Patek Philippe

• cal. 13''' manual winding nickel-finished 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 • 18k yellow gold case with concave bezel, two round chronograph pushers to the band, fluted lugs, snap-on back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe deployant clasp

Please note that the movement has not been checked for timekeeping accuracy and Sotheby's will not be held responsible for any repairs should they be required. The movement is running at the time of cataloguing and the perpetual calendar, as well as the chronograph function, is operating. Dial and hands in very good condition. Case with inevitable light scuffs due to use. Overall in very good condition. Very appealing watch.
"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."

Produced from 1950, reference 2499 is recognized as one of the most important wristwatches made by Patek Philippe. The successor to the legendary reference 1518, the world’s first perpetual calendar and chronograph wristwatch produced in series. The 2499 was replaced in 1985 by reference 3970.

With only 349 pieces made in total, or an average of only nine pieces per year, reference 2499 holds a distinguished place among the firm's exceptional perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatches. It is an extremely rare piece and one that was made with the utmost attention paid to each detail.

Reference 2499 underwent four major evolutions over its 35 year production run:
- The first was distinguished by its square chronograph pushers, applied Arabic numerals and, in most examples, a tachometer scale. 
- The second series introduced round chronograph pushers, either applied baton or applied Arabic numerals and tachometer scale.   
- The third series was produced from 1960 until 1978. It is distinguished by its simple dial design, having dropped the tachometer scale. 
- Finally, the fourth series, to which the present example belongs, also referred to as reference 2944/100, differed from the third series by its sapphire crystal.

The present lot, in beautiful cosmetic and perfect working condition, belongs to the second series of the 2499/100 with its slightly different case made by Ateliers Réunis. The dial is also slightly different with smaller numerals for the 30-minutes counter.

According to literature, only 100 pieces of reference 2499/100 were produced. With its distinctive sapphire crystal, this extremely rare reference has to be considered as the link between the vintage and the modern production of the celebrated manufacture.