Patek Philippe

• cal 13-130 nickel lever movement stamped twice with the seal of Geneva, mono-metallic compensation balance, 23 jewels, micrometer regulator, adjusted to 8 positions • silvered dial, applied gold faceted baton indexes, gold feuille hands, apertures for day and month, subsidiary dials for 30-minute register, date combined with fan-form aperture for moon-phases, constant seconds, outer track calibrated for 60 units • heavy circular 18k gold case, concave bezel, two round chronograph pushers to the convex band, downturned fluted lugs, snap back • case, dial and movement signed • with a heavy 18k gold Tiffany & Co woven bracelet

The movement is running, the chronograph functions properly, and the calendar is advancing properly. However, it may require service soon. The dial is attractive and appears to have been cleaned at some point. There are some light scratches between 10 and 11 o'clock, the outside border, subsidiary seconds dial and 30-minute register that are visible in the photograph. Overall, the dial is very nice. The case shows general wear and light but normal signs of polishing. The fluting to the lugs has been softened and has lost some of its detail. The outside of the case back has a brushed finish and an 18k stamp. There are scuffs on the back of the lugs and on the bezel between the lugs from the detachable bracelet. There is also a scuff to the bezel and side at 10 o'clock. The strap of this wristwatch is made from an endangered species; please refer to Important Notices for further information.
"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.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming production in 1970 and sale on March 31st of that year.

Produced from 1950 until 1985, Ref. 2499 is recognized as one of the most important wristwatches made by Patek Philippe. The successor to Ref. 1518 and the predecessor to Ref. 3970, Ref. 2499 holds a distinguished place among the firm's exceptional perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatches. With only 349 pieces made in total, or an average of only nine pieces per year, it is an extremely rare piece and one that was made with the utmost attention paid to each detail.

This model underwent four major evolutions over its 35-year production run. The first was distinguished by its square chronograph pushers and, in most examples, a tachometer scale. The second series introduced round chronograph pushers.

The third series, to which the present example belongs, was produced from 1960 until 1978. It is distinguished by its simple dial design, having dropped the tachometer scale. Examples made after 1978 belong to the fourth series of the reference, and are referred to as Ref. 2499/100.

According to our research, the present example is one of only three yellow gold third series examples of Ref. 2499 that were retailed by Tiffany & Co. to appear at auction. It is interesting to note that inside of the case back is stamped 'HOX,' an indication that this watch was made expressly for the American market, and most likely, specifically intended to be retailed by Tiffany & Co.

The present example is being offered by the original owners, and to the best of our knowledge, this is the first time it has been offered at auction.

Ref. 2499 is illustrated, along with explanations of the perpetual calendar and chronograph functions, in Huber, M., and Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Second Edition, pp. 298-302.