Lot 312
  • 312

Patek Philippe

Estimate
250,000 - 350,000 USD
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • A Highly Important and Rare Yellow Gold Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Wristwatch with Register and Moon-phasesRef 2499 Mvt 869359 Case 2637700 Made in 1968
  • gold, alligator strap
  • diameter 37 mm, thickness 14 mm
• cal. 13''' manual winding movement stamped with the seal of Geneva, 23 jewels, mono-metallic compensation balance, 8 adjustments • silvered dial, applied faceted yellow gold indexes, subsidiary dials for the constant seconds and 30-minute register, aperture for moon-phases combined with date, apertures for day and month, outer seconds tracking • 18k yellow gold case, concave bezel, fluted lugs, round chronograph pushers, snap on case back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle

Condition

Movement running at time of cataloguing, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time and may need service at the buyer's discretion. The watch is in overall very good condition. The case retains defined fluting on the lugs with slight signs of polish on the ends. Small nick to the edge of the bezel at 6 o'clock. Minor scuffing to the case band with small scratches to the case back and from the case being opened. Slight scratches to the correctors. Last 3 digits of the case number engraved on the inside of the upper left lug. Dial is in very good, all original condition. No watchmaker's marks to the inner case back. Movement retains its finish and is in very good aesthetic condition and all functions work correctly. Overall the watch is in very good condition and is, as an entire piece, a very well preserved example. The strap of this watch contains endangered species and may have to be removed prior to shipping outside the United States. Please see Important Notices.
"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."

Catalogue Note

With an Extract from the Archives confirming sale on June 27th, 1968.

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.

Ref. 2499 underwent four major evolutions over its 35-year production run. The first was distinguished by its square chronograph pushers and, with 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 and continued the use of a tachometer.

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.