Patek Philippe
Reference 2499 'Second Series' | Retailed by Gobbi Milano: An important pink gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phases, Made in 1957
Dial: silvered, Day and Month wheel in Italian Caliber: cal. 13''' mechanical, 23 jewels Movement number: 868'609 Case: 18k pink gold, snap-on case back Case number: 696'521 Closure: 18k pink gold Patek Philippe buckle Size: 37.5 mm diameter Signed: case and movement signed by maker, dial signed by maker and retailer Box: no Papers: no Accessories: Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the date of sale on October 18th, 1958Offered here is one of the most iconic and historically significant wristwatches ever produced by Patek Philippe: the reference 2499 in pink gold, retailed and signed by the distinguished Italian house Gobbi Milano. First brought to market in May 2007 by the family of the original owner, this watch stunned collectors by achieving a then-record CHF 2.7 million at Christie’s Geneva, establishing a world record for the reference. Fifteen years later, in 2022, it reappeared at Sotheby’s Hong Kong as part of The Nevadian Collector Auction. Once again, fierce bidding from global connoisseurs pushed the price to a staggering USD 7.75 million—again setting a new world record for the reference (far exceeding the price paid for the fourth series platinum example sold in 2012)—and cementing this timepiece’s legendary status. Only nine known examples of the 2nd Series 2499 are cased in pink gold. Among these, this watch stands alone as the only one bearing a retailer’s signature on the dial—a remarkable detail that further elevates its desirability. Founded in 1842 by Raimondo Gobbi in Modena, Gobbi Milano swiftly earned the distinction “Clockmaker to the Royal Court” in 1852. By 1896, the company had relocated to Milan, establishing a prestigious boutique on Corso Vittorio Emanuele II. Throughout the 20th century, Gobbi became one of Italy’s most important retailers of Swiss horology. Today, over 170 years later, the family-run business continues to uphold its legacy into a sixth generation. The reference 2499 succeeded the 1518 in 1950 and was produced until 1985 in four distinct series. With a total of just 349 examples made over 35 years—an average of nine watches annually—each specimen is rare and coveted. The 2nd Series, produced between approximately 1955 and 1964, is distinguished by its round chronograph pushers, raised enamel scales, and more refined proportions. This particular example retains its original case with sharply fluted lugs and deep hallmarks, made by Wenger (Geneva Key No. 1). The last three digits of the case number remain visible on both the inside of the lug and the underside of the bezel. The dial, crafted by Stern Frères, has aged to a warm ivory hue, with beautifully raised hard enamel signatures. The reverse of the dial exhibits a consistent and attractive patina, confirming long-term integrity. This exceptional and record-setting watch stands as one of the most important and collectible examples of Patek Philippe’s legendary reference 2499. Its rare pink gold case, impeccable provenance, and the singular Gobbi Milano signature elevate it to the apex of vintage horology—an enduring treasure of 20th-century watchmaking.
