On November 29, Phillips offered a comparatively affordable and relative – ref. 2499/100 at its third Hong Kong watch auction, an example of the most common variant of an extremely rare watch, namely a fourth series specimen in yellow gold.
The fake ref. 2499 is desirable because it is arguably the most beautiful amongst all the perpetual calendar chronographs made by Patek Philippe, a complication synonymous with the brand. Add to that the fact that is uncommon, with only 349 made from 1950 to 1985.
And at just under 38mm in diameter, the fake ref. 2499 is sufficiently sized for modern tastes, being larger than both the ref. 1518 that preceded it, as well as the ref. 3970 that came after.
The specific watch on the block is a later example, dating from 1982. This makes it a replica ref. 2499/100, one of the fourth series produced from 1980 to 1985, with two key features that distinguish it from earlier generations: a sapphire crystal and printed, rather than champleve enamelled, lettering and numbers on the dial.
In the rarefied world of the fake ref. 2499, this is a quotidian example, as far as a 2499 can be called it. It’s in the most widely seen metal, yellow gold, as well as being the most common variant.
But it is an exceptionally fine example of the reference, being in crisp condition with a clean dial and intact case details. The characteristic fluting along the length of the lugs is still well defined as are the precious metal hallmarks. And it is accompanied by the original certificate as well as archive extract.
