DESCRIPTION
The present watch is an exceptionally attractive example of reference 2497. Not only has it been preserved in remarkable condition—both in terms of its case and dial—but, more importantly, it is among the very few surviving examples accompanied by its original Certificat d’Origine. This is one of only six standard-production reference 2497 examples known to retain this document. Further enhancing its significance, the certificate reveals that the watch was originally sold by Beyer.
At the time, Beyer was known for hand-engraving inventory numbers on the watches it retailed. True to this practice, the inside of the caseback bears a tiny engraved stock number positioned between the reference and case numbers: 204644+Z3. The suffix “+Z3” is understood to identify Beyer’s Zurich boutique. Supporting this attribution, the service marks found within the caseback carry the same code, indicating that the watch was later serviced through Beyer as well.
The Zurich provenance, located in German-speaking Switzerland, also offers a compelling explanation for another remarkable characteristic of this watch: its German calendar display. The present example is the only yellow-gold reference 2497 known with a German calendar and one of only two examples overall. The second is a pink-gold piece fitted with movement no. 888'017.
Reference 2497 occupies a pivotal place in Patek Philippe history as the first serially produced—and the only vintage—perpetual calendar wristwatch from the manufacture to feature center seconds. Introduced in 1951 and produced in exceedingly small numbers throughout the 1950s, it is widely regarded as one of Patek Philippe’s most elegant and accomplished designs.
Reference 2497 ranks among Patek Philippe’s rarest serially produced perpetual calendar models, it is estimated that approximately 110–120 examples were produced across all materials. It is powered by the perpetual-calendar version of caliber 27 SC—designated 27SCQ (Seconde au Centre Quantième)—which was manufactured in exactly 180 examples bearing consecutive movement numbers from 888'000 to 888'179. Movement no. 888'000 was fitted into a prototype case, while the remaining 179 movements were allocated to standard reference 2497 examples and its waterproof counterpart, reference 2438/1.
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