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Lot Essay
With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1973 and its subsequent sale on 9 May 1973.
Since its first public appearance in 1998, the third series reference 2499 offered here for sale has been amongst the highlights of one of the world's most important private collections. The wonderful original overall condition underlines the respectful treatment it has enjoyed in the last fourteen years, demonstrated by the full proportions beautifully harmonizing with the radiant dial.
In fact, we can hardly remember having handled such a crisp and well-preserved example of reference's 2499 third series. Of noteworthy sharpness and smooth surfaces, the lugs are amongst the most impressive we have ever seen on this model. We can only conclude that it was either never polished or, at best, only once. The dial has evidently never been cosmetically touched and displays a charismatic, uniform eggshell patina.
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
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, 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
- third series: round chronograph buttons, applied baton numerals and outer seconds divisions, such as the present watch
- 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.
Since its first public appearance in 1998, the third series reference 2499 offered here for sale has been amongst the highlights of one of the world's most important private collections. The wonderful original overall condition underlines the respectful treatment it has enjoyed in the last fourteen years, demonstrated by the full proportions beautifully harmonizing with the radiant dial.
In fact, we can hardly remember having handled such a crisp and well-preserved example of reference's 2499 third series. Of noteworthy sharpness and smooth surfaces, the lugs are amongst the most impressive we have ever seen on this model. We can only conclude that it was either never polished or, at best, only once. The dial has evidently never been cosmetically touched and displays a charismatic, uniform eggshell patina.
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
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, 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
- third series: round chronograph buttons, applied baton numerals and outer seconds divisions, such as the present watch
- 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.