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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Dress watch

Patek Philippe Hour Glass Dress Watch Ref. 2468

Partially verified

The Patek Philippe reference 2468, known as the Hour Glass, is an 18K yellow gold manual-wind wristwatch dating to the 1950s. The watch is defined by its architectural, hourglass-inspired case silhouette, which features curved sides rather than straight edges. A corresponding shaped crystal follows the geometry of the case. The silver dial is set with applied gold Arabic numerals and hour markers, featuring a subsidiary seconds indicator. This reference is identified as an uncommon model produced in small quantities. The watch is presented on an original Patek Philippe black leather strap with an 18K yellow gold buckle. The internal movement is a mechanical manual-wind caliber. The object is sold as a standalone piece without accompanying documentation or original box.

Front view of the Patek Philippe Hour Glass reference 2468 showing the silver dial and curved gold case.
Front view of the Patek Philippe Hour Glass reference 2468 showing the silver dial and curved gold case. — Huntington Company. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
huntingtoncompany.com
Category
Wristwatch · Dress watch
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe
Reference
2468
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1950s
Source-reported place
Switzerland

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Crystal Construction

The reference 2468 is distinguished by a sculptural case design that departs from standard rectangular forms of the mid-twentieth century. Its geometry is inspired by the shape of an hourglass, characterized by inward-curving lateral sides that replace traditional straight case edges.

A shaped crystal is fitted to mirror the architectural profile of the gold case. This design choice adds a layered, three-dimensional quality to the front of the watch, which is crafted entirely from 18K yellow gold.

Evidence for this section
  • “The reference 2468 takes its name from the distinctive hourglass-inspired silhouette of its case.”
  • “Rather than following the straight lines of a conventional rectangular watch, the design introduces subtle curves that create a beautiful sculptural quality.”
  • “The unusual crystal follows the architecture of the case”

Dial and Movement

The watch features a silver dial oriented vertically. It is decorated with applied gold Arabic numerals at the 3, 9, and 12 o'clock positions, complemented by applied gold hour markers. A small seconds register is situated in the lower section of the dial.

The internal mechanism is a mechanical manual-wind movement, consistent with the technical traditions of the manufacturer during this period.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial: Silver Dial with Applied Gold Arabic Numerals, Hour Markers, and Subsidiary Seconds”
  • “Movement: Mechanical Manual Wind”

Condition and Provenance

The auction description reports that the watch is in very good vintage condition. The case exhibits light surface wear and scratches on the caseback, while the crystal shows light wear. The hands are described as well-preserved with minor age-related indications.

The watch includes the original Patek Philippe black leather strap and the original 18K yellow gold buckle, both of which show evidence of previous use.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case: Very good vintage condition with light surface wear and visible caseback scratches.”
  • “Hands: Well preserved with light age-related wear.”
  • “Original Patek Philippe strap showing wear.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific mechanical movement caliber used in the reference 2468?
  • Are there specific production records available to narrow the 1950s dating?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Patek Philippe Hour Glass Dress Watch Ref. 2468
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerPatek Philippe“Brand: Patek Philippe”
Reference2468“Reference: 2468”
Datecirca 1950s“Year: Circa 1950s”
Case Material18K Yellow Gold“Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold”
Case Dimensions23mm x 39mm“Case Size: 23mm x 39mm”
MovementMechanical Manual Wind“Movement: Mechanical Manual Wind”
Dial FeaturesSilver with applied gold markers“Dial: Silver Dial with Applied Gold Arabic Numerals, Hour Markers, and Subsidiary Seconds”
ConditionVery good vintage condition“Case: Very good vintage condition”

Visible details

  • The watch case features a distinct concave curve on both lateral sides
  • The dial features applied gold Arabic numerals at 3, 9, and 12 positions
  • A subsidiary seconds sub-dial is positioned at the lower half of the dial
  • The caseback shows visible surface scratches consistent with use

Research qualifications

  • The exact production date is only broadly identified as circa 1950s
  • The total number of examples produced is not definitively verified

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

1950s Patek Philippe Hour Glass Dress Watch (Ref. 2468)

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 5a7e404571

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

Other dress watch records