Launched in 1950, the ref. 2459 is one of the great oversized Calatravas of the early postwar era. With its large 37 mm case, angled bezel, and elegant downturned ‘mouse ear’ lugs, the reference has the kind of presence that immediately sets it apart from more conventional dress watches of the period. Public auction records suggest that fewer than 14 examples of ref. 2459J, across both first and second series, have appeared in public to date, underscoring its rarity.
The defining appeal of the ref. 2459J lies in its balance of scale and refinement. This example has the signature silvered matte dial, applied gold arabic and dagger markers, dauphine hands, and subsidiary seconds. The ref. 2459 is powered by either the first-series caliber 12”’120 or, in second-series watches, such as this example, the caliber 12”’400.
