ref.1544
Steel, Courtesy watch

A very rare and highly unusual stainless steel rectangular "courtesy" watch with two-piece hooded lugs.

With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with gold raised hour markers in 1956 and its subsequent sale in 1967.

The reference 1544 offered here for sale is believed to be an exceedingly rare example of a so-called "courtesy" or "replacement" watch. These watches were loaned by Patek Philippe to clients requesting to have their timepiece repaired in their workshops and needing a replacement during the time of its absence. To facilitate the identification of these watches and all paperwork involved, the outside cases were engraved with a number under which they were registered in the respective service center - the case of the present being no. 47.
This kind of service watch is exceptionally rare. As a matter of fact, only three other such timepieces have been identified from the market, and it is thought that the total production should add up to less than 20 examples. Considering their intended destination, it is highly improbable that any of the other surviving pieces can sport a condition comparable to the present watch.