There are indeed some otherworldly replica watches coming up for sale this auction season ?including these four, and this one, and all these and these. But one fake watch that may have slipped past your radar is the fake watch you see here. It doesn't look like much, does it? It's a simple steel Patek Calatrava, but what sits inside ?an automatic caliber ?coupled with said steel case, is what makes it so special. This is the only known example of the Calatrava reference 2585 ?or in other words, it's one of the absolute rarest self-winding replica watches on the planet.
Yup, the reference 2585 dates to 1958 and it is the only vintage steel self-winding fake watch from Patek to house the beautiful caliber 12'''600. This caliber is one of Patek's greatest achievements ?its first automatic as seen in the likes of the 2526 ?and it has several special traits. The finishing on the 12'''600 is superb, with a stunning engine-turned rotor made of 18k gold. Remember, there was no such thing as sapphire case backs, so few owners of the 12'''600 would ever see this detail, making it all the more special that it is there!
This caliber also featured a Gyromax balance and was stamped twice with the Geneva seal. Effectively, this was the nicest self-winding movement on the planet for some time, and this example of the reference 2585 is the only fake watch to feature it in stainless steel.
The steel case features a screwback and long, down-turned lugs, giving the fake watch an athletic feel. The dial is of the absolute highest quality and overall the fake watch remains in stunning condition. This particular example of the 2585 is published in John Goldberger's stainless-steel Patek Philippe book (a HODINKEE favorite) and last sold in 2005 for $85,000.
While unconfirmed rumors say there were three 2585's made, this remains the only example to be seen anywhere. It very likely could be unique, and that, plus the fact that houses one of the finest self-winding movements, make this an absolute killer. In fact, it might be the sleeper of the sale. Phillips has the estimate of the Patek Philippe steel 2585 at 80,000 to 120,000 CHF and you can read more about it here.
Editor's Note: Whoever ends up with this watch, please let me know. I'd like to buy you a drink for appreciating just how special it is. Oh, and so that if/when you ever get tired of it, I'll be first in line to buy it.
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