Patek Philippe Ref. 2499 First Series in Pink Gold Headlines Phillips Hong Kong Watch Auction: XXII

Key Highlights

• Asia’s first auction appearance of the Patek Philippe Ref. 2499 First Series in pink gold with Vichet case.
• One of only four known pink-gold First Series Ref. 2499 watches and the only example with British hallmarks.
• Ref. 3448 Padellone “Tokyo White” is the only known white-gold example with this dial configuration and Beyer signature.
• The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XXII will be held on 30–31 May, following previews in Asia and Europe.

A Landmark Ref. 2499 for Asia

Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo will offer a Patek Philippe Ref. 2499 First Series in 18K pink gold as the star lot of The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XXII on 30–31 May. Produced over 35 years in 349 pieces, the Ref. 2499 is a benchmark perpetual calendar chronograph, with pink-gold Vichet‑cased First Series examples among the most sought-after executions.

The watch on offer is one of only four known Ref. 2499 First Series in pink gold featuring the Vichet case, and research suggests it may be the second pink Vichet 2499 produced. Estimated at HK$24,000,000–48,000,000 / US$3,000,000–6,000,000, it targets advanced collectors and underlines Asia’s importance in the market for vintage Patek Philippe.

This marks the first appearance of a pink-gold Ref. 2499 First Series at auction in Asia, giving regional collectors the chance to pursue a recognised “Holy Grail” in Hong Kong.

British Hallmarks, Vichet Case and Stern Frères Dial

This Ref. 2499 is the only known First Series example in pink gold stamped with British hallmarks. Manufactured in 1951, imported into London in 1955, and sold in 1956, it carries a British import mark and Swiss hallmark on the case back, together with the London “U” date letter and the “Ω” import mark for 18K gold.

The Vichet case defines the First Series, and examples retaining their original proportions are especially attractive to collectors. Phillips notes that the watch is well preserved and last appeared in 2014 in the sale marking Patek Philippe’s 175th anniversary, making its renewed availability in Hong Kong a focal point for Asian bidders.

The dial, produced by Stern Frères, features a kilometer scale, an early “Chemin de Fer” date track, a black hard‑enamel signature, and evenly aged indexes supporting its originality.

“Tokyo White”: A Singular Ref. 3448

Alongside the Ref. 2499, Phillips presents the Ref. 3448 Padellone “Tokyo White” with Beyer signature, appearing at an international auction for the first time. The Ref. 3448 was introduced as a self‑winding perpetual calendar wristwatch, housed in a 37.5 mm Antoine Gerlach case and powered by the calibre 27‑460 Q.

• The “Tokyo White” example is the only known Ref. 3448 in white gold with this dial configuration and is double‑signed by Beyer Chronometrie.
• Its dial shows pearly minute divisions, a larger calendar ring, rare “reversed” date numerals, and an unusual placement of the Patek Philippe signature.
• The watch is preserved with sharp lugs, crisp hallmarks, and a subtle ivory patina.
• It is offered with presentation box and a 1972 Certificate of Origin stamped by Chronometrie Beyer Zürich, with an estimate of HK$6,000,000–12,000,000 / US$765,000–1,500,000.

Why It Matters

For GCC collectors who look to Hong Kong, Geneva, and New York, the presence of such rare Patek Philippe references in Asia concentrates access to museum‑grade watches within a single platform. The combination of historically important references, documented condition, and a strong track record in high‑end Patek Philippe sales makes this auction a strategic moment to refine or expand a serious collection.

Regional clients focused on Patek Philippe perpetual calendar chronographs may wish to coordinate early with their advisors or Phillips’ specialists to align bidding strategies and viewing schedules with longer‑term collection goals.