Rare rose gold Patek Philippe reference 2499 solf for a whopping HK$19,720,000 (or about $2,538,832 at current exchange) at Phillips Hong Kong Watch Auction on May 31, 2016. After 30 minutes of crazy competition, an unknown buyer walked away with the watch, with the standing ovation of the excited audience. Dubbed one of the most sought-after vintage watches of all time, this timepiece has a truly remarkable design. Only 349 copies of this watch is made in a series that began in 1951 and ended in 1988.
The watch that was sold at auction is one of only six models with casing of white gold that was left without polishing and decorations. This copy was made in 1968 and is the second oldest of the six models. This one might even be unique. The moonphase complication on most 2499s has a semicircular indentation underneath the opening that completes the circle.
The dial is enamelled and has the color of ivory due to age. None watch in this series does not have such a dial, which certainly affected the final auction price. Last time, this model was sold at auction thirteen years ago for 1 million Swiss francs.