Lot 332
  • 332

Patek Philippe

Estimate
200,000 - 300,000 CHF
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • RETAILED BY GOBBI: AN EXTREMELY RARE YELLOW GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH MOON PHASES AND REGISTERS REF 2499 THIRD SERIES MVT 869447 CASE 2700399 MADE IN 1972
  • yellow gold
  • diameter 38 mm
• cal. 13'''manual winding movement, stamped with the seal of Geneva, 20 jewels • silvered dial, applied faceted square and baton indexes, three subsidiary dials for constant seconds, 30-minute register, and date combined with fan-form aperture for moon-phases, apertures for day and month in Italian, Dauphine hands • 18k yellow gold case, scooped bezel, stepped lugs, snap-on back case, dial and movement signed

Condition

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 in good condition with some oxidation marks to its edge and to the apertures of the day and month. Hands in good condition with usual scuffs. Case polished and with small scuffs due to use. Overall in 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."

Catalogue Note

This exceptional wristwatch was previously unknown to the market and is the only example of the third series of this famous model to feature the iconic Italian retailer’s signature, Gobbi, to the dial. From the beginning of the 20th Century, Patek Philippe shared an important relationship with Gobbi and the Milanese retailer was one of the first to represent the Geneva manufacturer in Italy. Founded in 1842, Gobbi is managed today by Luca Pozzolini Gobbi and his daughter Serena, who represents the sixth generation. As the watch was retailed in Italy, the silvered dial features Italian calendar apertures. The gold case has wonderfully thick, stepped lugs and a scooped bezel.

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

With only 349 pieces made in total, representing an average of just nine pieces per year, reference 2499 holds a distinguished place among the firm's exceptional perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatches. It is a highly refined model and one that was made with the utmost attention paid to every detail of its design.

Reference 2499 underwent four major evolutions over its 35-year production run:
- The first series 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, to which the present example belongs, was produced from 1960 until 1978, it is distinguished by the clarity of its dial’s design, with no outer tachometer scale. 
- Finally, the fourth series, also referred to as reference 2944/100, differed from the third series by the addition of a sapphire crystal.

Reference 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.