Lot 134
  • 134

PATEK PHILIPPE | REF 2499/100RETAILED BY TIFFANY & CO.: A RARE AND HIGHLY IMPORTANT YELLOW GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH MOON PHASES MADE IN 1984

Estimate
300,000 - 500,000 USD
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Description

  • Patek Philippe
  • REF 2499/100RETAILED BY TIFFANY & CO.: A RARE AND HIGHLY IMPORTANT YELLOW GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH MOON PHASES MADE IN 1984
Dial: silveredCaliber: cal. 13'" manual winding, 18 jewelsMovement number: 869288Case: 18k yellow gold, solid snap on case backCase number: 2792144Closure: 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckleSize: diameter 37.5 mmSigned: case and movement signed by maker, dial signed by maker and retailerAccessories: Patek Philippe presentation box with outer packaging and Extract from the Archives confirming date of sale on July 27, 1984

Condition

CASE Case in overall very good condition. Some spots of slight oxidation noticeable between the top lugs and to the buckle. Very minor scuffs throughout consistent with age, one scuff at rear of bottom left lug. Small scratches to the moon phases pusher at 7. DIAL Dial in overall excellent condition. MOVEMENT Chronograph, calendar and moon phases working properly. Movement running at time of cataloguing, The watch has not been tested to determine the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion. ***Please be advised that the bands on this watch are made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) and thus not sold with the watch, they are for display purposes only. We will remove these bands prior to international shipping.***
"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."

Catalogue Note

Produced from 1950 until 1985, Ref. 2499 is recognized as one of the most important wristwatches made by Patek Philippe. The successor to Ref. 1518 and the predecessor to Ref. 3970, Ref. 2499 holds a distinguished place among the firm's exceptional perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatches. With only 349 pieces made in total, or an average of only nine pieces per year, it is an extremely rare piece and one that was made with the utmost attention paid to each detail. Ref. 2499 underwent four major evolutions during its 35 year production run.  Square chronograph pushers and a tachometer scale distinguish the first series, produced between 1950 and 1960.  The second series, produced between 1955-1964, introduces round chronograph pushers.  A simple dial design designates the third series, which Patek produced from 1960 to 1978, and a sapphire crystal demarcates the fourth series, so called the 2499/00.  The present lot represents the fourth series, which was produced between 1978 and 1984.  

Patek Philippe and Tiffany & Co. share a remarkable history dating back to a handshake agreement between Antoine de Patek and Charles Lewis Tiffany in 1851.  The two met each other during Patek’s tour in America and held a deep respect for each other due to their mutual commitment to an exceedingly high level of craftsmanship and quality in their respective fields. Tiffany formalized their handshake agreement in 1876, and the two firms have had a successful relationship which continued to grow stronger for years to come.  Today, Tiffany & Co. remains the only retailer in partnership with Patek Philippe, and thus, the only firm which can still co-sign the dial of a Patek Philippe watch. 

The Ref. 2499 has left an indelible mark on the industry, and the present lot is a testament to the incredible contributions by each of the firms whose signatures it bears.  To the best of our knowledge, the present lot is the only known fourth series Ref. 2499 signed by Tiffany. Furthermore, it comes from the original owner, making it the first time this piece has ever been at auction.