Patek Philippe - The New York Watch Auction: NINE New York Saturday, December 9, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1980
    Reference No: 2499/100
    Movement No: 869’404
    Case No: 2’779’165
    Model Name: 4th series
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 13’’’CH Q, 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 a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1980 and its subsequent sale on October 31, 1980

  • Catalogue Essay

    Patek Philippe is renowned for its iconic line of perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatches. From the very first serialized model, the reference 1518 released in 1941, the manufacturer has continued to delight collectors with these remarkable and important complicated timepieces. In production for 34 years, the reference 2499 succeeded the reference 1518 beginning in 1951 and was made in only 349 pieces (approximately 10 units per year). Early examples featured cases made by Vichet, soon to be replaced by Wenger, like the present watch, whose production is most notable for its modern 37.5mm diameter case and other subtle differences. The beauty of the reference 2499 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, it is rightfully 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 feature round chronograph pushers, applied baton numerals, and outer seconds divisions without tachymeter scale.
    - Fourth series, like the present watch, feature round chronograph pushers, applied baton numerals, outer seconds divisions, and a sapphire crystal.
    The reference 2499/100, known as the fourth series and the last generation, was in production from 1980 to 1985, before the launch of the replacement reference 3970, in 1986. The present watch was last seen in public in 2012 and has since remained treasured by an important international collector. It is one of the earliest made in the series and remains in superbly preserved, original condition. The Wenger case, most probably unpolished, features well-defined lines and strong definition with the recognizable compact stepped lugs and domed caseback. The hallmark at nine o’clock remains crisp and the gold has taken on a warm hue indicative of hardly being worn, while the dial remains well-preserved. Remarkably the case was meant for the American market as seen by the crisp 18K hallmark found on the center of the case back.
    Originally from the collection of famed American voice actor and radio personality, Mel Blanc, this lovely 2499/100 is a testament to the enduring legacy of Patek Philippe’s historic line of perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatches. The 2499 is a horological icon and the incredible condition of this example make it a highly sought after trophy watch for the most discerning connoisseur.

  • 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. 2499/100
An important, exceptional, and rare yellow gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phase

1980
37.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed

Estimate
$400,000 - 800,000 
CHF360,000-721,000
€374,000-749,000
HK$3,120,000-6,250,000
S$543,000-1,090,000

Sold for $685,800

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Deputy Chairman and Head of Watches, Americas
+1 (212) 940-1293
WatchesNY@Phillips.com
 
Isabella Proia
Head of Sale, New York
+1 (212) 940 1285
iproia@phillips.com

The New York Watch Auction: NINE

New York Auction 9 - 10 December 2023