Patek Philippe - Racing Pulse New York Saturday, December 12, 2020 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1966
    Reference No: 2499
    Movement No: 869'344
    Case No: 2'632'537
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal 13'''Q, 23 rubies
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather strap
    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 1967 and its subsequent sale on January 26, 1967.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Launched in 1951, Patek Philippe’s reference 2499 is without any doubt, one of the world’s most sought after timepieces, and inarguably, one of the greatest wristwatch designs of all time. With its 37.5 mm case diameter and wonderful sculpted lugs, it remains perfectly modern-looking and is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful serially-produced wristwatches ever made. Compared to its predecessor reference 1518, the reference 2499's larger case and stepped lugs give the watch even more presence on the wrist.

    In production for 34 years, this highly exclusive perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch was made in only 349 pieces (about 10 units per year) and frustrated countless customers with never-ending waiting lists - a common circumstance in the present day, but something unheard of at the time. Early examples featured cases made by Vichet, soon to be replaced by Wenger - such as in this instance - whose production is most notable for a larger diameter among other subtle differences. The beauty of this reference combined with its rarity have made it a "grail model” since the very beginning of wristwatch collecting, and now having developed a truly mythical aura, and considered an “endgame” watch for many experienced collectors.

    The reference 2499 can be divided into four series:

    First series watches feature square chronograph pushers, applied Arabic numerals and display a tachymeter scale on the dial.

    Second series watches feature round chronograph pushers, either applied baton or applied Arabic numerals and a tachymeter scale on the dial.

    Third series, like the present watch, feature round chronograph pushers, applied baton numerals and outer seconds divisions.

    Fourth series watches feature round chronograph pushers, applied baton numerals, outer seconds divisions and a sapphire crystal.

    This particular example is preserved in appealing condition with strong fluting on the lugs and robust case proportions. It last appeared on the public market in October 1991 - coincidentally in New York as well - and has resided in an important Italian collection since then.

    The resurfacing of this gem is a most welcome occurrence, certain to delight collectors of vintage high-end, complicated Patek Philippe wristwatches.

  • 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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Ref. 2499
An important, very rare, and extremely attractive yellow gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moonphases

1966
37.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
$200,000 - 400,000 
CHF180,000-361,000
€169,000-337,000
HK$1,550,000-3,100,000

Sold for $378,000

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas & International Strategy Advisor
Senior Vice President
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

Racing Pulse

New York Auction 12 December 2020