This watch is accompanied by a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives.
Patek Philippe produced a total of 349 examples of reference 2499, beginning in 1951 and continuing into the 1980's. The vast majority of these watches were cased in yellow gold. The model is generally divided into four different series:
First series: Features square chronograph buttons, applied Arabic numerals and tachometer scale.
Second Series: Features round chronograph buttons, either applied baton or applied Arabic numerals and tachometer scale.
Third Series: Features round chronograph buttons, applied baton numerals and outer seconds track.
Fourth Series: Features round chronograph buttons, applied baton numerals, outer seconds track and sapphire crystal (reference 2499/100).
The present lot belongs to the second series and is extrmely rare in that the dial features Arabic numerals, more commonly found on the first series. Nearly all examples of the Ref. 2499, 2nd series have baton indexes to the dial.
Other examples of reference 2499 are illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, 2nd edition, pp. 302 & 304.