152
Patek Philippe
Ref. 2499
A possibly unique, impressive, and well-preserved yellow gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phases and integrated bracelet
Full-Cataloguing
• 3rd series 2499, bracelet later added by Patek Philippe at owner’s request
• Well-preserved case and dial
• Comes from family that has been in possession of the watch for over 40 years
The story of the Patek Philippe reference 2499 is well known today among collectors and scholars. Launched in 1951, the model replaced its predecessor reference 1518 and was made for a period of 34 years until 1985, in four different series. A total of 349 pieces were made, making this a highly exclusive reference in the company’s history. The model can be generally divided by the following characteristics:
- First series: Square chronograph buttons, applied Arabic numerals and tachymeter scale.
- Second series: Round chronograph buttons, either applied baton or applied Arabic numerals and tachometer scale.
- Third series: Round chronograph buttons, applied baton numerals and outer seconds divisions, such as the present example.
- Fourth series: Round chronograph buttons, applied baton numerals, outer seconds divisions and sapphire crystal.
However, this particular 2499 dating to 1972 has a few unique traits, setting it apart from any other 2499 ever offered before. Though it has the engraved hard enamel dial of the third series, it is fitted with a sapphire crystal, and most strikingly, an 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe bracelet. Consigned by the family of an important American collector and connoisseur of wristwatches, who in the early 1980s acquired a 3rd series 2499 from a local jeweler. At the time, it was fitted with a yellow gold mesh or Milanese style bracelet in place of the leather strap. In tune with the aesthetics of the era, the collector requested that the watch be permanently fitted with a bracelet, and the watch was sent back to Patek Philippe to be converted to a watch similar to what would later be christened the 2499/101 with integrated bracelet. The extract from Patek Philippe confirms that this conversion was made in 1988 during a servicing in their workshops. During the conversion, the acrylic crystal was most probably changed to the more durable sapphire crystal in use by the mid-1980s for the 4th series 2499/101. After about a decade of careful wear, mostly limited to special occasions, the watch was put away safely and kept stored by the family.
Offered here for the first time at auction, the sumptuous yellow gold braided-style bracelet (the same style most commonly seen on the references 3945 and 3970/002) combined with the Wenger-made 3rd series case and classic 2499 dial layout evokes an undeniably enticing combination. Its freshness to the market and history make it a compelling offering for any collector of the brand looking to acquire something both unique and daring.
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.