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拍品專文
With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present in 1957 and its subsequent sale on 31 October 1961.
Consigned by the heirs of the original German owner and never offered in public before, this watch is certainly one of the most charismatic and important examples of the mythical reference 2499 to appear at auction in recent years.
As a matter of fact, its rediscovery is a sensation to the world of watch collectors as it not only joins an exceptionally small group of only seven rose gold references 2499 second series, but also adds a previously unknown variation to the known constellations. Indeed, the calendar discs are in German, a first in this group. However, this unusual and hitherto unrecorded element is in total harmony with its family history, telling that this watch was originally bought around 1960 in one of northern Germany's small and family-owned retailerships. The circle consequently closes beautifully with Patek Philippe's archives confirming its sale in 1961.
Interestingly, the second series of reference 2499 was the only series which is fully accepted to have been fitted with two different dial designs. Whereas both styles were always equipped with a tachymetre scale, the earlier version had full Arabic numerals - a reminiscence of the legendary model 1518 and the first series of reference 2499. The second type, such as the present watch, was enhanced with faceted baton markers. To date, this reference 2499 becomes the eighth pink gold example of this landmark model with these specifications to appear in public.
The private provenance of the present watch is clearly reflected in its original and unspoilt condition, particularly the case: it retains the original proportions to their best extent, predominantly demonstrated by the well-defined fluting of the lugs, the first feature to suffer from unprofessional polishing. The Swiss gold marks to the sides are crisp, another evidence for a watch which has been treated with care and respect. A fabulous feature furthermore is the series of gold marks applied to the outer of the case back, lending this timekeeper another unmistakable detail to its identity.
During its nearly 60 years of existence, the highly attractive dial, free of any cosmetic enhancement, has naturally aged, now displaying a subtle, warm off-white patina. The hard enamel signature and scales are as raised as the connoisseur would expect.
The present watch is undoubtedly amongst the best reference 2499 examples ever offered at auction, an absolute must for the discerning collector of this exceptional 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 (see lots 188 and 291 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
Reference 2499 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, pp. 302 & 304.
Consigned by the heirs of the original German owner and never offered in public before, this watch is certainly one of the most charismatic and important examples of the mythical reference 2499 to appear at auction in recent years.
As a matter of fact, its rediscovery is a sensation to the world of watch collectors as it not only joins an exceptionally small group of only seven rose gold references 2499 second series, but also adds a previously unknown variation to the known constellations. Indeed, the calendar discs are in German, a first in this group. However, this unusual and hitherto unrecorded element is in total harmony with its family history, telling that this watch was originally bought around 1960 in one of northern Germany's small and family-owned retailerships. The circle consequently closes beautifully with Patek Philippe's archives confirming its sale in 1961.
Interestingly, the second series of reference 2499 was the only series which is fully accepted to have been fitted with two different dial designs. Whereas both styles were always equipped with a tachymetre scale, the earlier version had full Arabic numerals - a reminiscence of the legendary model 1518 and the first series of reference 2499. The second type, such as the present watch, was enhanced with faceted baton markers. To date, this reference 2499 becomes the eighth pink gold example of this landmark model with these specifications to appear in public.
The private provenance of the present watch is clearly reflected in its original and unspoilt condition, particularly the case: it retains the original proportions to their best extent, predominantly demonstrated by the well-defined fluting of the lugs, the first feature to suffer from unprofessional polishing. The Swiss gold marks to the sides are crisp, another evidence for a watch which has been treated with care and respect. A fabulous feature furthermore is the series of gold marks applied to the outer of the case back, lending this timekeeper another unmistakable detail to its identity.
During its nearly 60 years of existence, the highly attractive dial, free of any cosmetic enhancement, has naturally aged, now displaying a subtle, warm off-white patina. The hard enamel signature and scales are as raised as the connoisseur would expect.
The present watch is undoubtedly amongst the best reference 2499 examples ever offered at auction, an absolute must for the discerning collector of this exceptional 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 (see lots 188 and 291 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
Reference 2499 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, pp. 302 & 304.