There are timepieces spoken about in terms of mythical lore. While they were originally known amongst tight collecting circles, these watches completely stunned the horological community when they first appeared on the market. With time, they have either changed hands or are thought to be long lost. Yet, they are still spoken of with great reverence by the horological cognoscenti. The present watch is one such extraordinary timepiece.
While only 6 examples of the reference 2499 third series are known in pink gold, the present watch is the only known pink gold reference 2499 known to have been retailed by Trucchi, propelling it into a club so exclusive that only one person can claim to be a member. In total, 23 examples of reference 2499 are publicly known today in pink gold, all series combined, making the production numbers even lower than the famed Ferrari 250 GTO. Most notably, all known pink gold third series 2499s carry case numbers very close to each other, and this watch is no exception.
Previously having resided within a European collection for decades, this timepiece first appeared in the public sphere on April 24, 1999 and sold for an impressive 672,850 CHF. Research shows that the present watch was indeed sold in Naples to Orologeria Trucchi to an Italo-American doctor in 1972 for 6 million Italian Lire. Fitting, as the calendar wheel is in Italian. It is our understanding that the original consignor in 1999 had purchased the timepiece from the original owner.
Another detail truly separates this third series reference 2499 from the ordinary. To learn how and why, one must first understand the commonly-accepted characteristics of the different series within this important model. They are as follows:
First series: Square chronograph buttons, applied Arabic numerals, tachymeter scale and plexi crystal.
Second series: Round chronograph buttons, either applied baton or applied Arabic numerals, tachymeter scale and plexi crystal.
Third series: Round chronograph buttons, applied baton numerals, outer seconds divisions and plexi crystal.
Fourth series: Round chronograph buttons, applied baton numerals, outer seconds divisions and sapphire crystal.
As such, common knowledge would dictate that the present watch would have a plexi crystal. Yet, by a twist of fate, the present watch displays a sapphire crystal, which would require a slightly different bezel than its plexi counterpart. Thus, it is our understanding that the bezel was upgraded in the late 1980s by the manufacture due to its extraordinary quality and also considering that this timepiece was always known since the 1990s in its present state.
The watch itself is preserved in exceptional condition, with a deep hallmark between the lugs. The fluting on top of the lugs is crisp and defined, attesting to the little, if any, intervention the timepiece has seen throughout its lifetime. The dial itself is beautiful, with a strong raised hard enamel signature. Furthermore, the back of the dial displays the movement number of the timepiece - evidence that the dial was destined for this very watch.
Such trophy examples hardly ever appear in the public eye, no less in such exceptional condition and horologically interesting features.