Patek Philippe

13''' nickel lever movement stamped twice with the seal of Geneva, 23 jewels, bi-metallic compensation balance, 8 adjustments, precision regulator • silvered dial, applied Arabic numerals, gold feuille hands, apertures for day and month, subsidiary dials for constant seconds, 30-minute register and date combined with fan-form aperture for moon-phases, outer tachometer scale calibrated for miles • 18k gold case with concave bezel, two rectangular chronograph pushers to the band, snap back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k gold Patek Philippe buckle

The movement is running and all functions appear to be fully working while cataloguing. Great looking dial with clear tracks and signature, it has been gently cleaned in the past, some very small parts of the outer enamelled tracks have been very well and sympatheticaly refreshed but this is not visible to the naked eye and is very difficult to see even under high magnification. The case typical of the first series of the reference 2499 has been gently polished but retains excellent definition. The first series is increasingly difficult to find on the market, and the present lot is a very appealing example.
"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."

Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming production in 1953 and sale on October 1st, 1956.

Reference 2499 was manufactured between 1950 and 1985. During the 35 years of production, just 349 pieces were made, equating to an average of 9 examples a year. The first series is by far the rarest and research shows that there may have been no more than 40 pieces made in yellow gold. Very few examples of the reference are known to feature a mile rather than kilometer tachometer dial as featured on the present wristwatch. With its crisp flat rectangular pushers, the first series 2499 is immediately distinguishable from all later series, each of which has round chronograph pushers.

The 2499 is recognised as one of the most important perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatches made by Patek Philippe. When it was launched in 1950, Patek Philippe was still the only watchmaker to manufacture such a complication. The first series 2499 was some 2mm larger in diameter than the reference 1518 that it was introduced to replace. With rounded sides and finely stepped down-turned lugs, the 2499 first series is substantial in size with its 'bassine' case. As testament to the reference 2499's classic styling, reflections of the first series 2499 can be seen in the recently launched ref.5970 which echoes its forebear in both design and appearance, especially with its rectangular pushers and tachometer dial.