Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: FIVE Hong Kong Monday, November 27, 2017 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1976
    Reference No: 2499
    Movement No: 869'476
    Case No: 2'700'422
    Material: 18k gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 13-130, 23 jewels, stamped twice with the Geneva Seal
    Bracelet/Strap: Brown Patek Philippe crocodile strap
    Clasp/Buckle: 18k gold Patek Philippe buckle
    Dimensions: 37.5mm diameter
    Signed: case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: With leather wallet, product literature, wooden presentation box and outer packaging. Furthermore delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1976 and its subsequent sale on November 16, 1976.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Few wristwatch models are considered as iconic as reference 2499. A star of the vintage watches collecting market since the very beginning, this model is now considered “endgame” when it comes to vintage Patek Philippe pieces. The case design is without objection deemed one of the most successful ever created: while appearing deceptively simple at first glance, in depth analysis points out a number of details – such as the contrast between concave bezel and convex band, and of course the grooved lugs - which blend together to create a feeling of elegant masculinity, with just a touch of flamboyancy. It is not a coincidence that such design has been inspiration for some of the most appreciated modern Patek Philippe pieces, such as reference 3970, 5004 and 5016.

    From the point of view of rarity as well this is a remarkable model: in production for nearly 40 years, (approximately from 1949 to 1988) the total output for the reference is of 349 pieces in yellow and pink gold (plus two additional platinum pieces). That means an average of less than 10 watches per year: it is no surprise that this reference, even during its commercialization, frustrated countless collectors who had to wait years for the delivery of the piece, and of course only a fraction of the requests were satisfied.

    Four series are known to exist for reference 2499:
    - First series, defined by the square pushers rather than round ones and railway dial with tachymetre scale, this series can be further divided in the very early examples made by Vichet - with flat back, more pronounced downturning of the lugs, and slightly smaller diameter – and the later ones made by Wenger, who will also make the cases for the following series
    - Second series, with round pushers, but still railway dial like the first series
    - Third series (the present version): the dial evolves to a cleaner, more modern design, losing the railway divisions and tachymetre scale.
    - Fourth series, which maintains the looks of the third series but features a mineral crystal.

  • Artist Biography

    Patek Philippe

    Swiss • 1839

    Since its founding in 1839, this famous Geneva-based firm has been surprising its clientele with superbly crafted timepieces fitted with watchmaking's most prestigious complications. Traditional and conservative designs are found across Patek Philippe's watches made throughout their history — the utmost in understated elegance.

    Well-known for the Graves Supercomplication — a highly complicated pocket watch that was the world’s most complicated watch for 50 years — this family-owned brand has earned a reputation of excellence around the world. Patek's complicated vintage watches hold the highest number of world records for results achieved at auction compared with any other brand. For collectors, key models include the reference 1518, the world's first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, and its successor, the reference 2499. Other famous models include perpetual calendars such as the ref. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450, chronographs such as the reference 130, 530 and 1463, as well as reference 1436 and 1563 split seconds chronographs. Patek is also well-known for their classically styled, time-only "Calatrava" dress watches, and the "Nautilus," an iconic luxury sports watch first introduced in 1976 as the reference 3700 that is still in production today.

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Σ848

Ref. 2499
An important, extremely fine and very rare gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phases

1976
37.5mm diameter
case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$2,000,000 - 3,600,000 
€218,000-392,000
$250,000-450,000

Sold for HK$3,220,000

Contact Specialist
Ziyong Ho
Specialist
+852 9386 2032
yong.ho@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: FIVE

Hong Kong Auction 28 November 2017