Patek Philippe
Vintage

Patek Philippe "Bunny Ears" Vintage Chronograph

By quattro · Jan 16, 2026 · 19 replies
quattro
WPS member · Patek Philippe forum
19 replies575 views46 photos
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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

About the Patek Philippe Gondolo Ref. 5024

The Patek Philippe Gondolo collection, introduced in the 1990s, represents the manufacture's contemporary interpretation of Art Deco elegance. Named after the historic Gondolo & Labouriau retail partnership that distributed Patek Philippe watches in Brazil during the early 20th century, this collection draws inspiration from the geometric forms and refined proportions that defined luxury timepieces of the 1920s and 1930s. The rectangular case architecture stands as a deliberate counterpoint to Patek Philippe's round complications, offering collectors an entry point into the brand's dress watch heritage.

The reference 5024 showcases Patek Philippe's mastery of proportion within unconventional case shapes. The yellow gold tonneau case measures approximately 27mm by 32mm, housing a manually wound movement that emphasizes the watch's dress watch credentials. The cream dial features applied Breguet numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock, with a subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock that creates the distinctive asymmetrical layout. This configuration, combined with the stepped case lugs, creates the visual effect that collectors playfully reference as 'bunny ears' due to the protruding lug silhouette.

Within Patek Philippe's contemporary production, the Gondolo 5024 occupies a specific niche for collectors seeking yellow gold dress watches with character. The model's relatively compact dimensions and manual winding movement appeal to purists who appreciate traditional watchmaking values. While not commanding the premiums of the brand's perpetual calendars or minute repeaters, well-preserved examples demonstrate steady appreciation, particularly as vintage-inspired rectangular watches gain renewed collector interest in contemporary markets.

Specifications

Case
yellow gold
Diameter
27mm x 32mm
Dial
cream

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
GL
GLau
Jan 16, 2026
Hi Emmanuel, Wow Wow Wow ! Lovely rabbit 🐰 ears !

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

QU
quattro
Jan 16, 2026
I am, completely!

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

AM
amanico
Jan 16, 2026
Super nice all, with a preference for the hour markers. Superb movement, too.

QU
quattro
Jan 16, 2026
The 9-90 is definitely a goal for me.

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

AM
amanico
Jan 16, 2026
Good luck, my friend;

BL
Blansky
Jan 16, 2026
Cool watches. Luckily they didn't do just the top lugs and not the bottom ones.

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.

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