.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1957 and its subsequent sale on 23rd March 1965.
Reference 2499 is generally divided into four series and each of these generations can be clearly defined by a set of criteria. The present example however does not clearly fall into any of the categories and after long consideration of its year of manufacture, dial design and history, one can only conclude that the proper resolution would be if the world would call it the "2 series".
With the ending of the second series in the first years of the 1960s, reference 2499 would officially wish farewell for the remainder of its production to Arabic numerals. Shortly after, the dials would also loose the signatures and scales raised in hard enamel to later, and more flat, printing techniques. This example however has a prominent Arabic 12 and otherwise short hour markers, a combination it does not share with any previous or later series. In depth research reveals that only two other references 2499 were fitted with this dial, movement numbers 868'627 and 868'628, both only a few numbers apart from the present watch. It can consequently be concluded that for a very short period only and only an extreme small number of watches, finished between 1964 and 1965, originally came with such dial. Interestingly, only a period line drawing is known to scholars, illustrating this dial version.
The present watch, offered by the estate of the original owner and consequently a true "one owner since new" watch, is also surprising with its sapphire crystal. We understand that it was the proud owner of the watch who, upon learning during the 1980s that as of now sapphire crystals would be mounted on references 2499, asked Patek Philippe to upgrade his beloved 1960s model to the latest specifications. At the same time luminous dots and hands were added for better use at night.
The unique look and absolute freshness to the market, paired with an unmolested overall condition, render this crossover of two generations a highly interesting addition for the spoilt collector.
Reference 2499
Reference 2499, widely acknowledged as one of the world's greatest watch models ever created, has undoubtedly greatly influenced the designs 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 (see lots 188 and 291 in this auction).
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 workshops.
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, such as the present watch
- fourth series: round chronograph buttons, applied baton numerals, outer seconds divisions and sapphire crystal
Reference 2499 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, pp. 302 & 304.
Reference 2499 is generally divided into four series and each of these generations can be clearly defined by a set of criteria. The present example however does not clearly fall into any of the categories and after long consideration of its year of manufacture, dial design and history, one can only conclude that the proper resolution would be if the world would call it the "2 series".
With the ending of the second series in the first years of the 1960s, reference 2499 would officially wish farewell for the remainder of its production to Arabic numerals. Shortly after, the dials would also loose the signatures and scales raised in hard enamel to later, and more flat, printing techniques. This example however has a prominent Arabic 12 and otherwise short hour markers, a combination it does not share with any previous or later series. In depth research reveals that only two other references 2499 were fitted with this dial, movement numbers 868'627 and 868'628, both only a few numbers apart from the present watch. It can consequently be concluded that for a very short period only and only an extreme small number of watches, finished between 1964 and 1965, originally came with such dial. Interestingly, only a period line drawing is known to scholars, illustrating this dial version.
The present watch, offered by the estate of the original owner and consequently a true "one owner since new" watch, is also surprising with its sapphire crystal. We understand that it was the proud owner of the watch who, upon learning during the 1980s that as of now sapphire crystals would be mounted on references 2499, asked Patek Philippe to upgrade his beloved 1960s model to the latest specifications. At the same time luminous dots and hands were added for better use at night.
The unique look and absolute freshness to the market, paired with an unmolested overall condition, render this crossover of two generations a highly interesting addition for the spoilt collector.
Reference 2499
Reference 2499, widely acknowledged as one of the world's greatest watch models ever created, has undoubtedly greatly influenced the designs 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 (see lots 188 and 291 in this auction).
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 workshops.
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, such as the present watch
- fourth series: round chronograph buttons, applied baton numerals, outer seconds divisions and sapphire crystal
Reference 2499 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, pp. 302 & 304.