Lot 148. Patek Philippe. An extremely fine and rare 18K gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with phases of the moon. Signed Patek Philippe, Geneve, retailed by Beyer, Zürich, ref. 2499/100, movement no. 869'409, case no. 2'779'178, manufactured in 1981. Cal. 13''' nickel-finished lever movement stamped twice with the Geneva seal, 23 jewels, bimetallic compensation balance, the silvered matte dial with applied gold baton numerals, gold dauphine hands, outer Arabic five minute divisions and tachymetre scale, two windows for day and month, three subsidiary dials indicating constant seconds, 30 minutes register and phases of the moon combined with date, in circular case with stepped downturned lugs, snap on back, 18K gold Patek Philippe buckle, case and movement signed by maker, dial signed by maker and retailer. 37 mm. diam. - Estimate : 250,000 - 400,000 Swiss francs

Note : Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1981 but omitting the date of sale which interestingly has not been recorded in the firm's registers. Furthermore delivered with Tiffany & Co. Zürich Insurance Appraisal dated 27 August 1999, confirming that this watch was sold to Theodor Beyer Chronometrie AG in Zurich on 23 November 1981, wooden presentation box and outer packaging.

Fresh to the market, the present watch has furthermore preserved a very good overall condition.

Reference 2499, widely acknowledged to be one of the world's greatest watch models ever created, has undoubtedly significantly influenced the designs of many of the most renowned watchmakers. Introduced to the market in 1950, it replaced the legendary reference 1518 (see lot 221 in this auction), 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 workbench.

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 (see lot 431 in this auction)
- fourth series, such as the present watch: round chronograph buttons, applied baton numerals, outer seconds divisions and sapphire crystal

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

Christie's. Important Pocket Watches & Wristwatches. 12 November 2007, 10:00 am, 2:00 pm & 5:00 pm. Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues. 33 quai des Bergues, Geneva. www.christies.com