The Patek Philippe showcases this very rare 1950's Patek Philippe ref. 2457 Calatrava in steel, one of the company's iconic watches, seldom seen in stainless steel.

A successor to the famous ref. 96, the 2457 is essentially the sweep seconds version of the first Calatrava.

Presumably a very early example, made as production was transitioning from the 96, its case back is unusually signed with both reference numbers.

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

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

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."

It is very pleasing condition. The case is near mint. The dial has been partially restored by the leading dial restoration company in North America. The outer register is marked with 1/5 increments for precision timing. It has just been fully serviced by our Master Watchmaker (a $445 value).

Accompanying the watch is its Extract from the Patek Philippe archives attesting to its originality.

Included with the purchase is a one-year warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate attesting to the watch's performance.

Don't miss the opportunity to own this classic Patek Philippe for a fraction of the price of a new one. Many modern Calatravas just can't match the charm and history of this vintage original.

• Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
• Country of origin: Switzerland
• Serial no.: 700,883
• Year built: c. 1951
• Model: Ref. 2457
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Sweep Seconds
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: Steel
• Case markings (inside): Patek Philippe & Co, Geneve, Swiss, F.B. (for François Borgel), Acier Inoxydable, 661,114
• Case condition: Near mint with fairly light signs of polishing and a couple of small spots of aging
• Dimensions: 30.5mm wide (excluding crown), 39mm long lug tip-to-tip 
• Dial: Silver with applied steel baton indexes, outer 1/5 second register, bright and clean, partially restored, enamel signature is still raised
• Hands: Steelm "feuilles"
• 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, 700,883, Adjusted to Heat, Cold, Ischronism and Five (5) Positions, Eighteen (18) Jewels
• Band: Crocodile, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn with unsigned steel buckle. Please inquire if you would like a different strap installed. We have a wide variety of high quality straps.
• Width between lugs: 18mm
• Crystal type: Mineral glass, mint condition
• Serviced: Fully serviced by our Master Watchmaker.
• Timing: Timed on a state-of-the-art computerized system.
• Warranty: 1-year warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details. 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.
• Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time custom box; PAPERS - Extract from the Patek Philippe Archives; 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