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Lot Essay
To many watch collectors, the Patek Philippe reference 2499 is the most perfect vintage wristwatch ever created. With ideal proportions and unmatched dial design, few watches are surrounded by such mythical appeal; an absolute must for the discerning collector.
The present watch is eye-catching as a reference 2499 but more particularly because of its undeniably attractive black dial. The history of this enigmatic black dial is not entirely certain over the past almost 50 years since the watch was manufactured, although research shows that it is recorded as being sold privately almost 30 years ago, in 1994, to an important German collector. In 2002, this watch was sold at auction in Geneva and since that time almost 20 years ago, it has been part of an exceptional private watch collection.
Upon close inspection, it is evident that the dial has been fully restored at some time in the past. However, when the movement and case was fully serviced by Patek Philippe some years ago, evidently the dial did not in any way preclude it from servicing and furthermore, Patek Philippe were pleased to provide an Extract of the Archives this year describing the dial type as ‘2499’. All examples of reference 2499 are important and scarce survivals to be treasured and preserved. This beautiful third series watch, although with fully restored dial, is nonetheless a worthy and wearable example from this most legendary of Patek Philippe’s models.
Reference 2499, widely acknowledged as one of the world's greatest watch models and 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 on an average only 9 watches left Patek Philippe's workshops each year.
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 indexes and outer seconds divisions (the present lot is from the third series).
- Fourth series: round chronograph buttons, applied baton indexes, outer seconds divisions and sapphire crystal.
Provenance
1972 – The original owner
1994 – An important German collector
2002 – Antiquorum Geneva, 8th June 2002, lot 211, bought by the
present owner
To date – An highly important private collection
Reference 2499 is illustrated in: ‘Patek Philippe Wristwatches’, Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, pp. 302 & 304, and in: Patek Philippe Museum - Patek Philippe Watches, Volume II, pp. 306-307.
The present watch is eye-catching as a reference 2499 but more particularly because of its undeniably attractive black dial. The history of this enigmatic black dial is not entirely certain over the past almost 50 years since the watch was manufactured, although research shows that it is recorded as being sold privately almost 30 years ago, in 1994, to an important German collector. In 2002, this watch was sold at auction in Geneva and since that time almost 20 years ago, it has been part of an exceptional private watch collection.
Upon close inspection, it is evident that the dial has been fully restored at some time in the past. However, when the movement and case was fully serviced by Patek Philippe some years ago, evidently the dial did not in any way preclude it from servicing and furthermore, Patek Philippe were pleased to provide an Extract of the Archives this year describing the dial type as ‘2499’. All examples of reference 2499 are important and scarce survivals to be treasured and preserved. This beautiful third series watch, although with fully restored dial, is nonetheless a worthy and wearable example from this most legendary of Patek Philippe’s models.
Reference 2499, widely acknowledged as one of the world's greatest watch models and 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 on an average only 9 watches left Patek Philippe's workshops each year.
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 indexes and outer seconds divisions (the present lot is from the third series).
- Fourth series: round chronograph buttons, applied baton indexes, outer seconds divisions and sapphire crystal.
Provenance
1972 – The original owner
1994 – An important German collector
2002 – Antiquorum Geneva, 8th June 2002, lot 211, bought by the
present owner
To date – An highly important private collection
Reference 2499 is illustrated in: ‘Patek Philippe Wristwatches’, Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, pp. 302 & 304, and in: Patek Philippe Museum - Patek Philippe Watches, Volume II, pp. 306-307.