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Patek Philippe Calatrava 2509J in 18k yellow gold “Grené-finish dial” — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Patek Philippe Calatrava 2509J in 18k yellow gold “Grené-finish dial”

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe (maker)
Date
mid 1950s
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Materials / technique
18k yellow gold
Dimensions
Case 35 mm
Stock no.
W-3242
Credit line
Dealer listing, Bulang & Sons (W-3242)
Catalogue title (original)
Patek Philippe Calatrava 2509J in 18k yellow gold “Grené-finish dial” (English)

View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction

Record summary

Catalogued by Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen (stock number W-3242), this is a wristwatch by Patek Philippe, made in Switzerland, dated mid 1950s. The Atlas places it in the Modern Mechanical Horology period (1945 – 1969) of its Wristwatches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: 18k yellow gold. Recorded dimensions: Case 35 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — Bulang & Sons

Describing a watch as "timeless" is easy—finding one that truly lives up to the word is something else entirely. We believe this Calatrava is just that. It perfectly embodies the essence of timeless design and stands as one of the most versatile timepieces you could own. Striking in its simplicity, it showcases all the hallmarks of Patek Philippe’s most iconic collection—elegant, understated, and with just the right touch of boldness. The yellow gold case remains in outstanding condition, with sharp lines and crisp definition across the 35mm profile. On the reverse, the hexagonal, screw-down caseback features a beautifully hand-engraved “W.D.”—a personal touch that adds character. The silver grene-finish dial is a study in refined craftsmanship, with hand-applied yellow gold hour markers, a distinctive “dot-dot” minute track, and a crosshair small seconds subdial. The non-luminous dauphine hands, also in yellow gold, complete the elegant aesthetic. This piece is fitted with its original Patek Philippe leather strap and 18k gold buckle—both in excellent condition. It’s powered by the hand-wound Calibre 12-400, a movement known for its precision and reliability. The watch has been fully serviced expert watchmaker and is running beautifully. This is a classic in every sense—an enduring design from one of the greatest watchmakers in history. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Get in touch and make this timeless piece yours. Specifications: - Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 2509J - 35mm 18k yellow gold case , with hexagonal screw back - Movement no.72xxxx Case no 67xxxx - Dates to the mid-1950s - Champagne /grené dial with hand-finished hour markers , small running seconds - Calibre 12-400 manual-wind movement - Patek Philippe leather strap and 18 k yellow gold PP pin buckle - Fully serviced by our watchmaker

Historical context

Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)

Tool watches for divers, pilots and astronauts; electric watches anticipate the electronic age.

The classic era of the mechanical wristwatch: dive watches, chronographs for motor racing and space flight, GMT watches for jet travel, slim dress watches, automatic calendars, and the rise of Japanese manufacturers alongside Swiss, American, German and Soviet industries.

Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking

Atlas type guide

Wristwatches

Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.

After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.

What to look for

  • The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
  • The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
  • Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
  • Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.

Dating clues

  • Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
  • Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
  • Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

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