PATEK PHILIPPE | REFERENCE 2499, FIRST SERIES A HIGHLY IMPORTANT AND HISTORICALLY INTERESTING YELLOW GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH MOON PHASES AND VICHET CASE, MADE IN 1951

Dial: silveredCalibre: cal. 13''' mechanical, 23 jewelsMovement number: 868'243 Case: 18k yellow gold, snap-on case backCase number: 665'010 Closure: 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe bracelet and folding clasp, brown Patek Philippe alligator strap and 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle Size: 36.5 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 180 mmSigned: case, dial and movementAccessories: Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1951 and its subsequent sale on 14 October 1953

For another example of a reference 2499, first series with bracelet, please see Patek Philippe Museum Patek Philippe Watches, Volume 2, page 306.

The movement is in working condition at the time of cataloguing. All functions are working. The calendar is advancing. The dial is in lovely original condition with all printing nicely raised in hard enamel which is clearly defined. The original finish of the dial has taken on a more ivory tone. The hands with only very light oxidation. The case is in absolutely exceptional condition with fluting to the lugs is extremely well defined and incredibly easy to see. There is a very crisp hallmark under the lug at 11 o'clock. There is a second hallmark underneath the case back and there is 18k stamp to the outside of the case back that is very easy to see. This is an exceptional example of the 2499 with a Vichet case that is easily to understand why it is sought after by collectors so much. The long downturn claw lugs and flat case back are really exceptional and give a completely new look to this reference. It is believed that there are less than 10 pieces known examples with a Vichet case and this watch is an absolute masterpiece. This bracelet is from the 70s and was a late upgrade to this historically important watch. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

Patek Philippe Reference 2499, First Series with Vichet Case This exceptionally rare and highly important reference 2499 first series is an outstanding wristwatch and potentially the only one of its kind. The watch first surfaced at auction 17 years ago in New York and has slept in the same highly important collection ever since.

The First Series 2499 was first introduced in 1950 and can be divided into two different categories. The two categories are defined by the case maker, the first series were made by Vichet and the second series cases were made by Wenger. The Wenger cases featured a domed case back, slightly shorter lugs with a slightly larger case diameter. According to research, there are around 28 examples of a yellow gold first series with a Wenger case. The Vichet case is much rarer, with less than half that of the Wenger case. The Vichet case is distinguished by its flat case back, longer and much more prominent lugs that are shaped like a claw that perfectly match the concave bezel. Emile Vichet signed his cases on the inside of the case back and shows Poinçon de Maître key 9.

This example is considered to be one of the best first series ever made in gold. The case is unpolished and is in incredible condition. The lugs are extraordinarily crisp with fluting extremely well defined. One hallmark under the lug and a second hallmark sits underneath the case back and are both as crisp as one would want them to be. There is also an original 18 carat gold stamp that can be seen on the outside of the case back and can be seen without a loupe and the tops of the lugs still retain their original satin finish.

The dial, confirmed on the extract from the archives, features faceted baton numerals. It is very rare to find a first series with faceted baton numerals as the majority has applied Arabic numerals. Secondly, the hard enamel signature, register and tachmetre scale are all beautifully raised and in lovely original condition. The dial itself has aged and now has a harmonious cream tone.

Completely original, this 2499 competes at every level. This example must be considered as one of the most important 2499 1st series in yellow gold ever made.

Today, the 2499 is the most hottest and sought after reference on the market and Sotheby's is delighted to offer this watch this season.

The Patek Philippe gold bracelet was made in the 1970s and was upgraded to the watch by the original owner. The present watch with pure mechanical complexity is elegant and sophisticated and ticks all the right boxes for a trophy market watch. In pristine condition and without any shadow of a doubt, this is one of the world's best 2499.