In 1950, Patek Philippe introduced the ref. 2499 to replace its first perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch ref. 1518. Early examples of the ref. 2499 retains very similar traits as the ref. 1518, such as applied Arabic numerals and rectangular chronograph pushers for examples from the first series. However, the case was entirely new with oversized fluted lugs. The launch of the ref. 2499 remained as the only perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch in the market, and retained its status for almost 3 decades. The total production of the reference was divided into four series with a combined production of 349 examples across all materials produced until 1985.

1st Series (1950 – 1960) – Square pushers (Arabic or Applied indexed “No Tachometer” dial) – Estimated 40 examples produced in 18K yellow and pink gold.

2nd Series (1955 – 1964) – Round pushers (Arabic or Applied lapilated indexed “Tachymeter dial”) – Estimated 60 examples produced in 18K yellow and pink gold.

3rd Series (1960 – 1978) – “Bullet” indexes (No tachometer & “chemin de fer”) – Estimated 100 examples produced in 18K yellow, pink and white gold.

4th Series (1978 – 1985) – Ref. 2499/100 (Early example – Case by A. Wenger, Late example – Case by Atelier Reunis) – Estimated 120 examples produced in 18K yellow, pink, white and platinum.

In 1978, Patek Philippe introduced the fourth and last series of the ref. 2499/100 with upgrades such as a sapphire crystal, reflected on the present example. Discontinued in 1985 and replaced by the ref. 3970, it is believed that over the production span of seven years for the fourth series, 120 examples were manufactured across all materials with most in yellow gold, half a dozen in pink gold, fewer in white gold and only 2 examples in platinum. Exceedingly rare, it is believed by discerned collectors of Patek Philippe and vintage enthusiasts that the ref. 2499 is one of the most perfect wristwatches manufactured by any, as it retains a vintage appeal along with practical modern upgrades such as the sapphire crystal.

The present example ref. 2499/100 in yellow gold from 1982 from the fourth series is a phenomenal sight to see. Early examples of the fourth series manufactured in the first two years featured a case made by master casemaker A. Wenger, with later examples bearing a case made in-house. Encased in a beautiful second-generation in-house case made by Atelier Reunis identifiable via “key no. 28” stamped inside the caseback, the present specimen features the last three digits of the case number hand-engraved on the inner rim of the bezel as well as the caseback, which is unusual and rare to come across. Featured inside the case displays an original and attractive Mark 4 dial determined by the large gap between “σ Swiss σ” and the outer minute track at 6 O’clock.

Preserved in excellent overall condition, the case is very well-preserved with crisp edges and bevels, defined fluted lugs with sharp and unrubbed hallmarks stamped behind, a very attractive and original dial, which is rare in its own respect. Furthermore, it is delivered with a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with silvered dial and applied yellow gold numerals in 1982 and its subsequent sale on 8 November 1983. It is not often that a Patek Philippe ref. 2499 surfaces on the market as collectors just love it so much. The present lot is an absolute delight, even more so with authorized documentation confirming the production of the present watch. It is truly a fantastic opportunity for collectors of vintage and Patek Philippe to acquire arguably the best wristwatch ever produced.