Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph

The Patek Philippe reference 2499 is widely regarded as one of the most important watches of the 20th century. Produced from 1951 for 34 years, it succeeded the reference 1518 and was made in just 349 examples. Its cases were first made by Vichet, then Wenger, before production moved in-house to Atelier Réunis, which supplied the final cases.

Unlike the 1518, the 2499 has a larger, more architectural design, with sculpted lugs and carefully curved case surfaces. Its distinctive appearance, combined with its rarity, made it a coveted collector’s watch, now regarded by many as an ultimate grail piece. The model is divided into four series; the fourth, represented here as reference 2499/100, features round pushers, applied baton markers, an outer seconds scale, and a sapphire crystal.

This example is exceptionally well preserved. Its dial shows no signs of the oxidation sometimes found on fourth-series watches, while the case retains strong proportions and crisp hallmarks.