Reference 2594 is one of the most recognisable Patek Philippe watches of the late 1950s. The nickname “Disco Volante” (“flying saucer”) was given to it by Italian collectors for two features that define its profile: the broad, flat bezel and the very slim case, which together recall the silhouette of a flying object.
The model
Compared with the restrained cases of the Calatrava, the 2594 represents an aesthetic experiment, born at a time of great creative freedom for the Maison. The lugs are discreet, almost hidden beneath the bezel, and the 32 mm case in 18k gold has a presence on the wrist that is surprisingly modern for its time. The watch shows hours and minutes, with an acrylic (plexiglass) crystal and an alligator strap; the movement is calibre 23-300.
For the collector
The 2594 was produced until the end of the 1960s, in several variants of dial, finish and material, which make it a rewarding field of research for the collector. It is an elegant evening watch, but one with a distinct personality: an example of Patek Philippe production in those years, in which restraint and formal daring coexist.
Technical details
| Brand | Patek Philippe |
|---|---|
| Model | “Disco Volante” |
| Reference | 2594 |
| Movement | Calibre 23-300 |
| Case | 18k gold |
| Dimensions | 32 mm |
| Period | 1950s |
| Functions | Hours, minutes |
| Crystal | Acrylic (plexiglass) |
| Strap | Alligator |
