Patek Philippe
For many scholars, Patek Philippe’s first self-winding calibre, the
12’’’600, is the most beautiful automatic wristwatch movement ever
designed. It is not only finished to the highest level and features the
firm’s well-known Gyromax balance, it is crowned by an engine-turned
rotor, made of solid 18 carat gold. It comes consequently as no surprise
that this movement was always reserved for the manufacturer’s most
precious watches, cased either in gold or platinum. Reference 2588 is,
however, the only known exception as it cased in stainless steel.In
absolute terms, reference 2588 is one of the rarest references Patek
Philippe ever made. With a masculine diameter of 35mm, it has a strong
presence thanks to its wide bezel and the substantial lugs. The case
features a screw-back and the dial is finished to the highest standards.
In other words, it was certainly not meant to be a more economic
version, but possibly even the contrary and intended as a special
project by the celebrated Geneva manufacturer.Preserved in overall
excellent and all original condition, this very watch is prominently
featured in John Goldberger’s Patek Philippe Steel Watches, p. 352 &
253 and remains to date the only example of this reference ever
published. Unconfirmed sources say that only three pieces of this model
were ever made. It is consequently very safe to assume that there is no
better example of this mythical reference anywhere in the world.