PATEK PHILIPPE. A VERY FINE AND RARE 18K GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH MOON PHASES

With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with silvered dial and applied hour markers in yellow gold in 1980 and its subsequent sale on 3 April 1980.

Consigned by an important private collector, the reference 2499/100 fourth series offered here for sale is an extremely appealing example of this legendary model.

Reference 2499, widely acknowledged as one of the world's greatest watch models ever created, has undoubtedly greatly influenced the designs of many of the most renowned watchmakers. Introduced to the market in 1950, it replaced the legendary reference 1518, the world's first perpetual calendar wristwatch with chronograph made in series.

Over a period of 35 years, reference 2499 was made in four series in a total production of only 349 pieces, the majority cased in yellow gold. The rarity of this model becomes evident when considering that an annual average of only 9 watches left Patek Philippe's workshops.

Reference 2499 is generally divided into the following four series:
- first series: square chronograph buttons, applied Arabic numerals and tachymetre scale.
- second series: round chronograph buttons, either applied baton or applied Arabic numerals and tachymetre scale.
- third series: round chronograph buttons, applied baton numerals and outer seconds divisions.
- fourth series: round chronograph buttons, applied baton numerals, outer seconds divisions and sapphire crystal (such as the present lot)

Reference 2499 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, pp. 302 & 304.