Ref.2553J Made for Serpico Y Laino "Stealth" Geometrical Lines Lugs and Tops in Yellow Gold

In fact…

Ref. 2553 was produced from 1954 to at least 1960 in yellow or in pink gold. It was named “stealth” or “raptor” by collectors due to its shape looking like the stealth bombers wings. It belongs to the 1950s Modern shaped watches that were quite innovative and futuristic for that time and from which many remained still up to date in our days. This is one of 15 yellow gold watches identified to have survived so far, for less than a hundred made. A good sample first sold to Serpico y Laino.

This in-house calibre was launched in 1934 to fit the growing production of shape watches in which a round movement would be less accurate, because of the diameter. Here the shape allows the use of a good size balance and adjusting device. This one is marked twice with the Geneva Seal and bear the so-called didactical 7 lines inscriptions.

The case angles and facets are proper to this reference, not seen on any other mode by Patek Philippe. The two case-band sides are vertically brushed and the rest is mirror polished. The solid gold winding crown was made of one piece.

Engraved-enameled signature and crossed subsidiary dial, very well restored. Serpico y Laino was the Venezuelian authorized dealer for Patek Philippe, located in Caracas, it was an important client in the 1950s and 1960s when Venezuela emerged with rich oil resources.