Patek Philippe

• cal. 13''' manual winding nickel lever movement stamped 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, dial  and movement signed • 18k yellow gold  Patek Philippe buckle

Reginald H. Fullerton, Jr.

Movement current not running but can be repaired - the there is broken pivot on the upper balance staff. Movement otherwise in attractive original condition and lack of running has appeared preserve the parts in original unworn condition. The case slightly and professionally polished, most likely by Patek Philippe. The dial in beautiful unfinished condition and developing subtle elegant patina. The strap of this watch contains endangered species; please see Important Notices for further information.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

With a Certificate of Origin and an Extract from the Archives confirming the date of manufacture in 1980 and subsequent sale on September 25th of that year. Together with a presentation box and 1981 product literature including setting instructions.

Production of reference 2499/100 began in 1978 and lasted only seven years. Made in 1981, the present lot is one of the first examples issued. Research shows that from this group, approximately one hundred pieces were made in yellow gold. With around 600 Patek Philippe retailers worldwide at the end of the 1970s, and an average of just 14 examples of Ref. 2499/100 being released each year, it would have been extremely difficult to secure such a piece for one's collection. Considering his family's esteemed ranks as patrons of Patek Philippe over the generations, Pete Fullerton was able to secure an example of this rare reference to add to his superlative collection.

After 35 years, production of Ref. 2499 ended in 1985. It was replaced with the 3970, and more recently the 5970, both deeply influenced by the 2499 series. Today, Ref. 2499 is considered to be Patek Philippe's archetypal vintage perpetual calendar chronograph and remains one of the most popular models ever made by the company.