Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph 2499

Patek Philippe. An exceptional 18K gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phases Signed Patek Philippe, Genève, retailed by Serpico y Laino, Caracas, ref. 2499, first series, movement no. 868’341, case no. 687’757, manufactured in 1952 Movement: cal. 13’’’, 23 jewels, signed Dial: signed by maker and retailer Case: snap on back, 37.6 mm. diam., signed by maker, stamped S.&L. by retailer With: 18K gold Patek Philippe buckle, Extract from the Archives confirming manufacture of the present watch in 1952 and its subsequent sale 2 March 1956 , The following text was composed by the children of the original owner of this exceptional timepiece, to commemorate their late father. I'll tell you a story... We are in the early post-war years. My father is part of those who migrated to the new world. In the fifties at a very young age he took a suitcase full of hopes and fears and set off in search of fortune. He told me about the early days: 10/15 people had to share the same roof in uncomfortable conditions and work non-stop. Great sacrifices in difficult years, rewarded by an economy that experienced great growth. What we are experiencing here and now is an effect of his perseverance over time. , Many of the watches offered for sale in this catalogue are pictured with straps made of endangered or protected animal materials such as alligator or crocodile. These endangered species straps are shown for display purposes only and are not for sale. Christie’s will remove and retain the strap prior to shipment from the sale site. At some sale sites, Christie’s may, at its discretion, make the displayed endangered species strap available to the buyer of the lot free of charge if collected in person from the sale site within 1 year of the date of the sale. Please check with the department for details on a particular lot. , End of Sale , A high value paddle is required if you wish to bid on lot 234.