Today's offering showcases this classic Patek Philippe ref. 2451 Calatrava, a less often seen variant of one of the company's iconic Calatrava watches.

Reference 2451, launched in 1949, is distinguished by the water-resistant case with screw back. This model was created so that there was a water-resistant variation for the acclaimed ref. 96 Calatrava.

It is one of the original Calatravas...true classics, that occupy prestigious places among the great wristwatches of the 20th century.

Featuring a classic face and beautiful case, the watch showcases sleek lines and subtle elegance, expressing artistic originality at its very finest. As Patek Philippe aptly describes, "These inimitably elegant men's watches are impervious to short-lived trends, recapturing the hearts of each new generation."

The reference 2451 was also amongst Patek’s first models to showcase the Bauhaus design principle of “form follows function”. It achieves its powerful impact through the use of clean, simple, and elegant lines.

An interesting functional design element of this watch is its amagnetic design. It has an iron ring with cap that forms a Faraday cage around the movement protecting it from magnetic and electromagnetic fields and also offering another layer of physical protection.

Powering it is its illustrious Patek Philippe 10 ligne movement, unquestionably among the finest hand-winding movements ever built. It is stamped twice with the prestigious Poinçon de Genève and has eight adjustments - five for chronometer positions and three for heat, cold, and even isochronism. Isochronism is the amount of wind left in the movement. Most watches slow down slightly as their power reserve moves toward empty. This watch was made so as to be unaffected by the lessening power reserve.

We were fortunate to acquire it with all of its parts down to all hands and the winding crown.

Its elegant 18K gold Calatrava is in better than near mint condition. It has strong lines indicative of a watch that has not seen much polishing, and the hallmark on its lug is very crisp. On the wrist it presents as just short of mint.

Its silver dial has previously very well-restored and retains its original raised enamel Patek Philippe signature underneath.

Its high-grade, Patek Philippe caliber 10-200 movement is clean.

One of our Master Watchmakers has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components with genuine Patek parts, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $895 value).

It is running very accurately, keeping time nearly on par with a new Patek in our testing position. For the finishing touch we have equipped it with a brand new crocodile strap making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

Accompanying it is an Extract from the Patek Philippe archives attesting to its originality and authenticity. Patek charges 500 CHF (approx. $575) to obtain one.

Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function and a new timing certificate.

• Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
• Country of origin: Switzerland
• Serial no.: 743,858
• Year built: c. 1955
• Date sold: February 23rd, 1956
• Model: Ref. 2451 Calatrava
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: 18K gold
• Case markings (inside): Patek Philippe & Co, Geneve, Swiss, 687,711, Francois Borgel hallmark for the renowned maker of waterproof cases
• Case condition: Better than near mint condition. It has strong lines indicative of a watch that has not seen much polishing, and the hallmark on its lug is very crisp. On the wrist it presents as just short of mint.
• Dimensions: 31.5mm wide (excluding crown - 33mm including crown), 38.5mm long lug tip-to-tip, 9mm thick
• Dial:  Silver, signed Patek Philippe, applied gold faceted baton indexes, outer minute track, previously well-reprinted, bright and clean - retains it original raised enamel Patek Philippe signature underneath
• Hands: Original, gold "batons"
• Movement type: Cal. 10-200 stamped twice with the prestigious Poinçon de Genève, manually wound, rhodium-plated, "fausses cttes" decoration, 18 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic compensation balance adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions, shock-absorber, self-compensating Breguet balance-spring, micrometer regulator
• Movement markings: Patek Philippe and Co., Swiss, Geneve, No. 743,858
• Band: Crocodile, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn. We also stock a variety of other new straps in various prints, skins and colors. Please ask us if you're interested.
• Width between lugs: 16mm
• Crystal: Acrylic, excellent condition
• Servicing: One of our Master Watchmakers has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components with genuine Patek parts, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $895 value).
• Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It is running very accurately, keeping time nearly on par with a new Patek in our testing position. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center and also has done authorized work for the Richemont brands including Cartier, Vacheron & Constantin, IWC, JLC and others.
• Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details.
• Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Extract from the Patek Philippe archives attesting to its originality and authenticity; New Connoisseur of Time timing certificate
• Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our client's expectations throughout the buying experience.

All watches are packaged carefully and mailed double boxed in specially constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items. All watches are sent fully insured with signature required. Most of our domestic shipping is done through FedEx. At times we will also use USPS Express Mail, and we can accommodate most requests for your preferred carrier. International shipments are sent USPS International Express Mail or FedEx.

The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any required customs forms. The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Also note that water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed to be waterproof.

To get an idea of how this watch will look on the wrist, please use the Watch Sizing Guide