Emmanuel (quattro) presents an extraordinary look into two bespoke Patek Philippe Minute Repeaters, references 2419 and 2524/1, originally owned by a single New York collector. This article delves into the unique customizations made to these vintage timepieces, highlighting Patek Philippe's dedication to client needs and the fascinating history behind these horological marvels. Emmanuel's detailed post, enriched with auction provenance and high-quality images, offers a rare glimpse into personalized luxury watchmaking from the mid-22th century.
One single collector from New-York, two Patek Philippe Minute Repeaters, both featuring elements designed to make the watch easier to handle and read: oversized trigger (and crown for one of them) and blackened hands and numerals:
- The ref. 2419 was produced in 1946 and retailed through Cartier New York on 21 April 1950.
- The ref. 2524/1 has a movement produced in 1954, encased in 1961 and subsequently retailed on 3 March 1961 through Tiffany & Co.
It is believed that the ref. 2524/1 was purchased while the ref. 2419 was being serviced in Geneva.
And, according to Christie's, "information provided several years ago by the original owner states that due to old age, he started to have difficulty in winding and setting the watch and activating the minute repeating as well as reading the dial easily. It was for these reasons that he asked Patek Philippe to paint in black the hands and the hour markers, to supply a larger crown (a pocket watch crown was used then) and to enlarge the repeater trigger."
For further information, you can read the very informative lot essays related to these timepieces: just click on the links below.
Best, Emmanuel
A/ REF. 2419 Dial made by Stern Frères and
blackened hands & indices
34 mm
yellow gold case by Emile Vichet
Crown diameter:
7 mm
Oversized minute repeater trigger sliding upwards
Sold as :
- lot 275 at Antiquorum 248 Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces, New York on 10 March 2011
- lot 1135 at Phillips HK080216 The Hong Kong Watch Auction: THREE, Hong Kong on 29 November 2016
- lot 2508 at Christies 21185 Timeless Marvels, Hong Kong on 27 November 2021



credit: @masalux (1), @edwardscheckler (2), hodinkee (3-4), phillips & christie's
B/ REF. 2524/1 Tiffany & Co. (you can
click here to see, as a comparison, how a regular ref. 2524/1 looks)
Double signed dial
Blackened hands & indices
34 mm yellow gold case by Emile Vichet
12 ligne minute-repeating caliber signed by Fritz Piguet
Oversized minute repeater trigger sliding downwards
No small seconds, contrarily to most 2524/1
Sold as :
- lot 158 at Sotheby’s GE1204, Geneva on 13 November 2012
- lot 1134 at Phillips HK080216 The Hong Kong Watch Auction: THREE, Hong Kong on 29 November 2016
C/ THE DUO

credit: @edwardscheckler (1), watchonista (2-3), sotheby's (9) & phillips
D/ LINKS FOR FURTHER READING
About the Patek Philippe Ref. 2419
The Patek Philippe Reference 2419 is a minute repeater, distinguished by design elements intended to enhance legibility and user interaction. These include an oversized trigger and, in some examples, an oversized crown, paired with blackened hands and numerals. This reference represents a period when Patek Philippe produced highly complicated timepieces with a focus on practical usability for the wearer. It is a notable example of the brand's minute repeater production from the mid-20th century.
This specific example of the Reference 2419 was produced in 1946. It features a case that was retailed through Cartier New York on April 21, 1950. The design emphasizes clarity, with its blackened hands and numerals providing contrast against the dial. The oversized trigger facilitates activation of the minute repeating mechanism.
For collectors, the Reference 2419 is significant as a Patek Philippe minute repeater from the post-war era, particularly those retailed by prominent jewelers like Cartier. Its design choices for improved legibility and handling make it a distinctive example within the brand's complicated watch offerings. The known production and retail dates provide important provenance for this reference.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 12'''
- Case
- Yellow Gold
- Diameter
- 31
- Dial
- Silver
- Water Resist.
- No
- Crystal
- Acrylic
About the Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 2508
The Patek Philippe Reference 2508 is a notable example of the brand's mid-century production of time-only wristwatches, characterized by its refined proportions and understated design. This reference typically features a clean dial layout, emphasizing legibility and classic watchmaking principles. It represents a period when Patek Philippe was solidifying its reputation for producing high-quality, durable, and aesthetically balanced dress watches. The 2508 is often sought after by collectors who appreciate the brand's heritage in traditional watchmaking without excessive complications.
This reference is commonly housed in an 18k white gold case, measuring approximately 38mm in diameter, a size that was considered generous for its era and remains appealing today. The watch is powered by a manual-wind movement, a common choice for Patek Philippe during this period, known for its reliability and slim profile. The crystal protecting the dial is typically sapphire, offering durability and scratch resistance. The movement provides a power reserve of around 40 hours, suitable for daily wear.
For collectors, the Reference 2508 holds significance as a well-proportioned and elegantly designed dress watch from a key period in Patek Philippe's history. Its relatively simple complication of small seconds allows the focus to remain on the quality of the case finishing and dial execution. While specific variants exist, the core appeal lies in its adherence to classic design codes and the enduring quality associated with the brand's time-only pieces.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 27 SC
- Case
- 18k white gold
- Diameter
- 38mm
- Dial
- Silver
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire