Patek Philippe

• cal. 13''' manual winding nickel lever movement with the seal of Geneva, 23 jewels • silvered dial, applied gold faceted indexes, dauphine hands, apertures for day and month, subsidiary dials for constant seconds and 30-minute register, date combined with fan-form sector for moon-phases, outer tracking calibrated for 60 seconds • concave bezel, two round chronograph pushers to the band, fluted lugs, snap back • case and movement signed by maker, dial signed by maker and retailer • 18k yellow gold modern Patek Philippe buckle

Extremely fine example of a third series 2499 with retailer's signature. The dial is very well preserved with original enamel and original Tiffany signature. The case has been lightly polished at some point in past and now has attractive patina. Some slight nicks and scuffs on lugs. Inside of caseback with one overhaul mark from 1979. Inside of caseback with HOX mark indicating US importation. Movement in excellent condition and very well preserved in original condition. Original Patek Philippe USA 18k 1970s buckle and strap.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

With an Extract from the Archives confirming sale June 22nd, 1973.

Produced from 1950 until 1985, Ref. 2499 is recognized as one of the most important wristwatches made by Patek Philippe. The successor to Ref. 1518 and the predecessor to Ref. 3970, Ref. 2499 holds a distinguished place among the firm's exceptional perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatches. With only 349 pieces made in total, or an average of only nine pieces per year, it is an extremely rare piece and one that was made with the utmost attention paid to each detail.

The present example is distinguished by the Tiffany & Co. retailer's mark, with whom Patek Philippe shares an important and long-standing relationship. Tiffany was the first American firm to sell Patek Philippe wristwatches, dating to the birth of both companies in the mid-19th century. In 2008, Tiffany & Co. announced the opening of the first Patek Philippe boutique in America in their Fifth Avenue flagship store.

Ref. 2499 underwent four major evolutions over its 35-year production run. The first was distinguished by its square chronograph pushers and, in most examples, a tachometer scale. The second series introduced round chronograph pushers.

The third series, to which the present example belongs, was produced from 1960 until 1978. It is distinguished by its simple dial design, having dropped the tachometer scale. Examples made after 1978 belong to the fourth series of the reference, and are referred to as Ref. 2499/100.

Ref. 2499 is illustrated, along with explanations of the perpetual calendar and chronograph functions, in Huber, M., and Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Vol. II, Second Edition, pp. 298-302.