Analysis of the Patek Philippe Reference 2552 in Platinum
1. Introduction to the Patek Philippe Reference 2552 in Platinum:
The Patek Philippe reference 2552, affectionately nicknamed the “Flying Saucer” due to its distinctive case shape reminiscent of a flying saucer, represents an icon of twentieth-century watchmaking. Produced between 1954 and 1960, this automatic model stands out for its elegance and design that was modern for its time. While the reference 2552 was made in various metal options, including yellow, white, and rose gold, it is the platinum version that holds particular fascination for collectors due to its extreme rarity. The nickname “Flying Saucer” is widespread among enthusiasts, as evidenced by numerous online sources and watchmaking forums. This common designation suggests that the case design, characterized by a stepped bezel and curved lugs, was perceived as remarkably innovative or unusual at the time of its introduction.
This report aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the Patek Philippe reference 2552 in its precious platinum variant. The objective is to explore its history, technical specifications, presence in the auction and retail market, discussions among collectors, its current market value, and, finally, its high degree of collectibility.
2. Historical Overview and Technical Specifications:
The reference 2552 appeared on the watch market between 1954 and 1960. Its introduction occurred during a period when public preferences were evolving towards watches with a slimmer profile, and the 2552 was conceived as a sleeker alternative to the previous reference 2526, which featured a thicker enamel dial. This evolution in design reflected a broader trend in the watchmaking sector towards cleaner and more discreet lines.
The beating heart of the reference 2552 is the caliber 12-600 AT, the first self-winding movement developed by Patek Philippe, introduced in 1953. This caliber not only marked a milestone for the Geneva-based manufacturer but was also used in other references of great importance, such as the aforementioned 2526. The 12-600 AT is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and its technically advanced features for the era, including 30 jewels, the Gyromax balance, a guilloché gold rotor, and the prestigious Geneva Seal certification. Some examples intended for the American market bear the “HOX” hallmark on the movement, further evidence of their history. The reputation of this caliber as a “legendary” and “superb” movement underscores its historical and watchmaking importance, significantly contributing to collectors’ desire for the reference 2552.
The platinum case of the reference 2552 typically has a diameter of 36 mm. Its distinctive shape is characterized by a well-defined stepped bezel and elegantly curved and downward-facing lugs. The case back is screwed down, ensuring a degree of water resistance for the time. Hallmarks attesting to the purity of the platinum and identifying the case maker, Wenger, whose mark is number 1, are often present on the sides of the case and on the lugs. It is interesting to note that Wenger was the case maker for the reference 2552, unlike Baumgartner, who made the cases for the reference 2526. This subtle distinction highlights the differences between these two closely related references.
The dials of the platinum examples of the reference 2552 are generally silvered. In some particularly rare versions, the dial is embellished with applied diamond indices. A subsidiary seconds counter is classically positioned at 6 o’clock. Below the 6 o’clock index, the inscription “Swiss” can be found. It is crucial to emphasize that platinum examples of the reference 2552 with diamond-embellished dials are considered exceptionally rare, with only four known examples in this specific configuration.
The estimated total production of the reference 2552 in all its metal variants is around 650 pieces. Of these, the number of platinum examples made is extremely limited, with estimates indicating the presence of only 7 or 8 known pieces, including variants with baton dials and those with diamond indices. This discrepancy between the total production and the scarcity of the platinum version, which represents about 1% of the total, underscores the exceptional rarity of this variant, a primary factor that determines its high collectibility and potential market value.