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Lot Essay
Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1981 and its subsequent sale on 29 October 1981.
The present watch is a most spectacular variant of reference's 2499 celebrated fourth series. It is thought to be the only example of this model ever made featuring such a dial layout with tachymetre scale. Whereas the first and second series of reference 2499 were commonly fitted with such a scale, it is virtually unknown in the third and fourth series.
The dial of the present watch was probably either a prototype or special order, as hardly any element is identical to the standard version of ref. 2499/100. Most notably is the presence of the tachymetre scale, not known to any other example of this series. However, the list of differences between this watch and the regular version is long, including the use of different fonts and sizes for all scales, numbers and letters in black. The position of the signature is closer to the centre to name another visually evident uniqueness. Finally, the printing technique of the black scales and numbers is different from the regular ref. 2499/100 dial, supporting the theory that this dial was always intended to be a one-off.
According to our research, only one other example of reference 2499/100 with an outer scale has been published, however fitted with a telemetre scale.
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: round chronograph buttons, either applied baton or applied Arabic numerals and tachymetre scale (for an example cased in pink gold see lot 158 in this auction)
- 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
The model is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, pp. 302 & 304.
The present watch is a most spectacular variant of reference's 2499 celebrated fourth series. It is thought to be the only example of this model ever made featuring such a dial layout with tachymetre scale. Whereas the first and second series of reference 2499 were commonly fitted with such a scale, it is virtually unknown in the third and fourth series.
The dial of the present watch was probably either a prototype or special order, as hardly any element is identical to the standard version of ref. 2499/100. Most notably is the presence of the tachymetre scale, not known to any other example of this series. However, the list of differences between this watch and the regular version is long, including the use of different fonts and sizes for all scales, numbers and letters in black. The position of the signature is closer to the centre to name another visually evident uniqueness. Finally, the printing technique of the black scales and numbers is different from the regular ref. 2499/100 dial, supporting the theory that this dial was always intended to be a one-off.
According to our research, only one other example of reference 2499/100 with an outer scale has been published, however fitted with a telemetre scale.
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: round chronograph buttons, either applied baton or applied Arabic numerals and tachymetre scale (for an example cased in pink gold see lot 158 in this auction)
- 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
The model is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, pp. 302 & 304.