Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 2451 "Black Starr & Gorham" "Aquatic" 18 Karat Yellow Gold Wristwatch

Double-Signed Black, Starr & Gorham Dial · Caliber 10-200 · Circa 1950s

A Patek Philippe Calatrava reference 2451 in 18 karat yellow gold, powered by the celebrated manual-wind Caliber 10-200 and distinguished by an exceptionally rare double-signed Black, Starr & Gorham retailer dial.

Among post-war Calatrava references, the Ref. 2451 occupies a unique place within the firm's history. Often referred to by collectors as the "Aquatic" Calatrava, it introduced an improved water-resistant case while preserving the restrained proportions and elegance that define the Calatrava collection. The reference is believed to have been produced in relatively limited numbers, making surviving examples increasingly difficult to acquire.

What distinguishes this watch further is its original co-signed dial.

About Black, Starr & Gorham

Founded in 1810, Black, Starr & Gorham is America's oldest continuously operating luxury jeweler. During the twentieth century, the firm retailed watches from only the most prestigious Swiss manufacturers, including Patek Philippe. Watches bearing both the retailer's signature and the Patek Philippe name were produced in limited quantities for the American market and today rank among the most desirable vintage examples due to their rarity and historical significance.

Details

Maker: Patek Philippe

Model: Calatrava "Aquatic"

Reference: 2451

Production: Circa 1950s

Movement: Patek Philippe Caliber 10-200 Manual Wind

Functions: Hours, Minutes, Small Seconds

Case: 18 Karat Yellow Gold

Case Diameter: Approximately 30 mm

Lug-to-Lug: Approximately 38 mm

Crystal: Acrylic

Dial

Original Champagne Dial

Double Signed

Patek Philippe Genève

Black, Starr & Gorham

Applied Baton Hour Markers

Subsidiary Seconds

Strap

Red Leather Strap

Gold-Tone Tang Buckle

Maximum Wrist Size: Approximately 7.75 inches

Weight

35.5 grams

Accessories

Watch only.

Condition

Estate.

The case displays honest wear consistent with age while retaining its overall proportions. The original double-signed dial exhibits natural patina acquired over decades of use, with the retailer signature remaining clear and legible. The movement is currently running; service history is unknown.

Original retailer-signed Patek Philippe wristwatches represent an important chapter in twentieth-century horology, combining the craftsmanship of the Geneva manufacture with the provenance of one of America's great luxury retailers. The combination of the uncommon Ref. 2451, the celebrated Caliber 10-200, and the surviving Black, Starr & Gorham signature places this example among the more desirable vintage Calatravas encountered on today's market.