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Lot Essay
Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with lapped hour markers in 1957 and its subsequent sale on 1 October 1958.
Undoubtedly one of the best references 2499 examples offered at auction in recent years, it has obviously seldom been used and shows only very light signs of surface wear; the case is full and retains its original case proportions to the best extent. With time, the dial has taken an incredibly subtle yet warm patina and has never been restored or cosmetically enhanced in any way. The hard enamel signature and scales are, consequently, as raised as the connoisseur would expect.
Last offered publicly over a decade ago, this example from the second series must be considered one of the most appealing reference 2499 to any connoisseur collector.
Reference 2499
Reference 2499, widely acknowledged as one of the world's greatest watch models ever created, has undoubtedly greatly influenced the designs of many of the most renowned watchmakers. Introduced to the market in 1950 it replaced the legendary reference 1518 (see lots 49 and 362 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, such as the present watch: round chronograph buttons, either applied baton or applied Arabic numerals and tachymetre scale
- third series: round chronograph buttons, applied baton numerals and outer seconds divisions
- fourth series: round chronograph buttons, applied baton numerals, outer seconds divisions and sapphire crystal
The model is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, pp. 302 & 304.
Undoubtedly one of the best references 2499 examples offered at auction in recent years, it has obviously seldom been used and shows only very light signs of surface wear; the case is full and retains its original case proportions to the best extent. With time, the dial has taken an incredibly subtle yet warm patina and has never been restored or cosmetically enhanced in any way. The hard enamel signature and scales are, consequently, as raised as the connoisseur would expect.
Last offered publicly over a decade ago, this example from the second series must be considered one of the most appealing reference 2499 to any connoisseur collector.
Reference 2499
Reference 2499, widely acknowledged as one of the world's greatest watch models ever created, has undoubtedly greatly influenced the designs of many of the most renowned watchmakers. Introduced to the market in 1950 it replaced the legendary reference 1518 (see lots 49 and 362 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, such as the present watch: round chronograph buttons, either applied baton or applied Arabic numerals and tachymetre scale
- third series: round chronograph buttons, applied baton numerals and outer seconds divisions
- fourth series: round chronograph buttons, applied baton numerals, outer seconds divisions and sapphire crystal
The model is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, pp. 302 & 304.