Ref. 2499 Produced in 349 examples from 1951 to 1985, very few with tachometer, the majority in yellow gold, and some examples in pink or white gold. Caliber 13'''CC: - First series: From 1951 to circa 1960, square buttons, feuille hands, applied Arabic numerals, fluted lugs. - Second series: Square buttons, dauphine hands, applied indexes, Arabic 12. - Third series: From 1960 to 1978, round buttons, dauphine or feuille hands, applied baton indexes. Caliber 13''' CCR, - Fourth series: From 1978 to circa 1985, becomes Ref. 2499/100, round buttons, sapphire crystal, dauphine hands, applied baton indexes. Very few examples were made with tachometer or telemeter scale and three pieces only with sapphire crystal back. For this series, models with the tachometer indication are extremely rare. From the time of its original purchase in 1957 until recently, this watch has remained in the hands of the original owners. The square buttons make it immediately apparent that the watch belongs to the first series, but it is one of two only known with faceted gold indexes and dauphine hands. Until recently it was thought that the first series was only available with applied Arabic numerals and leaf hands, a continuation of the classic 1518 dial design. However, collectors the world over realized there were no precise rules as various 2499 series began to appear on the market with previously unknown dial variations, from tachometer scales to luminous dials. These discoveries testified to Patek Philippe?s avant-garde design and their ability to please demanding customers with custom dials. It is further interesting to note that although the other similar watch (movement number 868243) was manufactured 2 years before the present watch, it already had the unusual baton markers and dauphine hands (confirmed at the time by the accompanying extract). This indicates that this dial configuration could be ordered as of the early years of Ref. 2499?s production. This watch?s desirability is further enhanced by its beautiful condition, indicating very light and careful wear by the original owner. The dial has a beautiful warm patina and its hard enamel is clear and nicely raised. The lugs are solid and exhibit a wonderful ?step-down? and the further presence of two strong hallmarks on the underside of two of the lugs are yet more proof of the excellent overall condition. This watch has never been previously offered for sale, either privately or publicly.