.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
This hugely appealing stainless steel mid-century wristwatch with screw-down caseback is a very rare ‘watchmaking school watch’, signed by the student who worked upon it, Christian Schaad.
What sets the present timepiece apart from other École D’Horlogerie or school watches is that the case is fully signed 'Patek Philippe & Co., Genève' and confirms the watch as originally being a reference 2509. The water-resistant case is made by François Borgel, the supplier of cases for some of Patek Philippe’s greatest references including references 1463 and 570. The present timepiece, a stainless steel reference 2509, happens to be one of the rarest of Patek Philippe’s water-resistant wristwatch models of which only 20 examples are known today. It is remarkable that such a rare Patek Philippe reference was provided for the École D’Horlogerie’s use and as such makes the present lot of great interest to collectors today.
Unsurprisingly, every component feature of this watch is readily recognisable as the same used by Patek Philippe’s own workshops. The beautifully minimalist silvered dial is made by Stern Frères, identified by the inscription ★46373 at the back of the dial, the star for Stern Frères and 46373 for the order number. The movement ébauche is the Patek Philippe Calibre 12-400, introduced in 1949, and replaced the earlier and very similar calibre 12-200, upgraded with Incabloc shock protection. The present movement is signed by the watchmaking student Christian Schaad, the ébauche showcasing his watchmaking skills in the jewel setting and finishing upon its myriad surfaces with anglage, black polish, and Côtes de Genève decoration. The movement is stamped twice with the Geneva Seal, or Poinçon de Genève, considered the gold standard in the industry, attesting to the high grade of the finishing and decoration.
Today, Patek Philippe maintains close ties with the École d’Horlogerie (Geneva School of Watchmaking), which celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2024. Graduates often go on to work for luxury manufactures such as Patek Philippe.
What sets the present timepiece apart from other École D’Horlogerie or school watches is that the case is fully signed 'Patek Philippe & Co., Genève' and confirms the watch as originally being a reference 2509. The water-resistant case is made by François Borgel, the supplier of cases for some of Patek Philippe’s greatest references including references 1463 and 570. The present timepiece, a stainless steel reference 2509, happens to be one of the rarest of Patek Philippe’s water-resistant wristwatch models of which only 20 examples are known today. It is remarkable that such a rare Patek Philippe reference was provided for the École D’Horlogerie’s use and as such makes the present lot of great interest to collectors today.
Unsurprisingly, every component feature of this watch is readily recognisable as the same used by Patek Philippe’s own workshops. The beautifully minimalist silvered dial is made by Stern Frères, identified by the inscription ★46373 at the back of the dial, the star for Stern Frères and 46373 for the order number. The movement ébauche is the Patek Philippe Calibre 12-400, introduced in 1949, and replaced the earlier and very similar calibre 12-200, upgraded with Incabloc shock protection. The present movement is signed by the watchmaking student Christian Schaad, the ébauche showcasing his watchmaking skills in the jewel setting and finishing upon its myriad surfaces with anglage, black polish, and Côtes de Genève decoration. The movement is stamped twice with the Geneva Seal, or Poinçon de Genève, considered the gold standard in the industry, attesting to the high grade of the finishing and decoration.
Today, Patek Philippe maintains close ties with the École d’Horlogerie (Geneva School of Watchmaking), which celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2024. Graduates often go on to work for luxury manufactures such as Patek Philippe.