Patek Philippe Calatrava 2483J Screw Down Case in 18k yellow gold Silver dial Center Seconds, 1952

Dealer description — Bulang & Sons

the maison’s approach to elegant dress watches. Inspired by the clean, minimalist principles of the Bauhaus movement, its round case, balanced dial and understated design established a template that would influence generations of Patek Philippe watches. Named after the Calatrava Cross, the emblem of Patek Philippe, the collection has evolved through countless references and variations, but its philosophy has remained remarkably consistent: timeless proportions, fine finishing and elegant simplicity. More than 90 years later, the Calatrava remains one of the defining icons of classic Swiss watchmaking. The ref. 2483 we have here is a lovely mid-century Calatrava, and one that tends to fly a little under the radar compared with better-known references such as the 96, 570 or 2526. Introduced around 1948, the ref. 2483 remained in production into the mid-1950s and belongs to the generation of manually wound Calatravas that followed the legendary ref. 96. Its design is quintessentially Patek Philippe: a restrained round case, a slim profile and a clean dial. The reference was produced in several precious-metal executions, including 18k yellow, pink and white gold, with a variety of dial configurations. This particular example comes in a lovely 18k yellow-gold case with a classic mid-century profile and a screw-down case back. The silvered dial is in excellent condition, with elegant applied markers, a fine minute track and a beautifully raised enamel Patek Philippe signature. The sharp handset is another lovely detail, complemented by a blued-steel seconds hand that adds just the right amount of classic “pop” to the otherwise restrained dial. The watch has been paired with one of our Bulang & Sons straps and buckles, and we have to say, we think it makes for a rather lovely combination. The watch is accompanied by its Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives, confirming a sale in December 1952. Inside, the manually wound calibre 27 SC has been fully checked, serviced and regulated by our watchmaker. A wonderful example of mid-century Patek Philippe — understated, elegant and full of the charm that makes these early Calatravas so addictive! Specifications: Patek Philippe Calatrava Reference 2483 “Center seconds" 32.5 mm 18k yellow gold case with thin bezel and screw down case back Silver dial with elegant boat marker, fine minute track central running seconds, non lumed hands Movement no 701xxx, case no 672xxxx dating to 1952 Bulang and sons leather strap & pin buckle Cal. 27 SC hand wound movement Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives, confirming a sale in December 1952 Fully checked by our watchmaker