Patek Philippe. A Very Fine and Rare 18k Gold Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Wristwatch with Moon Phases

Reference 2499

Widely acknowledged as one of the world's greatest watch models ever created, reference 2499 has strongly 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 tachymeter scale
- second series: round chronograph buttons, either applied baton or applied Arabic numerals and tachymeter scale
- third series: round chronograph buttons, applied baton numerals and outer seconds divisions
- fourth series, the present watch: round chronograph buttons, applied baton numerals, outer seconds divisions and sapphire crystal

Reference 2499 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, pp. 302 & 304, and in Patek Philippe Museum - Patek Philippe Watches, Volume II, pp. 306-307.

Offered fresh to market, notably, the present watch was one of Mel Blanc's favorite watches to wear, he was frequently seen wearing the attractive perpetual calendar, shown in the the detail of photograph (Fig. 1).