2499J Series 3

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.