Bonhams 1793 : Patek Philippe. A rare and very fine 18K gold chronograph wristwatch with registers, perpetual calendar and moon phasesRef:2499, Case no. 691621, Movement No. 868353, circa 1955

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13 Dec 2012 15:00 EST New York
Fine Watches, Wristwatches and Clocks
Back to auction 20080

Patek Philippe. A rare and very fine 18K gold chronograph wristwatch with registers, perpetual calendar and moon phases

Ref:2499, Case no. 691621, Movement No. 868353, circa 1955
23-jewel Cal. 13"' movement with overcoiled spring to bimetallic balance, micrometer regulator, chronograph work planted on the bridges activated by two rectangular buttons in case band, perpetual calendar under the circular silvered dial with tachymeter scale enclosing applied gold arabic chapters, apertures for day and month and date ring incorporating aperture for moon phase, gold dauphine hands, blued sweep and register hands, snap back case with concave bezel and down turned lugs, leather strap with 18K gold "Patek Phillipe" [sic] buckle, case, dial and movement signed. 37mm

Sold for US$ 422,500 inc. premium

Footnotes

The perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch has been continuously produced by Patek Philippe for 70 years since the introduction of Reference 1518. The increased production of successive models testifies to its status as one of the most sought after production wristwatches.

Reference Dates Production

1518 1941 - 1952 281
2499 1950 1985 349
3970 1986 - 2005 Approx. 4,000
5970 2005 - 2010 Approx. 2500
5270 2011 - current

Even though only 349 watches of Ref:2499 were made before the Ref:3970 replaced it in 1985, the model underwent modification over the course of its production. Four variations are recognized:

Series I (1950 to circa 1959): with square chronograph buttons, feuille hands and applied arabic numerals.

Series II (before 1960): square chronograph buttons, dauphine hands, applied baton indexes with arabic 12.

Series III (1960 to 1978): round chronograph buttons, dauphine or feuille hands, applied baton indexes.

Series IV (1978 to 1985): becomes Ref. 2499/100, using updated Caliber 13''' CCR, round buttons, sapphire crystal, dauphine hands, applied baton indexes.

The present watch is a superb example of the Ref: 2499, with all the earliest characteristics of this legendary watch. The case is unmolested and the dial retains its original finish. Case hallmarks are very deep without any trace of polishing, the chronograph pushers are in excellent condition.

Consigned by the original owner, this watch is offered for the first time at auction.