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

The present ref. 2442 is an attractive example of the affectionately nicknamed "Banana" model, further distinguished by the rare retailer signature “S&L” for Serpico y Laino, Patek Philippe’s representative in Caracas, Venezuela.

Between 1930s and 1950s, Patek Philippe produced a significant number and variety of rectangular wristwatches. In the 1950s, round watches were considered fashionable and chic, production of rectangular watches soon became a rarity, and even more if fitted with a rectangular movement. Patek Philippe ceased production of rectangular movements all together in the 1960s, and it is hardly surprising that even the famous "Pagoda" model is powered by a round movement.

Reference 2442 was introduced into the market in 1948 and could be found in Patek Philippe sales catalogues until circa 1960. The majority was cased in yellow gold, few examples in pink gold and only three in platinum are known to scholars thus far. The model features the 9-90 rectangular calibre, reserved exclusively for rectangular Patek Philippe models.

Ref. 2442 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, 1998, p. 136, pl. 193.