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Eiffel Tower
The Patek Philippe ref. 2441, nicknamed "Eiffel Tower" because the case shape has been considered reminiscent of the pillars and first floor of the Eiffel Tower, was first released in 1948 and is very rare.
According to Collectability, "less than 200 examples were made in all case metals (yellow gold, rose gold, white gold, and platinum)."
It's the reference that inspired the "Pagoda" ref. 5500 in 1997, to which I dedicated a thread here: The Pagoda.
The rose gold example shown below has one of those little features that drive us, passionate collectors, crazy: a dial with a double signature, the watch having been sold by the Caracas retailer Serpico y Laino.
I love the triangular applied indexes at 3 and 9 o'clock.
This reference is one of those lucky ones powered by the wonderful rectangular caliber 9-90.
credit: Bernardini Milano
Although I find this particular double-signed example very desirable, I will not inquire about it because, when I had the opportunity to try on the Pagoda (in white gold), I found that, despite its appeal, it does not fit my wrist very well and I wasn't completely conquered by the case shape.
BONUS: A 3D RENDERING OF THE LOWER PART OF THE EIFFEL TOWER
credit: turbosquid
Thanks for reading.
Best, Emmanuel
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Eiffel Tower
The Patek Philippe ref. 2441 , nicknamed " Eiffel Tower " because the case shape has been considered reminiscent of the pillars and first floor of the Eiffel Tower, was first released in 1948 and is very rare . According to Collectability , " less than 20...
Hi Emmanuel, An interesting precursor to the Pagoda !
Fine difference between the tower and pagoda. Although a shaped watch with ractangular features, the differences (such as lugs) are huge vs your gondolo. Not all shaped ractanguar pieces evolve similar emotions !
Hi Gordon,
from what I've seen online, the Pagoda is a little larger than the Eiffel (29,2 x 40,3 mm vs 25 x 41 mm) and, of course, the dial is different. And, yes, this case shape is completely different from my 5098P and it really speaks to me less (which is a goo...
I think the Patek Philippe "Eiffel Tower" Ref: 2441 is the nicest of them all.
I am not sure if this is the Rose gold or just Yellow gold but the hue of the gold is very appealing as is the dial layout and case shape which altogether add up to a very beautiful watch. Thank you for your detailed post with all the information about th...
My pleasure, Marc.
It's a rose gold variant and I agree that it it really appealing, the Serpico y Laino dial being the cherry on top. Best, Emmanuel
The case curvatures are very nice, as is the rectangular movement.
Do you know why is this called the Eiffel Tower…is it due to the four corners of the case?
Yes, the four lugs have been considered reminiscent of the four pillars of the Eiffel Tower.
I've added the image to the thread as well. Best, Emmanuel credit: turbosquid ...
Unbelievably exciting on pictures 🙌🏻👌🏻👍🏻
Love at first sight, of you will. At the same time the shape is such that I would most certainly need to try whether it translates to an acceptable fit on the wrist 👍🏻🤞🏻 Thanks for sharing this beauty 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Yes, it's a piece one has to see in real life.
I was a little disappointed when trying on the Pagoda, but the Eiffel Tower is narrower and I find this Serpico y Laino example very attractive. Best, Emmanuel
Shockingly contemporary!
The YG model on that brown strap looks very modern, shockingly so!
I agree. Just like the Eiffel Tower, which doesn't look dated, imo.
The Serpico y Laino example is rose gold: I had forgotten to add the information, but thanks to you I could correct it! Best, Emmanuel
Yes, very special,
but it didn’t feel 100% convincing to me with the Pagoda. I’d be very interested to see the 2441 someday. Best, Emmanuel
One of the all time greats!
The Pagoda, while very nice, really can't match up with the Eiffel Tower imo. Also the dial on this example of the 2441 looks original as the enamel is ever so slightly raised above the dial. I'd want to have it in my hand to be sure of course.
Like you, I prefer the Eiffel Tower
and I'd be very happy to see this particular example in person. The Serpico y Laino dial looks superb. Best, Emmanuel
Yes, beautiful indeed.
If I lived closer to Milan, I would definitely go see it in person. Best, Emmanuel
Yes, they are absolutely special.
That said, I wasn't conquered by the Pagoda. But I'd love to see the Eiffel Tower, which is a bit different: narrower and with a different dial. Maybe someday. This Serpico y Laino example is a dream, though... Best, Emmanuel
The angle of those pictures make all the difference.
The first selection versus your own wrist shots give me quite opposite feelings about this watch. When I see your wrist shots all I can see is that flare on the lugs, and it doesn’t appeal to me. Whereas the pictures above paint a wholly different picture...
I couldn't agree more with you.
Reason why, even if I have been disappointed by the Pagoda, I'd be very interested to see this particular Eiffel Tower in person: I must say that this Serpico y Laino dial appeals to me very much. But I live too far away from Milan, unfortunately... Best,...
I'm glad you like it too.
I've tried on the Pagoda and was a bit disappointed, but I'd love to try on this one someday. Best, Emmanuel
Lovely watch...
...I understand that the extra signature adds to the value, but I think it detracts from the dial...too cramped with the seconds sub-dial...
Yes, I see what you mean.
However this double signature really sings to me: so meaningful and so full of wonderful history between a Swiss brand and a Venezuelan retailer... Best, Emmanuel
I am very impressed by the ref 2441. I would love to seeone before making any decision .If I was anywher enear Milano , I would love
to try on this model but alas no travel for a while I can only dream Thanks for showing J
If I lived closer to Milan, I'd definitely go and try it on.
This particular Serpico y Laino example is particularly exciting to me. Best, Emmanuel
Yes, it seems to be a lovely reference.
One that appeals to me more than the Pagoda, because of the simpler dial and slightly narrower case. Unfortunately, Milan is a bit too far away from my home to go and see it. Best, Emmanuel
Sad news, but not surprising considering the
appeal of this particular Serpico y Laino example…