Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: X Hong Kong Friday, July 10, 2020 | Phillips

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: X

Hong Kong Auction 10 July 2020

  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1982
    Reference No: 2499/100
    Movement No: 869'257
    Case No: 2'792'113
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, 13'''130 Q, 23 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe pin buckle
    Dimensions: 38mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Further accompanied by undated certificate, original calfskin Patek Philippe strap and red document holder. Further delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with silvered dial and applied yellow gold numerals in 1982 and its subsequent sale on 8 November 1983.
    Literature: For another example of a reference 2499 fourth series, please see Patek Philippe Museum Patek Philippe Watches, Volume II, page 307.

  • Catalogue Essay

    In 1950, Patek Philippe introduced the ref. 2499 to replace its first perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch ref. 1518. Early examples of the ref. 2499 retains very similar traits as the ref. 1518, such as applied Arabic numerals and rectangular chronograph pushers for examples from the first series. However, the case was entirely new with oversized fluted lugs. The launch of the ref. 2499 remained as the only perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch in the market, and retained its status for almost 3 decades. The total production of the reference was divided into four series with a combined production of 349 examples across all materials produced until 1985.

    1st Series (1950 – 1960) – Square pushers (Arabic or Applied indexed “No Tachometer” dial) – Estimated 40 examples produced in 18K yellow and pink gold.

    2nd Series (1955 – 1964) – Round pushers (Arabic or Applied lapilated indexed “Tachymeter dial”) – Estimated 60 examples produced in 18K yellow and pink gold.

    3rd Series (1960 – 1978) – “Bullet” indexes (No tachometer & “chemin de fer”) – Estimated 100 examples produced in 18K yellow, pink and white gold.

    4th Series (1978 – 1985) – Ref. 2499/100 (Early example – Case by A. Wenger, Late example – Case by Atelier Reunis) – Estimated 120 examples produced in 18K yellow, pink, white and platinum.

    In 1978, Patek Philippe introduced the fourth and last series of the ref. 2499/100 with upgrades such as a sapphire crystal, reflected on the present example. Discontinued in 1985 and replaced by the ref. 3970, it is believed that over the production span of seven years for the fourth series, 120 examples were manufactured across all materials with most in yellow gold, half a dozen in pink gold, fewer in white gold and only 2 examples in platinum. Exceedingly rare, it is believed by discerned collectors of Patek Philippe and vintage enthusiasts that the ref. 2499 is one of the most perfect wristwatches manufactured by any, as it retains a vintage appeal along with practical modern upgrades such as the sapphire crystal.

    The present example ref. 2499/100 in yellow gold from 1982 from the fourth series is a phenomenal sight to see. Early examples of the fourth series manufactured in the first two years featured a case made by master casemaker A. Wenger, with later examples bearing a case made in-house. Encased in a beautiful second-generation in-house case made by Atelier Reunis identifiable via “key no. 28” stamped inside the caseback, the present specimen features the last three digits of the case number hand-engraved on the inner rim of the bezel as well as the caseback, which is unusual and rare to come across. Featured inside the case displays an original and attractive Mark 4 dial determined by the large gap between “σ Swiss σ” and the outer minute track at 6 O’clock.

    Preserved in excellent overall condition, the case is very well-preserved with crisp edges and bevels, defined fluted lugs with sharp and unrubbed hallmarks stamped behind, a very attractive and original dial, which is rare in its own respect. Furthermore, it is delivered with a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with silvered dial and applied yellow gold numerals in 1982 and its subsequent sale on 8 November 1983. It is not often that a Patek Philippe ref. 2499 surfaces on the market as collectors just love it so much. The present lot is an absolute delight, even more so with authorized documentation confirming the production of the present watch. It is truly a fantastic opportunity for collectors of vintage and Patek Philippe to acquire arguably the best wristwatch ever produced.

  • 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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Σ998

Patek Philippe

Ref. 2499/100
An extremely fine and rare yellow gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phases

1982
38mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$3,500,000 - 5,000,000 
€382,000-546,000
$449,000-641,000

Sold for HK$4,710,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi

Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001

WatchesHK@phillips.com

 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: X

Hong Kong Auction 10 July 2020