Why the Patek Philippe 2499 Obsesses Collectors
Crafted in rare numbers and crowned in legend, the Patek Philippe 2499 remains the ultimate obsession for the world’s top collectors.
The Patek Philippe 2499 is one of the most coveted timepieces in the world, and its rarity only adds to its mystique.
Produced between 1950 and 1985, with an average of just nine pieces crafted each year, this watch has become a grail for collectors worldwide.
Initially priced around $75,000, the Patek Philippe 2499 skyrocketed in value over the years. A similar model, sold by Sotheby’s, fetched an astonishing $3.5 million, underlining its status as one of the most prestigious watches ever made.
Credit: Sotheby's
The model's production came to an end in 1985, following the quartz crisis and the rise of self-winding chronographs in the 1970s.
The fate of the Caliber 23VZ movement, used in the 2499, was sealed by Valjoux SA’s decision to cease its production in 1974.
However, Patek Philippe had prudently built up an inventory of movement blanks, ensuring that Ref. 2499 chronographs with perpetual calendars could continue to be produced until 1985.
Today, the Patek Philippe 2499 remains a symbol of horological excellence, its rarity and timeless design making it an irresistible treasure for the most discerning collectors.
