Today's offering showcases this classic mid-century Patek Philippe ref. 2457 Calatrava, one of the company's iconic Calatrava models.

A successor to the famous ref. 96 which although it had a few sweep seconds examples was primarily a small seconds watch, the 2457 is essentially the sweep seconds version of the first Calatrava. From the top its case is essentially identical to that of a ref. 96. The only difference is the back has been deepened to accommodate the sweep second's wheel and bridge.

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

Featuring an elegant, understated 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 2457 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.

Powering it is Patek Philippe's 27SC movement, the very first Patek Philippe mechanism to feature direct center seconds.

Our example has a desirable double-signed dial, co-signed for Gubelin, the prestigious Swiss retailer, one of Europe's premier jewelers.

We were fortunate to acquire it with all original parts down to the dial, all hands, and winding crown.

Its elegant steel Calatrava case presents nicely. Its desirable double-signed so-called "signma" dial is untouched with only light aging and one natural age spot on the periphery. Please inquire if you would like it restored.

Its high-grade, Patek Philippe movement is running true. Photos of the inside available upon request.

One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it.

For the finishing touch it comes equipped it with a long Patek Philippe strap making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

Also accompanying it is an Extract from the Patek Philippe Archives attesting to its authenticity and originality.

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

A nice, brief article (.pdf format) on the Reference 96 can be found on-line here.

• Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
• Country of origin: Switzerland
• Serial no.: 704,673
• Year built: c. 1955
• Model: Ref. 2457 Calatrava
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: 18K gold
• Case markings (inside): Patek Philippe & Co, Geneve, Swiss, 2457, 307,134
• Case condition: Previously polished and presents as scratch-free.
• Dimensions: 31mm wide (excluding crown), 39mm long lug tip-to-tip 
• Dial: Silver "sigma" dial with applied solid gold baton indexes, outer 1/5 second register, original and untouched, excellent condition with only light aging and one natural age spot on the periphery. Please inquire if you would like it restored.
• Hands: Original, gold "batons", original sweep seconds
• Movement type: Cal. 27 SC stamped twice with the Geneva Quality Mark, rhodium-plated, fausses cotes decoration, 18 jewels, straight line lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance, blued steel Breguet balance spring, swan neck micrometer regulator
• Movement markings: Patek Philippe and Co., 27SC, Swiss, Geneve, Adjusted to Heat, Cold, Ischronism and Five (5) Positions, Eighteen (18) Jewels, 704,673
• Band: Patek Philippe, remborde, vintage, with unsigned buckle, long size, previously worn but serviceable condition. We also stock lizard and a variety of other new straps in various prints, skins, and colors. Please ask us if you're interested.
• Width between lugs: 18mm
• Crystal: Acrylic, excellent condition
• Servicing: One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
• Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. 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 experienced team of watchmakers both of whom each have over forty years of experience and a large number of parts.
• 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 authenticity and originality; Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity
• 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