Description
A grail watch for many, the 2499 is often seen as one of Patek's finest. Featuring a chronograph and perpetual calendar in a case much sturdier than its predecessor 1518, the 2499 is an icon among icons.
There are generally four versions of the 2499 to be distinguished:
- first series: square chronograph buttons, applied Arabic numerals and
tachymeter scale (1951-1955)
- second series: round chronograph buttons, either applied baton or applied
Arabic numerals and tachymeter scale (1955-1960)
- third series: round chronograph buttons, applied baton numerals and outer
seconds divisions in 5' increments, such as the watch pictured (1960-1978)
-fourth series: round chronograph buttons, applied baton numerals, outer
seconds divisions and sapphire crystal (1978-1985)
The present example, as sold by Christie's, furthermore has a Cartier-signed dial.
