Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: SEVEN Geneva Saturday, May 12, 2018 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1979
    Reference No: 2499/100
    Movement No: 869'495
    Case No: 2’779’148
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 13’’Q, 23 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Alligator
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe pin buckle
    Dimensions: 37.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by original Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin confirming the champagne dial, Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1979 and subsequent sale on December 19, 1979, hangtag and correspondence between the owner, the retailer and Patek Philippe

  • Catalogue Essay

    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.

  • Artist Biography

    Patek Philippe

    Swiss • 1839

    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.

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Σ226

Ref. 2499/100
An extremely attractive and most probably unique yellow gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moonphases, champagne dial and original certificate, hangtag and correspondence

1979
37.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF800,000 - 1,600,000 
€686,000-1,370,000
$847,000-1,690,000

Sold for CHF1,572,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+41 22 317 81 81
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: SEVEN

Geneva Auction 12-13 May 2018