Produced from 1950 until 1985, Ref. 2499 is recognised 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.
Patek Philippe and Tiffany & Co. share a remarkable history dating back to a handshake agreement between Antoine de Patek and Charles Lewis Tiffany in 1851. The two met each other during Patek’s tour in America and held a deep respect for each other due to their mutual commitment to an exceedingly high level of craftsmanship and quality in their respective fields. Tiffany formalised their handshake agreement in 1876, and the two firms have had a successful relationship which continued to grow stronger for years to come. Today, Tiffany & Co. remains the most recognisable retailer in partnership with Patek Philippe, and thus, the most important firm that still co-sign the dial of a Patek Philippe watch.
This landmark timepiece is on offer at the Important Watches: Part I auction taking place at Sotheby's Geneva on 12 May.
