Patek Phillipe

• cal. 13''' manual winding movement, stamped with the Seal of Geneva, 23 jewels • silvered dial, applied faceted baton indexes, outer minute track with 1/5 seconds divisions, subsidiary dials for constant seconds, 30-minute register and date combined with an aperture for moon-phases, twin-apertures for day and month, dauphine hands • 18k yellow gold case, concave bezel, fluted lugs, snap-on back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle

With production starting in 1950, Patek Philippe's reference 2499 is widely regarded as one of the most important wristwatches to have been created by the Geneva based company. It's predecessor, the celebrated reference 1518 was the world first perpetual chronograph wristwatch to be manufactured in series. The 2499 was replaced, after a 35 year run, by the reference 3970.  

During this time, only 349 pieces were made, averaging 9 watches per year.

Reference 2499 underwent four major evolutions:
• produced between 1950 – 1960, the first was distinguished by its square chronograph pushers, applied Arabic numerals and, in most examples, a tachymeter scale. 

• produced between 1955 – 1964, the second series introduced round chronograph pushers, either applied baton or applied Arabic numerals and tachymeter scale.   

• produced between 1960 to 1978, the third series, to which the present lot belongs, is distinguished by its minimal dial design, having removed the tachymeter scale. 

• produced between 1978 and 1985, the fourth series, so-called 2499/100, differed from the third series by its sapphire crystal display back.

This lot has remained in the possession of the original owner until now and this is the first time it is being offered at auction.