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Lot Essay
Accompanied by a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present timepiece in platinum with diamond hour markers in 1949 and its subsequent sale on December 20th 1949.
Starting from the mid-1940s, more voluptuous and elaborated case designs made their way into Patek Philippe collections, and it is during these years some of the most iconic and refined cases were developed. We are talking of landmark models such as reference 2442, the Marilyn, reference 2441, the Tour Eiffel, and reference 1593, the Hourglass, here exemplified by one of its most rare and elegant configurations: the “cocktail” version in platinum with diamond-set hour markers.
The case realized by shape cases specialist Markowsky (case maker number 8, in a key as all Geneva based case makers), this model, in production from 1944 to 1967, is distinguished by the gentle curves of its sides and overall domed looks. A peculiar alchemy of curved and straight lines, the reference is considered a landmark in the realm of shape watches, and a staple of any serious Patek Philippe collection. It is estimated that only a quarter of the total production was cased in platinum, and about half of these platinum pieces feature the exclusive diamond-set numerals.
The present example is without a doubt one of the best preserved representatives of this model to ever grace an auction room: its case is possibly unpolished, still retaining unspoiled hallmarks and even the extremely subtle beveling to the top edges of the bands.
Starting from the mid-1940s, more voluptuous and elaborated case designs made their way into Patek Philippe collections, and it is during these years some of the most iconic and refined cases were developed. We are talking of landmark models such as reference 2442, the Marilyn, reference 2441, the Tour Eiffel, and reference 1593, the Hourglass, here exemplified by one of its most rare and elegant configurations: the “cocktail” version in platinum with diamond-set hour markers.
The case realized by shape cases specialist Markowsky (case maker number 8, in a key as all Geneva based case makers), this model, in production from 1944 to 1967, is distinguished by the gentle curves of its sides and overall domed looks. A peculiar alchemy of curved and straight lines, the reference is considered a landmark in the realm of shape watches, and a staple of any serious Patek Philippe collection. It is estimated that only a quarter of the total production was cased in platinum, and about half of these platinum pieces feature the exclusive diamond-set numerals.
The present example is without a doubt one of the best preserved representatives of this model to ever grace an auction room: its case is possibly unpolished, still retaining unspoiled hallmarks and even the extremely subtle beveling to the top edges of the bands.