Patek Philippe

• cal. 13-130 manual winding damascened nickel lever movement stamped with Geneva seal, 23 jewels, mono-metallic compensation balance, 8 adjustments, precision regulator • silvered dial, applied faceted baton numerals, three subsidiary dials for constant seconds, 30-minute and date combined with aperture for moon-phases, apertures for day and month in English • 18k yellow gold circular bassine case, scooped bezel, stepped lugs, snap-on case back • case, dial and movement signed • 18k yellow gold PP buckle, Extract from the Archives

Movement running and surfaces in good condition. Beautiful dial in excellent condition, a few minor and very small spots above 12 o'clock. Case has been gently polished in the past but the lugs retain clear steps. Small scratch between the crown and the lower chronograph pusher.
"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."

The accompanying Extract from the Patek Philippe Archives confirms that this wristwatch was manufactured in 1981 and sold on 7th August the same year.

Production of reference 2499/100 began in 1978 and lasted only 7 years, research shows that approximately one hundred examples were made in yellow gold. With around 600 Patek Philippe retailers at the end of the 70s, and an average of just 14 ref.2499/100s being released each year, it would have been extremely difficult to secure an example. After 35 years, production of reference 2499 ended in 1985 to be replaced with the 3970 and more recently the 5970, both deeply influenced by the 2499 series. Today, reference 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.

Interestingly an identical Ref. 2499/100 bearing movement no. 869'411and case no. 2'779'180 sequentially one number earlier than the present watch was sold at Christie's Geneva, 17th November 2008, lot 224.

A similar wristwatch was published in the Patek Philippe Catalogue Général of 1980 (page 133), an illustration can also be found in Huber, M., Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Vol.2, p.302. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that the present wristwatch has been offered for sale at auction.