The Patek Philippe, which is the sole example with British hallmarks will lead the Hong Kong Watch Auction: XXII on 30-31 May – check it out below
Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo have announced the offering of a rare Patek Philippe Ref. 2499 First Series in pink gold, set to lead The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XXII on 30-31 May.
This is a landmark sale as it marks the very first time a Ref. 2499 First Series in pink gold has ever been presented at auction in Asia.
Thomas Perazzi, Head of Watches, Asia, said, “Following a record-breaking year for our watch auctions in Hong Kong, which set a new benchmark in Asia’s auction history, we are deeply honored to be entrusted with the sale of this Patek Philippe Ref. 2499 First Series in pink gold.”
“Occupying the very summit of perpetual calendar chronograph collecting, it stands among the rarest trophies in the world of connoisseurship. Last offered in the landmark sale commemorating Patek Philippe’s 175th anniversary in 2014, the watch remains in superb, well-preserved condition.”
“Together with other important vintage Patek Philippe wristwatches presented across our global auctions this season, this sale reaffirms that Phillips continues to be the leading home for vintage timepieces worldwide.”
The Patek Philippe Ref. 2499 was introduced in 1951, with the First Series appearing in both yellow and pink gold. Of these pieces, only four featured the coveted Vichet case.
The present watch may well be the second pink Vichet 2499 ever produced, placing it among the scarcest watches in history.
It’s rarity is increased even further by one unique distinction: it is the only known Ref. 2499 First Series in pink gold stamped with British hallmarks.
It was produced in 1951, imported to London in 1955 and sold in 1956.
The case back bears both a British import mark and a Swiss hallmark, and is stamped with the London “U” date letter and the “Ω” import mark for 18K gold.
Crafted by Stern Frères, the dial features a kilometer scale and an early ‘Chemin de Fer’ date track. Phillips shared that: “Its crisp black hard enamel signature and evenly aged indexes, now with a rich patina, confirm both originality and exceptional condition.”
Only 349 of the pieces where ever produced over a 35-year production run as it was a notoriously complicated timepiece, which increases the rarity of the item even further.
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