The Patek Philippe reference 2499, in any dial or case combination, can be considered one of, if not the most iconic and desirable trophy watches to crown any collection. However, an example fresh to the market with a unique champagne dial in mint condition accompanied with its original Certificate of Origin and correspondence elevates its collectability to Himalayan heights.

This yellow gold reference 2499/100 with champagne dial or “doré” was made upon special order and is accompanied by a series of correspondence between the original owner, the retailer and Patek Philippe between 1979 and 1981 regarding the order and even more amusingly a long series of epistolary exchanges where the owner expresses his ultimate dissatisfaction (in a very understated manner) in receiving the watch with one strap mounted back to front! In fact the owner was so upset that the watch remained almost completely unworn and the strap remaining back to front, his curse being transformed today to a blessing for the collector who will own an unmolested timepiece.

Reference 2499 was produced between 1951 (replacing the iconic reference 1518) and 1985, in a limited number of approximately 349 examples. Its large 37.5mm case, down turned stepped lugs, beautifully balanced dial layout and superlative complicated movement stamped with the Geneva seal make this reference one of the most exciting watches to leave the Patek Philippe ateliers.

Patek Philippe initially used famed case maker, Vichet, to manufacture the 2499’s case, however early on switched their production to the Wenger atelier. The Vichet case had pronounced, elongated lugs, and a flat case back, while the Wenger case featured a beautifully domed caseback with more compact lugs, as found on the present timepiece.

Patek Philippe evolved the dial designs as well, and can be categorized into the following four series:

• First series: distinguished by square chronograph pushers, applied Arabic numerals and tachymeter scale.
• Second series: first to use round chronograph pushers, either applied Arabic numerals or baton indexes, and tachymeter scale.
• Third series: round chronograph buttons, applied baton indexes and outer seconds divisions, the tachymeter scale has been removed.
• Fourth series: to which the present example belongs, round chronograph pushers, applied baton indexes and out seconds division, with sapphire crystal, reference 2499/100.

The present timepiece, in superb condition, comes mounted with its original strap which has remained mounted back to front, original certificate indicating the “doré” or champagne dial, hang tag as well as the different exchanges between the original owner, "Watches of Switzerland", the London based retailer and Patek Philippe allowing us to delve partially in the relationship between the three parties involved in commissioning and creating this superb icon.

The case displays strong definition to the lugs, and well-preserved hallmarks, and the wonderful dial with its unusual champagne color is perfectly crisp and devoid of marks.

The reference 2499 is a milestone in the history of wristwatches and when a unique piece in such untouched condition appears on the auction room for the first time it is an opportunity that the discerning collector cannot let go.