220
Patek Philippe
Ref. 2499/100
A very rare and extremely collectible yellow gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moonphases
Full-Cataloguing
- Perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moonphases
- Present watch is fourth series example
- Appeared on the market once in 2019
- Preserved in overall excellent condition
The Patek Philippe reference 2499 is without a doubt one of the most iconic watches of the 20th century. In production for 34 years, the reference 2499 succeeded the reference 1518 beginning in 1951 and was made in only 349 pieces (approximately 10 units per year). Early examples featured cases made by Vichet, soon to be replaced by Wenger, whose production is most notable for its modern 37.5 mm diameter case—among other subtle differences. Later, case production was internalized within Patek Philippe and assigned to the in-house company Atelier Reunis (casemaker number 28), which also made the last 2499 cases, such as the present watch.
Departing from the very Calatrava-inspired, frill-less design of its parent model, reference 2499 instead features a remarkably large-for-the-time case, a play of concave and convex surfaces on its band and bezel, and sculpted lugs. It truly was a much more architectural watch, managing to convey stately importance while retaining a hint of whimsy. Such remarkable design consecrated the model as one of the most attractive wristwatches ever made. This allure, combined with its rarity, established it as a "grail model" from the very beginning of wristwatch collecting. Today, it has developed a truly mythical aura and is rightfully considered an “endgame” watch for many experienced collectors.
The reference 2499 can be divided into four series:
First series: square chronograph pushers, Arabic numerals, tachymeter scale.
Second series: round chronograph pushers, either baton or Arabic numerals, tachymeter scale.
Third series: round chronograph pushers, applied baton numerals, outer seconds divisions without tachymeter scale.
Fourth series, like the present watch: round chronograph pushers, applied baton numerals, outer seconds divisions, and a sapphire crystal—prompting a slightly higher bezel with a subtly more prominent wrist presence. Fourth Series examples bear the reference 2499/100.
The condition of the watch is exceptional. The dial, in particular, is preserved in absolutely stunning condition, without any signs of oxidation sometimes seen on Fourth Series examples. The case follows suit, featuring strong proportions and crisp hallmarks. Having only appeared on the market in 2019, the present watch is now ready for its third custodian.
Patek Philippe
Swiss | 1839Since 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.