Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: XIII Geneva Saturday, May 8, 2021 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1985
    Reference No: 2499/100
    Movement No: 869'293
    Case No: 2'792'149
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 13''', 23 jewels, stamped twice with the Geneva Seal
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe pin 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 1985 and its subsequent sale on February 28, 1985.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The present fourth series 2499 represents the very end of the production of the model, having been executed in 1985 - the year of the discontinuation of the series. With a case in superbly well preserved condition, and a dial equally attractive - absolutely unrestored and without any loss or deterioration to the graphics - the present specimen is truly an opportunity not to be missed. The extremely few and minor hints of oxidation present on the dial are a subtle reminder of the vintage character of this treasured timepiece.

    Not only this watch impresses with its condition, but with its rarity as well: it is one of only 6 fourth series 2499 to bear the exotic German calendar.
    Last appeared on the market more than 30 years ago (in October 1990), it is our pride and pleasure to bring back to the public this gem.

    The final iteration of reference 2499 features a relatively short production run of 8 years from 1978 to 1985. However, the know-how accumulated of the previous three decades enormously improved the productive process. As a result, notwithstanding its short production time, 4th series 2499 are about as numerous as third series pieces (which were in production for about 2 decades). They are exclusively known in yellow gold, even though it is speculated that a small amount was made in pink gold. The one certainty is that a Trucchi double signed third series pink gold example was upgraded into a fourth series via bezel change by Patek Philippe. While not "properly" a fourth series examples, that timepiece, sold in this saleroom in 2019, sports what architecturally is a fourth series case.

    While the dial layout remains generally the same as the one of third series watches, the difference with its earlier siblings resides in the crystal: the plastic crystal used so far is abandoned in favour of a modern mineral scratch-proof alternative. Such upgrade necessitate a minor adjustment of the bezel, which is now a bit higher. What would seem a small tweak has in fact important practical ramifications if one is to wear the watch on a regular basis.

  • 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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130

Ref. 2499/100
A very fine, rare and important yellow gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moonphases, mineral crystal and German calendar

1985
37.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF300,000 - 600,000 
€272,000-544,000
$327,000-653,000

Sold for CHF428,400

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

 

 

The Geneva Watch Auction: XIII

Geneva Auction 8 - 9 May 2021