Hello everyone.
Before I knew it, this is the 14th installment of "Patek Theory." What do you think? As I write this article, looking back at each model, I find that my desire for watches, which I thought had calmed down after 17 years of watching, has once again become hotter. (laughs)
So, this time, I would like to stimulate my materialistic desires and write about Patek Philippe's perpetual calendar chronograph.
I hope you will read to the end.
The first "Ref.1518"
First up is the Ref. 1518, the first Patek Philippe watch to feature both a perpetual calendar and a chronograph.
*Ref.1518 /18KRG Reference: PHILLIPS
There are various theories, but it is said that 281 were produced from 1941 to 1954. The case diameter is 35mm, which is small today, but the combination of the applied Arabic indexes, leaf hands, tachymeter scale around the outer edge of the dial, a large crown that suits the case size, and square pushers gives it an indescribable presence. The majority of the watches produced are said to have YG (yellow gold) cases, and the rest are RG (rose gold) cases.
*Ref.1518 /18YG Reference: PHILLIPS
It is well known among those in the know that four pieces were produced with SS (stainless steel) cases. I think it is still fresh in our memory that the watch put up for auction at Phillips in November 2016 was sold for about 1.2 billion yen, the highest price ever paid at a wristwatch auction at the time.
*Ref.1518 /SS Reference: PHILLIPS
Successor model "Ref.2499"
The "Ref. 2499" was released in 1950 as the successor to the "Ref. 1518" and was manufactured until 1985.
*Ref.2499 Reference: Sothebys
Although it was produced for a long time, only 349 pieces were made, so I think it is a watch that is a good auction piece. Roughly speaking, there are four generations.
First generation
*Ref2499
The main feature of the first generation is the combination of applied Arabic indexes, leaf hands, a tachymeter scale on the outer circumference of the dial, and square pushers, reminiscent of the "Ref. 1518". It is said to be the most popular generation of "Ref. 2499", and if it were offered at auction, it would undoubtedly exceed 100 million yen. Most are in YG cases, and RG cases also exist, but since it is an extremely rare model, it is almost never offered at auction.
Second generation
*Ref2499
The second generation is characterized by the use of round pushers. Many of the dials and hands are similar to the first generation, and it is popular after the first generation. Bar indexes and dolphin hands are also seen. Just like the first generation, only a small number were produced, making it a popular and rare item.
Third Generation
*Ref2499 Reference: PHILLIPS
The main feature of the third generation is that the tachymeter scale has disappeared from the dial, replaced with a minute rail, and the indexes have become bar uprides, making the watch look simpler. Dolphin hands are generally used. I think this is a model that you will see relatively often among the "Ref.2499".
Fourth Generation
*Ref2499/100 Reference: PHILLIPS
The fourth generation is characterized by the use of sapphire crystal and an increased thickness (height) of the bezel.
The reference number is "2499/100", and since it is a newer model than other generations, it is in good condition and some even still have the original warranty, so we imagine there are many people searching for it.
However, regardless of generation, this model is traded at a high price on the market and is quite difficult to obtain.
summary
This time we introduced some rare models that you rarely have a chance to see, but what did you think? These are rare items that you don't see often even at auctions around the world, so we hope you enjoyed them.
The successor to the last model, the Ref. 2499, is the Ref. 3970. I think this is a model that watch lovers will look upon with envy.
The Ref. 3970 is a model that I have been lucky enough to see several times since I started working in the watch industry, so I would like to talk about it in more detail next time.
Well, I'll leave it here for this time.