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Lot Essay
Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with lapped indexes in 1957 and its subsequent sale on 18 October 1958.
The present watch combines all ingredients necessary to truly merit the designation "an extremely fine collector's watch": made by one of the world's most dignified watchmakers, the highly coveted version of the charismatic reference 2499, the second series, the most sought-after pink gold case material, the distinguished retailer's signature Gobbi, its very original and good overall condition, and to crown it all freshness to the market as never offered at auction before.
Undoubtedly one of the best reference 2499 examples offered at auction in recent years, the rarity of this outstanding watch is further enhanced by the fact that only six examples of such second series references 2499 in pink gold are known to have appeared in public to date. It is furthermore the only one retailed by one of Italy's oldest retailer of Patek Philippe watches, Gobbi in Milan.
Reference 2499, widely acknowledged to be one of the world's greatest watch models ever created, has undoubtedly greatly influenced the design of many of the most renowned watchmakers. Introduced to the market in 1950 it replaced the legendary reference 1518, the world's first perpetual calendar wristwatch with chronograph made in series.
Over a period of 35 years, reference 2499 was made in four series in a total production of only 349 pieces, the majority cased in yellow gold. The rarity of this model becomes evident when considering that an annual average of only 9 watches left Patek Philippe's workbench.
Reference 2499 is generally divided into the following four series:
- first series: square chronograph buttons, applied Arabic numerals and tachymetre scale
- second series, such as the present watch: round chronograph buttons, either applied baton or applied Arabic numerals and tachymetre scale
- third series: round chronograph buttons, applied baton numerals and outer seconds divisions
- fourth series: round chronograph buttons, applied baton numerals, outer seconds divisions and sapphire crystal (reference 2499/100 - see lot 386 in this auction)
The model is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, pp. 302 & 304.
The present watch combines all ingredients necessary to truly merit the designation "an extremely fine collector's watch": made by one of the world's most dignified watchmakers, the highly coveted version of the charismatic reference 2499, the second series, the most sought-after pink gold case material, the distinguished retailer's signature Gobbi, its very original and good overall condition, and to crown it all freshness to the market as never offered at auction before.
Undoubtedly one of the best reference 2499 examples offered at auction in recent years, the rarity of this outstanding watch is further enhanced by the fact that only six examples of such second series references 2499 in pink gold are known to have appeared in public to date. It is furthermore the only one retailed by one of Italy's oldest retailer of Patek Philippe watches, Gobbi in Milan.
Reference 2499, widely acknowledged to be one of the world's greatest watch models ever created, has undoubtedly greatly influenced the design of many of the most renowned watchmakers. Introduced to the market in 1950 it replaced the legendary reference 1518, the world's first perpetual calendar wristwatch with chronograph made in series.
Over a period of 35 years, reference 2499 was made in four series in a total production of only 349 pieces, the majority cased in yellow gold. The rarity of this model becomes evident when considering that an annual average of only 9 watches left Patek Philippe's workbench.
Reference 2499 is generally divided into the following four series:
- first series: square chronograph buttons, applied Arabic numerals and tachymetre scale
- second series, such as the present watch: round chronograph buttons, either applied baton or applied Arabic numerals and tachymetre scale
- third series: round chronograph buttons, applied baton numerals and outer seconds divisions
- fourth series: round chronograph buttons, applied baton numerals, outer seconds divisions and sapphire crystal (reference 2499/100 - see lot 386 in this auction)
The model is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, pp. 302 & 304.