December 14, 2018

Past Auction Killer Patek: Marilyn 2442

A watch can become a PAK watch for many reasons. Sometimes it is simply down to aesthetics and rarity. Nothing more and nothing less.

Such is the case with this 2442 Patek in Platinum and diamonds.

The 2442 is one of the most playful and interesting Pateks ever made in my opinion.

Italians often call it Ossi di Morto (bones of the dead) for the shape of the case which is similar in shape to a cookie that the Italians eat in November. The case reminds many collectors also of a feminine women with curves, thus some collectors have also called it ‘Marilyn’. And I can totally see why they call it that.

Other terms used to describe the watch include ‘the banana’ due to the side profile of the case, that looks like the shape of the banana.

(Notice the side of the case which has a similar shape as a banana). Credit: Christies watches.

The playful case put into context

The 2442 represents the good times of the 1950s.

After the second world war global economies recovered and watch companies produced more playful and audacious shapes than was seen in the 1940s. The 2442 is an extremely rare reference (only 150 are estimated to have been made).

Made predominately in yellow gold, very few rose gold models exist and just 3 models are known – and have sold publicly – in platinum with diamond markers. Incidentally all two of them (and presumable all three) have consecutive case numbers 657’573 /74. Another one is known to be in a private collection and has never come to the market.

Aurel Bacs who has sold 2 out of the 3 Platinum 2442 known publicly – describes the watch as the most prestigious rectangular watch Patek ever made. Add to this that the case is large and voluptuous and seduces most Patek lovers of unusual cases – and you quickly see why this is ‘non plus ultra‘ of time only rectangular watches.

The 2442 is powered by a 9-90 calibre movement – which also powered the ref 425, ref 1593 and many other rectangular shaped watches. According to a sale done back in 2006 that contained the original receipt, the original price of a 2442 Patek in gold was CHF 1’200 back in 1956 which was a considerable sum (an average Rolex sports model was CHF 200- 250 back then).

World record at auction

In May 2008 a collector had the courage to spend an incredible CHF 325’000.

That was indeed courageous as the financial crises was well under way. Perhaps the collector wanted to protect his assets and buy this rare trophy asset or he fell in love with the curves of this watch. Either way it was a bold decision (incidentally the same watch would sell three years later in 2011 for less than originally bought).

Ten years later this watch still holds the world record for any ref 2442.

This watch is a PAK for the sheer rarity and beauty. Not only is this reference 2442 extremely rare but the platinum version has only 3 known models that have ever come to auction (another being sold here).

For me it is one of the ultimate dress watches from Patek that is also fun and playful. Can you name another dress watch that is elegant and chic, but playful at the same time?

Neither can I. Which is why the 2442 – especially in Platinum – will remain one of the most collectable time only Pateks ever made.

(Main picture Credit: Christies watches. Special thank you to Charles Gounod from Christies).

Allow me to show you some other beautiful 2442 Marilyn’s. Another platinum dial with diamonds (one of three known publicly).

(Credit: watcharts).

Below a superb example in pink gold.

(Credit: Paul Boutros).

The picture below with the wonderful curved case and different finishes and surfaces is the reason why I (and many Patek collectors) love the 2442 Marilyn so much.