- 2289
PATEK PHILIPPE | REFERENCE 2499, FIRST SERIES A HIGHLY IMPORTANT AND HISTORICALLY INTERESTING YELLOW GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH MOON PHASES AND VICHET CASE, MADE IN 1951
Estimate
8,000,000 - 16,000,000 HKD
Sold
11,935,000 HKD
bidding is closed
Description
- REFERENCE 2499, FIRST SERIES A HIGHLY IMPORTANT AND HISTORICALLY INTERESTING YELLOW GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH MOON PHASES AND VICHET CASE, MADE IN 1951
Dial: silveredCalibre: cal. 13''' mechanical, 23 jewelsMovement number: 868'243 Case: 18k yellow gold, snap-on case backCase number: 665'010 Closure: 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe bracelet and folding clasp, brown Patek Philippe alligator strap and 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle Size: 36.5 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 180 mmSigned: case, dial and movementAccessories: Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1951 and its subsequent sale on 14 October 1953
Literature
For another example of a reference 2499, first series with bracelet, please see Patek Philippe Museum Patek Philippe Watches, Volume 2, page 306.
Catalogue Note
Patek Philippe Reference 2499, First Series with Vichet Case This exceptionally rare and highly important reference 2499 first series is an outstanding wristwatch and potentially the only one of its kind. The watch first surfaced at auction 17 years ago in New York and has slept in the same highly important collection ever since.
The First Series 2499 was first introduced in 1950 and can be divided into two different categories. The two categories are defined by the case maker, the first series were made by Vichet and the second series cases were made by Wenger. The Wenger cases featured a domed case back, slightly shorter lugs with a slightly larger case diameter. According to research, there are around 28 examples of a yellow gold first series with a Wenger case. The Vichet case is much rarer, with less than half that of the Wenger case. The Vichet case is distinguished by its flat case back, longer and much more prominent lugs that are shaped like a claw that perfectly match the concave bezel. Emile Vichet signed his cases on the inside of the case back and shows Poinçon de Maître key 9.
This example is considered to be one of the best first series ever made in gold. The case is unpolished and is in incredible condition. The lugs are extraordinarily crisp with fluting extremely well defined. One hallmark under the lug and a second hallmark sits underneath the case back and are both as crisp as one would want them to be. There is also an original 18 carat gold stamp that can be seen on the outside of the case back and can be seen without a loupe and the tops of the lugs still retain their original satin finish.
The dial, confirmed on the extract from the archives, features faceted baton numerals. It is very rare to find a first series with faceted baton numerals as the majority has applied Arabic numerals. Secondly, the hard enamel signature, register and tachmetre scale are all beautifully raised and in lovely original condition. The dial itself has aged and now has a harmonious cream tone.
Completely original, this 2499 competes at every level. This example must be considered as one of the most important 2499 1st series in yellow gold ever made.
Today, the 2499 is the most hottest and sought after reference on the market and Sotheby's is delighted to offer this watch this season.
The Patek Philippe gold bracelet was made in the 1970s and was upgraded to the watch by the original owner. The present watch with pure mechanical complexity is elegant and sophisticated and ticks all the right boxes for a trophy market watch. In pristine condition and without any shadow of a doubt, this is one of the world's best 2499.
The First Series 2499 was first introduced in 1950 and can be divided into two different categories. The two categories are defined by the case maker, the first series were made by Vichet and the second series cases were made by Wenger. The Wenger cases featured a domed case back, slightly shorter lugs with a slightly larger case diameter. According to research, there are around 28 examples of a yellow gold first series with a Wenger case. The Vichet case is much rarer, with less than half that of the Wenger case. The Vichet case is distinguished by its flat case back, longer and much more prominent lugs that are shaped like a claw that perfectly match the concave bezel. Emile Vichet signed his cases on the inside of the case back and shows Poinçon de Maître key 9.
This example is considered to be one of the best first series ever made in gold. The case is unpolished and is in incredible condition. The lugs are extraordinarily crisp with fluting extremely well defined. One hallmark under the lug and a second hallmark sits underneath the case back and are both as crisp as one would want them to be. There is also an original 18 carat gold stamp that can be seen on the outside of the case back and can be seen without a loupe and the tops of the lugs still retain their original satin finish.
The dial, confirmed on the extract from the archives, features faceted baton numerals. It is very rare to find a first series with faceted baton numerals as the majority has applied Arabic numerals. Secondly, the hard enamel signature, register and tachmetre scale are all beautifully raised and in lovely original condition. The dial itself has aged and now has a harmonious cream tone.
Completely original, this 2499 competes at every level. This example must be considered as one of the most important 2499 1st series in yellow gold ever made.
Today, the 2499 is the most hottest and sought after reference on the market and Sotheby's is delighted to offer this watch this season.
The Patek Philippe gold bracelet was made in the 1970s and was upgraded to the watch by the original owner. The present watch with pure mechanical complexity is elegant and sophisticated and ticks all the right boxes for a trophy market watch. In pristine condition and without any shadow of a doubt, this is one of the world's best 2499.