Making waves in the 1950s thanks its striking design, the Patek Philippe Carre-Tortue ref. 2488 is perhaps the ultimate example of mid-century luxury watchmaking. While the square champagne dial may initially appear understated, the thick crystal enhances its depth, and the case's geometric lines created by its applied indices create a subtle yet pronounced presence and depth that initially flies under the radar but reveals itself upon further examination. With 35mm x 28mm dimensions, the ref. 2488 offers a balance of size that better suits modern sizing conventions than even the iconic Cartier Tank. At its heart lies the exceptional manual-wind cal. 10’200, exemplifying the pinnacle of Genevan watchmaking design and finishing from the 20th century. Featuring a full-bridge, hand-wound mechanism, it boasts outstanding craftsmanship, visually pleasing layouts, and exemplary mechanical performance. The ref. 2488 encapsulates the luxurious yet understated elegance of 1950s Patek Philippe watches, embodying a standard of quality that was truly the pinnacle of luxury at the time, a standard that still remains relatively unchanged all of these decades later.

A wonderful example of high-end mid-century watchmaking, the ref. 2488's clear signs of prioritizing luxury instead of utility through its color-matched dial and indices and hands showcases Patek Philippe's priorities throughout the 1950s.