Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph 2499 Ref. 2449R Series 2

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, applied baton or applied Arabic numerals and tachymeter scale, such as the watch pictured(1955-1960) - third series: round chronograph buttons, applied baton numerals and outer seconds divisions with numerals in 5' increments (1960-1978) -fourth series: round chronograph buttons, applied baton numerals, outer seconds divisions with numerals in 5' increments and sapphire crystal (1978-1985) The present example, as sold by Christie's, has a pink gold case.