double marker at twelve o'clock, complemented by slender gold hands. A particularly desirable detail is the Beyer retailer signature positioned above six o'clock, beneath the Patek Philippe Genève inscription. The minimalist two-hand arrangement emphasises the elegance of the dial and the distinctive proportions of the surrounding case.
THE CONSTRUCTION
The 18K yellow gold case is distinguished by its broad circular profile and unusual concealed lug arrangement, giving the ref. 2591 its familiar Flying Saucer nickname. The polished bezel flows into the case sides, creating a smooth and almost uninterrupted silhouette, while the discreet strap attachments preserve the purity of the design. Its proportions reflect the experimental approach to case architecture characteristic of Patek Philippe during the 1960s.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in overall very condition. The 18K yellow gold case shows surface scratches and marks. The case back shows scratches and small nicks, while a hallmark near the winding crown remains partially legible. The Calatrava Cross-embossed winding crown is in excellent condition. The dial exhibits some surface spotting and patches of degradation around the outer edge and several of the hour markers, most noticeably at 2 and 6 o’clock. The applied hour markers show some tarnishing, while the hands remain clean. Both the Patek Philippe and Beyer signatures remain strong and well defined. It is fitted with a leather strap and gold-plated pin buckle.
Our Perspective
The ref. 2591 is among Patek Philippe's more distinctive mid-century Calatrava designs, with its unusual Flying Saucer case offering a compelling alternative to conventional dress watches. The additional Beyer signature introduces another layer of collector interest, connecting this elegant yellow gold example to an important chapter in Swiss watch retailing.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
