Patek Philippe "Bunny Ears" Vintage Chronograph

quattro · 2026-01-16T16:32:53Z

Discover Patek Philippe's "Bunny Ears" vintage watches: references 2503 (Andy Warhol's), 2414, and 2403, all powered by caliber 9-90.

quattro

WPS member · Patek Philippe forum

19 replies575 views46 photos

Emmanuel, known as quattro on WatchProSite, delves into the captivating world of vintage Patek Philippe rectangular references. His detailed exploration of the 'Bunny Ears' or 'Topolino' watches, specifically the Ref. 2503, Ref. 2414, and Ref. 2403, offers a unique perspective on these distinctive timepieces. This article highlights why these watches, powered by the legendary caliber 9-90, continue to intrigue collectors and enthusiasts alike.

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Three rectangular Patek Philippe vintage references are often nicknamed "Bunny Ears" or sometimes "Topolino" (Italian for "Mickey Mouse", which suggests mouse rather than bunny ears).

The most famous of the three is ref. 2503, because Andy Warhol owned one.

All of them are powered by the legendary hand-wound shaped caliber 9-90.

A/ REF. 2503

I love this photo: it makes me desire to own this reference.

credit: @beard.and.bones

Here's a closer look at another example sold last year by Lorologiese:

credit: lorologiese

And now, here's the example owned by Andy Warhol, which was sold by Christie's in 2016.

The sticker is from Sotheby's because the watch was previously offered there in 1988 in a jewelry and watches auction of “The Andy Warhol Collection”.

credit: Christie’s

Lastly, here are three examples of the same ref. 2503 with a dial featuring the numerals 2, 4, 8, 10 & 12 instead of 3, 9 & 12.

I personally prefer the dials above with 3, 9 & 12.

credit: Sotheby’s, Phillips & Antiquorum

The second reference nicknamed "Topolino" is ref. 2414, which features some lugs shaped like mouse ears.

B/ REF. 2414

This reference is a bit too strange for me: it's the one I like the least among the three.

I love the dial with dot indexes, though.

credit: Collectability (1-4) & Antiquorum

The third and last "Bunny Ear" reference is ref. 2403, which features more angular, less rounded lugs.

C/ REF. 2403

The dial features long thin baton indexes at 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10 & 11 and no numerals.

I find this reference attractive and have a hard time telling which one I prefer between this one and the 2503.

credit: Bulang & Sons (1-9), Christie’s (10) & Evig Watches

Finally, there's a very rare and particular variant of this reference 2403 with semi-circular hooded lug design.

Online, there doesn't seem to be any other similar example.

credit: Wind Vintage

Do these references appeal to you too? Do you have a favorite?

I enjoy so much exploring these 1940s-1950s timepieces: hopefully you've enjoyed the post too!

Thanks for reading.

Best, Emmanuel

Key Points from the Discussion

The Ref. 2503, particularly the example once owned by Andy Warhol, is widely considered the most desirable among the 'Bunny Ears' references.
While appreciating the unique design, some collectors express reservations about how these shaped watches, especially the Ref. 2414, would wear on their own wrist.
The distinctiveness of these vintage Patek Philippe designs prompts curiosity about the original design and development processes within the brand.
Despite potential wearability concerns, the unique style of these vintage Patek Philippe references is thoroughly appreciated for its historical and aesthetic value.
The Ref. 2414, with its pronounced 'Mickey Mouse' shaped lugs, is personally less favored by some due to its overtly whimsical design compared to the other 'Bunny Ears' references.

The Discussion

GLau

Jan 16, 2026

very interesting references. Given that they are shaped watches, perhaps you are biased ?

quattro

Jan 16, 2026

Definitely my kind of watches (except ref. 2414). Have a great weekend, Gordon. Best, Emmanuel

quattro

Jan 16, 2026

I like the 2414 less, personally: too Mickey Mouse for me. But the other two references... Have a great weekend, Nicolas!

Blansky

Jan 16, 2026

You have to wonder sometimes on these things what the meetings were like when they went into development and what the top Patek execs thought of the design.

quattro

Jan 16, 2026

Have a great weekend. Best, Emmanuel

quattro

Jan 16, 2026

If I find one of these someday, I must succumb ! Have a great weekend. Best, Emmanuel

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Patek Philippe "Bunny Ears" Vintage Chronograph

Key Points from the Discussion

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