1957 Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 2551J “Disco Volante” – 18K Gold, Gübelin Double-Signed Dial, Cal. 12-600 AT

A superb and highly collectible Patek Philippe Calatrava reference 2551J, dating to circa 1957 and cased in solid 18K yellow gold. Often referred to by collectors as the “Disco Volante” for its distinctive broad, stepped “flying saucer” case profile, the reference 2551 represents one of the most elegant early automatic designs produced by Patek Philippe during the 1950s.

This particular example is especially desirable for its double-signed Patek Philippe / Gübelin dial. Gübelin, founded in Lucerne in 1854, was one of Switzerland’s most prestigious jewelers and an important historic retailer of Patek Philippe watches. Much like Tiffany & Co. retailer-signed Pateks, period Gübelin-signed examples were produced in significantly smaller numbers than standard dials and are particularly sought after by collectors today. The silvered dial features applied gold hour markers, an applied Arabic numeral at 12, elegant dauphine hands and central sweep seconds, with the discreet GÜBELIN retailer signature positioned beneath the Patek Philippe signature.

Inside is one of the great movements of post-war Swiss watchmaking: Patek Philippe’s calibre 12-600 AT, a 30-jewel automatic movement and the manufacture’s first self-winding calibre. Beautifully finished throughout, it features the unmistakable 18K gold winding rotor, Gyromax balance and Geneva Seal finishing. The architecture and workmanship of the 12-600 AT are a major part of the appeal of these early automatic Pateks and make the movement nearly as impressive to look at as the watch itself.

The movement is numbered 764XXX, while the 18K case is numbered 2601XXX and correctly stamped Patek Philippe & Co. Genève, Swiss, 0.750, Ref. 2551 inside the case back. The corresponding case and movement numbers are consistent with production in approximately 1957.

Adding considerably to its appeal, this watch comes directly from the original owner and has survived in remarkably honest, unmolested condition. The 18K yellow-gold case retains its original character and strong stepped profile without the softened edges commonly seen on heavily polished vintage Pateks. The watch also retains its desirable early double-P signed crown, an important period detail that is frequently lost over decades of servicing.

The dial, hands, case and movement remain beautifully preserved with the natural character expected of a nearly 70-year-old watch. Rather than having been cosmetically restored to appear new, it presents as a genuinely well-preserved vintage Patek with the originality and character increasingly prized by serious collectors. The watch is currently running and keeping time. It is fitted with a high-quality later leather strap.

Key Details:

• Circa: 1957
  
• Reference: 2551J
  
• Case Size: Approximately 36mm excluding crown
• Case: Solid 18K yellow gold, 0.750
• Case Number: 2601XXX
• Movement: Patek Philippe calibre 12-600 AT, 30 Jewel
• Movement Number: 764XXX
  
• Automatic winding with 18K gold rotor
• Dial: Silvered dial, double-signed Patek Philippe / Gübelin
• Retailer: Gübelin, Lucerne, Switzerland
• Hands: Period gold dauphine hands with central sweep seconds
• Crown: Early double-P Patek Philippe signed crown
• Condition: Unpolished, highly original and honestly preserved
• Provenance: Acquired directly from the original owner
  
• Strap: High-quality leather strap, later replacement

A rare opportunity to acquire an early automatic Patek Philippe Calatrava with a desirable Gübelin double-signed dial, original-owner provenance and the legendary calibre 12-600 AT. With its 18K gold “Disco Volante” case, beautifully finished gold-rotor movement and unusually honest state of preservation, this reference 2551 combines several of the qualities collectors look for most in an important vintage Patek Philippe.