Patek Philippe 2555 - Double stamped Gubelin w/ Extract from Archives

 "That's a nice 96." 

      I heard that comment more than a few times during 2026 Original Miami Beach Antique Show.

     Honestly, I think that is part of the charm for this reference. I always enjoyed the niche in vintage watch collecting that required more than a base level of knowledge to understand just how special a watch is. My rationale is: when someone does recognize the particularity the conversation that typically transpires afterwards is fruitful.  
          I believe this watch exhibits multiple levels of that. At first glance yes it looks like a 96. But pick it up and you instantly know its something just a little different, a little more special. Its slightly bigger and it's got some heft to it thanks to the wonderfully crafted Antoine Gerlach case complete with screw down caseback. 

     The reference 2555 was produced for approximately one decade from 1954 - 1964 and, as expected, produced in far fewer quantities than the 96. To add an extra layer of collectability to an already rare reference we see an additional line of text above the 6 o'clock hour marker "Gubelin" - a retail signature. Watches with a retailers signature on the dial are often dubbed by collectors as double stamped. They are far more uncommon than their non-retailed dial variant brothers. Its that extra tier for vintage watch nerds and adds incredible balance to the dial. 

A note on engravings: It is of my personal opinion that vintage watches in part are story telling objects. Objects that have hopefully lived a life. Engravings are part of that story and it is for that reason that I decide not to have them removed. With this watch specifically the engraving is mentioned on the extract which was an additional reason I decided to leave it in place. With that being said: We here at Steel City Vintage Watches do offer the service of laser welding the case and repolishing to original factory finishing. This is distinctly different from simply polishing an engraving off. With simple polishing your essentially removing material such that the rest of the case meets the depth of the engraving to remove it. This leaves a watch case with a very thin, uneven and in my opinion unattractive aesthetic. With laser welding we do the opposite: we are taking 18kt gold and filling in the engraving. Once the engraving is filled in the area is repolished to match how it was originally intended to look from factory. This service is done at cost. If this is of interest to you simply inquire. 

ABOUT THIS WATCH: 

MANUFACTURER: Patek Philippe 

MODEL: Calatrava

REFERENCE: 2555

SERIAL: 31xxxxx

YEAR: 1962

DIAL: An original, silver, dial with applied yellow gold hour markers that is confirmed by the extract from Archives. The dial has been cleaned in the past. The integrity of the engraved enamel "Patek Philippe Geneve" signature and the retail signature "Gubelin" remains strong. 

CASE: The 32mm case is in good shape. The case has seen previous polishing yet retains relatively thick lugs and sharp bezel. Parts of the case demonstrate a rozy red patina tarnishing. The screw down case back features an attractive engraving in my opinion. A note about engravings is stated above. 

MOVEMENT: Patek manually wound movement caliber 27SC. This movement carries a geneva seal stamp - the highest designation. The movement itself demonstrates a myriad of techniques including anglage, perlage, black mirror polishing and cotes de geneve. 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 9 seconds per day and has an amplitude of 254. The watch can be serviced for $400 plus parts if any are needed. If serviced the watch will come with a one year warranty. 

BRACELET: We have paired this beautiful example of a reference 2555 with our "Thimianousiki" strap - a collaboration that Steel City Vintage Watches has made with Jean Rousseau. 

ACCESSORIES:  An Patek Philippe gold buckle and Extract from Archives.

BOX/PAPERS: None. 

EXTRACT FROM ARCHIVES: Yes.

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

BANK WIRE PRICE: $21,000 shipped.