PATEK PHILIPPE PLATINUM AND DIAMOND SELF-WINDING WATCH, REF. 2552P

Fresh-to-market from the original family, this is the type of watch that is the very definition of superlative: rarity, condition, provenance and beauty. First, let’s discuss the reference itself. The ref. 2552 Disco Volante, or ‘flying disc’, as it is nicknamed is a rare reference to begin with approximately 650 examples made in total including all 18K yellow, white and rose gold as well as platinum versions. Only seven platinum ref. 2552s were known to exist – the discovery of this example makes it eight. Four of these known examples have batons and four have diamond dials such as we see here. The ref. 2552 was introduced to the market in 1954 and discontinued in 1960. It was offered as an alternative to the well known ref. 2526 and sold concurrently for a number of years. Unlike the ref. 2526 with an enamel dial, the ref. 2552 features a silvered dial that gave the watch a slimmer aesthetic, while keeping the same diameter of 36 mm. The case maker for the ref. 2552 was Wenger (key mark 1) rather than Baumgartner who made the cases for the ref. 2526. For both references, the dial maker was Stern Frères. The three-piece ref. 2552 case is distinctively shaped and features prominent, elegantly curved lugs that many argue make this one of the most beautiful and classic Patek Philippe designs of all time. When one sees an unpolished example such as this ref. 2552P, the original, intended design can be clearly seen – and it is magnificent in size and proportion. The two crisp hallmarks (one on a lug and one on the side of the case), the platinum marks and original owner’s engraved name, are all clear indications of the crispness of this watch that show the watch as it was when it was born. The original owner wore this watch on a non-Patek, detachable 14k white gold bracelet. According to the archive, the watch was born on a leather strap and it is a pleasure to see it back again in its original configuration. With or without the bracelet, this watch has a bold look that captures the spirit of mid-century Patek Philippe elegance. The dial further entices the collector with its unrestored perfection, the beauty of the Patek Philippe signature is as it was meant to be, and the elegant 12 diamond markers are of the highest quality. The ‘Swiss’ under the 6 o’clock is also present as it should be. The watch further makes one awestruck when the water resistant case back is carefully removed to reveal the caliber 12-600, one of the most beautiful movements ever made. Once again, unrestored and all original, the movement is a specimen example of the caliber. Note the HOX on the balance cock indicating this watch was sold to the US market. And the icing on the cake is the original ‘double P’ platinum crown, a subtle indication of what caliber can be found inside to the discerning eye. For the collector looking for one of the best examples of a Calatrava to be discovered on the market in the 21st century, this is your watch.