Patek Philippe

• cal. 13''' manual winding damascened nickel lever movement stamped with the Geneva seal, 20 jewels, mono-metallic compensation balance, 8 adjustments, precision regulator • silvered dial, applied faceted square and baton numerals, three subsidiary dials for constant seconds, 30-minute register and date combined with aperture for moon-phases, apertures for day and month in English, dauphine hands, Beyer signature • scooped bezel, stepped lugs, snap-on case back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k yellow gold PP buckle, Certificate of Origin and original presentation case

Manual winding movement running, chronograph functions are operating and calendar is advancing while cataloguing. Dial is in very good condition with no signs of ageing and in original condition. Hard enamel is nicely raised. Case is thick and has kept its original proportions. Lugs are nicely stepped. Little dent to the bezel at 8 o'clock and tiny minor dents at 12,2 & 5 o'clock, but this is minor. A few little scuffs to the case from light wear, but again, this is minor. Hallmarks are clear and crisp. ''HPN'' is lightly engraved on the case back. The Certificate of Origin confirms production of the watch in 18k yellow gold with silvered dial and yellow gold indexes. This piece is one of the finest and rarest examples of the reference to have been seen in the market and this is the first time it has appeared at auction. Overall the watch is in very good condition.
"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."

Reference 2499 is recognised as one of the most important perpetual calendar wristwatches ever made by Patek Philippe. When the 2499 was originally launched, Patek Philippe was still the only watchmaker to manufacture such a complication. Manufactured between 1950 and 1985, only 349 examples in a total of four series were made.
The present lot belongs to the 4th series and is part of a limited series which was made for the famous retailer Beyer in Zürich. Only one other 2499/100J retailed by Beyer appeared on the market and was sold in Geneva in November 2007 for CHF 505,000.
In outstanding condition and accompanied by its original certificate and presentation case, the present piece is one of the finest and rarest examples of the reference to have been seen in the market and this is the first time it has appeared at auction.
Reference 2499 is illustrated in Huber, M., Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Vol.2, p.302.