C.1954 Patek Philippe, rare 36mm jumbo “Calatrava” Ref.2525 Cal.12-400 with small seconds in 18KYG+archive

Description

Vintage. No box or paper but sold with archive certificate issued by factory.

According to the factory records, this watch was manufactured in 1954 and sold on 30th July the same year.

This Calatrava is in excellent condition for it’s age and is a jumbo size of that era at 36mm. It takes 18 winds on the crown to full power reserve.

The 18KYG case features a stepped bezel and down-turned stepped lugs that makes the watch really attractive. It has a snap-on back and crown is unsigned. The dial shows some patina and spotting but nothing too serious as can be seen. The movement shows some brassing on the bridges but the Geneva stripes are clearly visible. The Calibre 12-400 was introduced in 1949 and features a new regulator and shock-resisting absorber over the 12-120 that was introduced in 1934 and based on a 12 ligne LeCoultre calibre. This was the movement for all Calatravas and some important models of that era such as the Ref.2523 Worldtime cloisonné dial that sold for US$7.8million in 2021.

A good model to start your vintage Patek Phlilippe collection as some are selling the same for over S$30K.