Patek Philippe
Ref. 2499/100
A virtually "new old stock" yellow gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moonphase, certificate of origin and an impressive array of accessories
Manufacturer : Patek Philippe
Year : 1980
Reference No : 2499/100
Movement No : 869'402
Case No : 2'779'163
Material : 18k yellow gold
Calibre : Manual, cal. 13’’’CH Q, 23 jewels
Bracelet/Strap : Leather
Clasp/Buckle : 18k yellow gold PPCo pin buckle
Dimensions : 37.5m Diameter
Signed : Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
Accessories : Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, additional dial, box, Extract from the Archives confirming the production of the watch in 1980 and its subsequent sale on October 27, 1980, hang tag, plastic wallet, a set of original spare parts for the perpetual calendar work, month and day disks in English, gold crown, gold chronograph button two gold spring bars, technical data sheet for the perpetual calendar, copy of Patek Philippe's telex dated 13 October 1983 confirming that the present watch was sold to Franco Gobbi in Milan on 27 October 1980, copy of Patek Philippe's "Service Fournitures" invoice dated 3 September 1986 for two gold crowns, one sapphire crystal and two main springs for ref. 2499/100, product literature and outer packaging The present Patek Philippe reference 2499/100 is most probably one of the best examples to come to the auction market. First offered to the market in 2015 by its original owner who had never worn it since new, the current owner is offering it in the same exact condition close to a decade later.
The watch is consequently in virtually new old stock condition and is in the same condition as it left the Patek Philippe workshops in 1980. The watch is further accompanied by an impressive array of accessories, including a second dial, Certificate of Origin and components.
The Patek Philippe reference 2499 is most probably one of the most iconic watches of the 20th century.
In production for 34 years, the reference 2499 succeeded the reference 1518 beginning in 1951 and was made in only 349 pieces (approximately 10 units per year). Early examples featured cases made by Vichet, soon to be replaced by Wenger, like the present watch, whose production is most notable for its modern 37.5mm diameter case and other subtle differences. The beauty of the reference 2499 combined with its rarity have made it a "grail model” since the very beginning of wristwatch collecting, and now having developed a truly mythical aura, it is rightfully considered an “endgame” watch for many experienced collectors.
The reference 2499 can be divided into four series:
- First series watches feature square chronograph pushers, applied Arabic numerals, and display a tachymeter scale on the dial.
- Second series watches feature round chronograph pushers, either applied baton or applied Arabic numerals, and a tachymeter scale on the dial.
- Third series feature round chronograph pushers, applied baton numerals, and outer seconds divisions without tachymeter scale.
- Fourth series, like the present watch, feature round chronograph pushers, applied baton numerals, outer seconds divisions, and a sapphire crystal.
The reference 2499/100, known as the fourth series and the last generation, was in production from 1980 to 1985, before the launch of the replacement reference 3970, in 1986.
The present example was made in the first year of the series' production, has had two owners since new, in superb NOS condition and a true trophy piece.
