Patek Philippe 2451 "Aquatic" w/ Extract - UNTOUCHED

     Here at Steel City we have always tried to offer the public watches that I personally like and find value in. That's probably why you see watches pop up on our socials yet don't find for sale right away - I am having too much fun wearing them. 
     Right now, I feel small Patek Philippe time only wristwatches are a great buy. If you can manage to get over their size that is. Let me explain why. Lets take this this example of 2451 for reference. You have a Patek Philippe, in 18kt yellow gold, with an in-house beautifully decorated 10 ligne manually wound movement. The dial is enamel with applied lapped gold hour indices and pearled minute track - all of which is completely unrestored. To top it all off the case, which remains unpolished to this day, was manufactured by Francois Borgel. All that as a package for under $15,000. 
     The name Francois Borgel maybe no stranger to veteran Patek collectors.  It may however not ring a bell in the minds of avid albeit less seasoned Patek enthusiasts, so let me take the time to explain the significance. Francois Borgel started out making watch cases in the 1800s. The design he became so synonymous with was the decagonal screw down caseback most famously used in a vintage Patek Philippe chronograph reference 1463. Nicknamed the "Tasti Tondi" this chronograph, produced in only ~700 examples, is a very rare, much more expensive Patek Philippe collectors chase after. Having the opportunity to have a Patek who's case is made by the same casemaker as such a highly sought after watch is very appealing. 
     At the time of this writing, I believe this to be the very best example of the 2451 on the market. Read that again. Certainly, not the rarest - its the most commonly found configuration  - the best condition. With its completely unrestored, uncleaned dial and its unpolished case I don't see a better one on the market. Now if you have been following SCVW for any length of time you'll know that I preach chasing condition, not rarity. In my humble opinion it is much better to collect top, top examples regardless of the commonality of their configuration rather than a very poor example of something really rare. That is the philosophy that I subscribe to at least. 

- Niko Sitaras

ABOUT THIS WATCH: 

MANUFACTURER: Patek Philippe 

MODEL: "Aquatic" 

REFERENCE: 2451

SERIAL: 744xxx

YEAR: 1956

DIAL: An original, silver, enamel dial. The dial features a raised enamel signature, raised subsidiary seconds and pearled minute track. Adorned on the dial are applied, lapped, gold hour indices. The signature is in original condition. In the subsidiary seconds we can observe a champagne patina that the register has taken on. The dial remains completely untouched. It has never been restored or cleaned. This is an important note on the watches quality as I estimate upwards of 95% of vintage Patek's from this era have had their dials cleaned at some point. 

CASE: The 30.5mm case is in 18kt yellow gold. It is in great shape. The case remains unpolished. The hallmarks can be easily discerned, are very distinct, deep and crisp. It presents with rather even, light wear throughout the entire case. The original satin finished midcase illustrates very sharp lines. It is completed by its original crown. The case has various areas of ever so slight rozy red patina on the 18kt yellow gold case. 

MOVEMENT: Patek manually wound caliber 10-200. The service history is unknown. The watch winds, sets and runs. It was placed on a timegrapher which illustrated that the watch is keeping time within seconds per day and has an amplitude of . The watch can be serviced for $325 plus parts if any are needed. If serviced the watch will come with a one year warranty. 

BRACELET: We have a number of strap options available. Pictures is a crocodile strap. If you prefer something different don't hesitate to reach out. 

EXTRACT: Yes. 

ACCESSORIES:  Extract from Archives.

BOX/PAPERS: No. 

WARRANTY: None unless serviced first. If serviced the watch will come with a one year warranted dated from the completion of service. 

BANK WIRE PRICE: $13,999 shipped.