Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1972 Reference No: 2499 Movement No: 869'444 Case No: 2'700'396 Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 13'', 23 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle Dimensions: 37.5mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1972 and its subsequent sale on February 15, 1973. Provenance: The John Goldberger Collection, acquired in 1988.
Provenance
The John Goldberger Collection, acquired in 1988.
Catalogue Essay
Launched in 1951, reference 2499 is an incredibly timeless and spectacular model. With its 37.5 millimeter case and harmonious dial configuration, it remains an incredibly modern-looking wristwatch today. Considered one the most beautiful serially-produced models ever created, it is a "trophy watch" for many collectors regardless of which series it belongs to. In production for 34 years, this highly exclusive perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch was made in 349 pieces. First produced by Vichet and then by Wenger, the case boasts beautiful fluted lugs that hug the wrist wonderfully.
While the present watch is a second series example, reference 2499 can be divided into four categories:
First series watches feature square chronograph buttons, applied Arabic numerals and display a tachymeter scale on the dial.
Second series watches, like the present example, feature round chronograph buttons, either applied baton or applied Arabic numerals and a tachymeter scale on the dial.
Third series watches feature round chronograph buttons, applied baton numerals and outer seconds divisions.
Fourth series feature round chronograph buttons, applied baton numerals, outer seconds divisions and a sapphire crystal.
Coming from the John Goldberger collection and with over 30 years of uninterrupted ownership, this particular example is preserved in impressive and noteworthy condition with strong fluting on the lugs and robust case proportions. It is preserved in possibly unpolished condition. Compared to its predecessor reference 1518, reference 2499's stepped lugs give the watch even more presence on the wrist. Furthermore, the dial remains in excellent condition with a hard enamel signature. On this example, the accent above the "e" in "Genève" is still present and all the graphics remain intact. Furthermore, the hallmark on the case remains crisp and strong.
Most interestingly, the Extract from the Archives shows that the present watch was made in 1972 - typically later for a second series reference 2499. However, further research shows the last three digits "444" are engraved on the back of the dial, confirming the originality of the present timepiece. Thus, the present watch was most likely one of the latest second series ever made, mounted upon special order by the original client in 1972, with what was probably a stock dial in the Patek Philippe factory.
Goldberger had purchased the watch in 1988 in New York and since then, the watch has never left his collection. It is hard to imagine that in the short 16 years before entering the Goldberger collection, that someone would have changed the dial, especially in view of the "444" scratched on the back of the dial.
Its good looks coupled with its desirability renders this timepiece one of the most collectible vintage wristwatches on the market today.
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.
