Live Auction 1395Important Watches
Patek Philippe. A fine and rare 18K gold rectangular-shaped wristwatch with flared sides
Lot 353

Patek Philippe. A fine and rare 18K gold rectangular-shaped wristwatch with flared sides

SIGNED PATEK PHILIPPE, GENÈVE, REF. 2554, MOVEMENT NO. 976'999, CASE NO. 696'927, MANUFACTURED IN 1956

Closed13 May 2013

Price Realised

CHF 18,750

Considering selling a similar item?

Discover its value with a complimentary estimate from our specialists.

More Information

How to sell

Patek Philippe. A fine and rare 18K gold rectangular-shaped wristwatch with flared sides
Signed Patek Philippe, Genève, ref. 2554, movement no. 976'999, case no. 696'927, manufactured in 1956
Cal. 9'''90 rectangular-shaped mechanical movement stamped twice with the Geneva seal, 18 jewels, Gyromax balance, micrometer regulator, silvered matte dial, applied baton numerals, subsidiary seconds, rectangular curved case, angular flared sides, curved snap on back, 18K gold Patek Philippe buckle, case, dial and movement signed
28 mm. wide & 41 mm. overall length

Specialist note

With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1956 and its subsequent sale on 16 September 1957.

Introduced to the market in 1950, reference 2554 is amongst PPC most famed wristwatch models. Known as "Manta Ray" thanks to its distinctive case shape with triangular pectoral "wings", resembling the largest species of the rays, it is doubtlessly one of the most cutting edge designs of 1950s watchmaking.

The streamline shape, highly unusual for the period, served as inspiration for the celebrated ref. 5100 "10 Days" model launched in 2000.

This "Manta Ray" is preserved in very good, original overall condition.