Patek Philippe

Production of reference 2597 HS (Heures Sautantes) began in 1958 after Louis Cottier's 1953 prototype, and Patek Philippe patented the model in 1959. With specially designed pushers to the left side of the case, the wearer is able to advance and retard the hour hand in one hour increments, thereby easily adjusting the watch for different time zones. This early version features two hands to the center arbor, but from March 1962, an extra hour hand was also available to enable two time zones to be indicated at the same time.

To the best of our research, only 90 pieces were ever produced. The present lot represents one of only 75 pieces made in yellow gold. 

Interestingly, in the year of its launch, the reference 2597 had a list price of CHF 2,480, compared to the CHF 2,770 price tag of a yellow gold cloisonné dial world time reference 2523. The inspiration for Patek Philippe's modern travel time wristwatches (references 5034 and 5134) are clearly drawn from the original reference 2597 and still feature an independently adjustable jumping hour hand. 

The condition of the present example is extraordinary and shows few signs of wear and no repair marks whatsoever to the inside of the case. The hallmarks are clear and deep and the case has developed a fine patina. The condition of the bezel and lugs highlight the fine quality of this superbly preserved watch. In addition, the raised hard enamel and warm color of the beautifully aged dial make this watch a trophy for the vintage Patek Philippe complicated watch collector.

Reference 2597 is illustrated in Huber, M., and Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Second Edition, pp.238-239.