Patek Philippe. A very fine and rare 18K gold rectangular wristwatch with flared sides, original certificate, receipt, brochures and box

With Patek Philippe Certificat d'Origine et de Garantie dated 19 July 1956, original receipt dated July 19, 1956, confirming reception of "the sum of Fr. 1,200 (US$ 280) from Mr. Irving Hirschman for a man's wristwatch style 2442 in 18K yellow gold, movement number 976130", two contemporary brochures The World's Foremost Watch - A brief history of Patek Philippe..., one featuring a black and white image of reference 2442. Furthermore delivered with the original fitted brown leather presentation box and Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1954 and its subsequent sale on 19 July 1956.

Reference 2442, introduced in 1948, impresses over 60 years after its introduction as much as it must have been a sensation when first presented. Its generous case proportions and fluid lines lend it a seductive presence hardly ever achieved by any other rectangular wristwatch.

The present watch is a very fine example of this elegant reference, distinguished by its beautiful, unmolested original overall condition. The case shows traces of oxidation, a typical sign for watches which have not been used in a very long time. It has not been subject to careless polishing, the case proportions are full and the gold mark between the lower lugs is crisp. The rarity of this watch is enhanced by the presence of the original certificate, receipt, brochures and presentation box.

Reference 2442 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 136, pl. 193.