WHAT IS SPECIAL
Patek Philippe Ref. 2451 is often referred to as the “waterproof Ref. 96.”
Compared with the Ref. 96, which carries a slimmer and more formal dress-watch character, the Ref. 2451 has a slightly sportier and more robust presence thanks to its waterproof screw-back case and thicker case construction. Yet its proportions remain compact, restrained and quietly enduring, very much in keeping with Patek Philippe’s design language of the period.
The waterproof case of the Ref. 2451 was made by the legendary François Borgel workshop, which developed a two-piece waterproof case construction that greatly improved the water resistance of wristwatches. After Borgel became a case supplier to Patek Philippe, the two worked together on a number of classic waterproof references, including the Ref. 565, 2508/2509 and 2451.
This particular Ref. 2451 pairs crisp pencil hands with a warm-toned dial that has mellowed beautifully with age. Together with the bracelet, the watch has a remarkable sense of unity. The case and bracelet flow naturally into one another, free from the stiffness often associated with traditional dress watches, giving it the feel of a piece of metal jewellery resting seamlessly on the wrist.
This, perhaps, is what effortless elegance and style looked like in the 1950s.