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Lot Essay
With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1976 and its subsequent sale on 21 November 1977.
Fresh to the market and consigned by an important private European collector, the third series reference 2499 offered here for sale has always been treated with respect and care. The full case proportions, the well-defined fluting to the lugs and the crisp hallmarks to the outside of the snap on back are clear evidences for sensible polishing. The dial has undergone an ever so gentle cleaning only, displaying a great shine and clear writing and scales.
The combination of appealing overall condition and private provenance render this third series reference 2499 an attractive offering for the connoisseur of this legendary model.
Reference 2499
Widely acknowledged as one of the world's greatest watch models ever created, reference 2499 has undoubtedly strongly influenced the designs of many of the most renowned watchmakers. Introduced to the market in 1950 it replaced the legendary reference 1518 (see the previous lot in this auction), the world's first perpetual calendar wristwatch with chronograph made in series.
Over a period of 35 years, reference 2499 was made in four series in a total production of only 349 pieces, the majority cased in yellow gold. The rarity of this model becomes evident when considering that an annual average of only 9 watches left Patek Philippe's workshops.
Reference 2499 is generally divided into the following four series:
- first series: square chronograph buttons, applied Arabic numerals and tachymetre scale
- second series: round chronograph buttons, either applied baton or applied Arabic numerals and tachymetre scale (see lot 174 in this auction)
- third series, the present watch: round chronograph buttons, applied baton numerals and outer seconds divisions
- fourth series: round chronograph buttons, applied baton numerals, outer seconds divisions and sapphire crystal
Reference 2499 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, pp. 302 & 304, and in in Patek Philippe Museum - Patek Philippe Watches, Volume II, pp. 306-307.
Fresh to the market and consigned by an important private European collector, the third series reference 2499 offered here for sale has always been treated with respect and care. The full case proportions, the well-defined fluting to the lugs and the crisp hallmarks to the outside of the snap on back are clear evidences for sensible polishing. The dial has undergone an ever so gentle cleaning only, displaying a great shine and clear writing and scales.
The combination of appealing overall condition and private provenance render this third series reference 2499 an attractive offering for the connoisseur of this legendary model.
Reference 2499
Widely acknowledged as one of the world's greatest watch models ever created, reference 2499 has undoubtedly strongly influenced the designs of many of the most renowned watchmakers. Introduced to the market in 1950 it replaced the legendary reference 1518 (see the previous lot in this auction), the world's first perpetual calendar wristwatch with chronograph made in series.
Over a period of 35 years, reference 2499 was made in four series in a total production of only 349 pieces, the majority cased in yellow gold. The rarity of this model becomes evident when considering that an annual average of only 9 watches left Patek Philippe's workshops.
Reference 2499 is generally divided into the following four series:
- first series: square chronograph buttons, applied Arabic numerals and tachymetre scale
- second series: round chronograph buttons, either applied baton or applied Arabic numerals and tachymetre scale (see lot 174 in this auction)
- third series, the present watch: round chronograph buttons, applied baton numerals and outer seconds divisions
- fourth series: round chronograph buttons, applied baton numerals, outer seconds divisions and sapphire crystal
Reference 2499 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, pp. 302 & 304, and in in Patek Philippe Museum - Patek Philippe Watches, Volume II, pp. 306-307.