1950's Patek Philippe Vintage Mens Ref. 2532 "Grande" Large Antimagnetic Calatrava Watch - 18K Gold

Today’s offering showcases this fantastic and highly desirable Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 2532 in 18K gold - and most importantly, in the larger full-size "Grande" Calatrava configuration. Among vintage Calatravas, the reference 2532 occupies an elegant position. It has the restrained seriousness that makes vintage Patek so appealing: not loud, not decorative for decoration’s sake, but quietly substantial in the places that matter - proportion, case architecture, dial execution, movement quality, and the way the whole watch sits on the wrist. The reference 2532 is one of the more satisfying mid-century Patek dress watches because it gives the collector the old-world Patek experience without the very small wrist presence that keeps many 1940s and 1950s Calatravas from being worn often today. At approximately 34.5mm - 35mm in diameter, it wears larger than many of its mid-century counterparts and changes how the watch is experienced. They are sought after by collectors because they bridge eras. Many Calatravas of the era measure closer to 30–32mm, which, while historically correct, can wear modestly by modern standards. The 2532 preserve all the romance of the 1940s - 1950s while offering modern wrist presence. It offers a presence that feels contemporary while remaining completely faithful to its mid-century origins. It has a desirable combination - vintage soul with modern wearability. It has all of its original parts. The dial has the elegant, balanced look that completes the look. It is signed Patek Philippe Geneve and has a warm silvered finish with applied gold faceted dagger markers that have real sculptural presence; they catch the light differently as the watch moves, giving the dial more depth than a flat printed dress dial. And unusually, they have their luminous inset into them. It is a clean and confident design - enough detail to feel interesting, but not so much that it loses the purity of the Calatrava form. An interesting functional design element of this case is its anti-magnetic design. It has an iron ring with cap that forms a Faraday cage around the movement protecting it from magnetic and electromagnetic fields and also offering another layer of physical protection. Inside beats its beautifully finished Patek Philippe caliber 12-400 movements, one of the firm’s important post-war hand-wound movements and a movement that looks and feels like high-grade Geneva watchmaking should. The bridge layout, striping, jewel setting, fine regulator, and finishing all contribute to the pleasure of owning it. It is adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and five positions, and is stamped twice with the Poinçon de Genève Geneva quality mark. The movement displays the refined finishing and precise architecture that established Patek Philippe as the benchmark of haute horlogerie. The bridges, jewel settings, and gear train reflect a level of craftsmanship that elevates it into mechanical art. Its case presents in excellent condition with light wear and light signs of previous polishing. Both of its hallmarks are crisp. The outside back is engraved with a presentation. We are in the camp that feels that the engraving is part of the watch’s life and gives it a personal period provenance rather than detracting from it; it reads as the kind of meaningful corporate presentation and that often accompanied important watches of this caliber and more importantly shows the watch's lived history as well as suggesting when it was retailed. Its dial retains its original raised enamel printing throughout. It shows only light aging. One of our Master Watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it. We have also timed it on a machine that simulates it being worn on the wrist. For the finishing touch we have equipped it with a brand new crocodile strap making it ready for immediate enjoyment. Please inquire if you would like assistance with a Patek buckle. Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function and a full-page custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity. The Reference 1509 was produced for less than ten years, between 1941 and 1950. The present example is part of the first production period as it bears the Patek Philippe & Co signature. Owning a vintage Patek Philippe is different from owning almost any other watch. It is about continuity. The movement inside this watch was built in Geneva to standards that were already considered exceptional nearly a century ago - adjusted, finished, and regulated by craftsmen whose work helped define the very concept of fine watchmaking. When you wind it, you're participating in that lineage. Please inquire if you would like us to obtain an Extract from the Patek Philippe Archives. Patek charges 550 CHF. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center. Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Country of origin: Switzerland Year built: c. 1953 Year sold: c. 1963 Serial no.: 720,482 Model: Ref. 2532, Grande Calatrava Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds Designed for: Men Case material: 18K gold Case markings (outside): 18K, Presented to Oscar R. Riemer Jr. upon his retirement by his associates of Valley Mould and Iron Corp. 7-1-1963 Case markings (inside): Patek Philippe & Co. Genève Swiss; case no. 675,437, 2532 Case condition: Presents in excellent condition with light signs of previous polishing and light wear. The top right lug has one very small mark. Both of its hallmarks are crisp. Dial: Silver, signed Patek Philippe with original raised enamel printing, 18K gold applique dagger indices, subsidiary seconds register at six Dimensions: Approx. 34.5 - 35mm wide (excluding crown) by 40mm long lug tip-to-tip Hands: Original, gold luminous "dauphines" Movement type: Extremely high grade, cal. 12’’’-120, rhodium-plated, “fausses côtes” decoration, 18 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance, blued steel Breguet balance spring, swan-neck micrometer regulator Movement markings: Patek Philippe & Co., Geneve, Swiss, Adjusted to Heat, Cold, Isochronism and Five Positions, Eighteen 18 Jewels, 720482, Cal. 12-400 Jewels: 18 rubies Band: Crocodile, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn Crystal: Acrylic, excellent condition Serviced: One of our Master Watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it. Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. We have also timed it on a machine that simulates it being worn on the wrist. Warranty: 1-year C.O.T. international warranty. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center and also has done authorized work for the Richemont brands which include Cartier, Vacheron & Constantin, IWC, JLC and others. Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee