Exciting news for all fans of Eric Clapton who also happen to admire fine watchmaking: the famous guitarist and blues rock legend has put his rare Patek Philippe Ref 2499 on auction at Christie’s!
This is not only an extremely rare and truly extraordinary piece, but also something that used to belong to the most famous of all English guitarists and singer-songwriters, and the only person in music history that has bin inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for three times!
Believe it or not, the fact that Patek Philippe Ref 2499 comes from the private collection of Eric Clapton isn't the most interesting feature of this offer. What makes this watch truly exclusive is the fact that this watch is one of only two Patek Philippe 2499 ever made in platinum! The other part of the couple is exhibited in the Patek Philippe museum in Geneva, as any other historically important Patek Philippe watch.

Patek Philippe Ref 2499, introduced in 1951, was issued in only 349 exemplars, and only two of them were made in platinum. The Clapton's watch is, obviously, the only one in private collection. Earlier this year, Patek Philippe Ref 2499/100 in rose gold was sold at auction at amazing $2.8 million. This one is estimated at 2,500,000-4,000,000 Swiss Francs, which means that the watch will, most probably, fetch anything more than 4 million dollars!

Patek Philippe Ref 2499 in platinum were, in all likelihood, vanity pieces that were never supposed to go for sale. This particular piece was offered for sale back in 1989 when Patek Philippe organized “The Art of Patek Philippe” auction, as a part of its 150th anniversary celebration. This happened back in 1989, but it was not Clapton who bought the watch – it went to the hands of one of the European connoisseurs. According to the Christie’s description of the lot, Clapton is the third private owner of the Patek Philippe Ref 2499 in platinum.
If you're interested in this piece, the Important Watches auction will be held on November 12, at the Four Seasons hotel in Geneva. Follow our news section for more information about this spectacular auction.
Author: Marina Milojevic
If you like our blog why don't you join our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter @luxoiscom.
If you use one of my articles on your own website or blog, then please credit me and provide a link back to the original.
Patek Philippe collections
Latest News from Patek Philippe
Patek Philippe Calatrava Weekly Calendar
On the occasion of the Baselworld 2019, Patek Philippe unveils a watch of exceptional mechanics – the Calatrava Weekly Calendar. With this new complicated wristwatch, the famous Swiss watchmaker introduces a new function for calendar watches – the weekly calendar that displays the day of the week as well as the week number. The new creation is also equipped with a brand new automatic base caliber. The practical new watch is crafted from stainless steel and fitted out with a silvery opaline dial. The watch face reveals an unusual layout with...
Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph
In 1997, Patek Philippe introduced the Aquanaut collection, a contemporary range of sporty, utterly chic timepieces distinguished by their round octagon cases, inspired by that of the Nautilus. In 2018, the range has evolved to include its first chronograph, a complication that perfectly fits into this fresh and dynamic collection aimed at young watch connoisseurs. The bold new Aquanaut attracts attention with its unique colorful design. Crafted from stainless steel, the new reference 5968A-001 features bright orange chronograph displays set...
Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 50th Anniversary Models - BaselWorld 2018
At BaselWorld 2018, Patek Philippe introduced a special new version of its cult Golden Ellipse model, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. To mark the special occasion, Patek Philippe created a limited edition series of 100 anniversary sets, each consisting of a limited edition platinum model and matching cufflinks. In addition, the famous Swiss watchmaker extends the collection with a new (non-limited) Golden Ellipse Jumbo in rose gold with a black dial. Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 50th anniversary model 5738/50P-001 Patek Phil...
Patek Philippe Haute Joaillerie Calatrava Ref. 4899/900
As mentioned in one of our previous articles, Patek Philippe’s in-house caliber 240 movement celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. To mark the occasion, and showcase the amazing versatility of the movement, the Maison has released a number of the most interesting new watches powered by this outstanding mechanical movement. In addition to the Calatrava Squelette, the house of Patek Philippe introduces the Ref. 4899 Haute Joaillerie wristwatch, an adorably feminine timepiece powered by the ultra-thin self-winding caliber 240 movement. Thi...
Patek Philippe Calatrava Squelette Ref. 5180/1R
In 2017, the house of Patek Philippe celebrates two important anniversaries. Its Aquanaut collection is celebrating its 20th birthday with an anniversary model, while the ultra-thin self-winding caliber 240 movement celebrates its 40th anniversary. To mark this special occasion, the manufacture Patek Philippe is presenting several new models that showcase the movement’s versatility. The most interesting of all is the new Calatrava "Squelette" Ref. 5180/1R in 18K rose gold 5N, in which the iconic self-winding caliber 240 was dramatically skeleto...
Patek Philippe Aquanaut Ref. 5168G
In 2017, the house of Patek Philippe celebrates the 20th birthday of its sporty Aquanaut collection, which was introduced at BaselWorld in 1997. To mark this special occasion, Patek Philippe introduces the Aquanaut Ref. 5168G, a casually chic, contemporary men’s watch, crafted from 18-karat white gold. The new Aquanaut is a perfect blend of elegant nobility and rugged masculinity. This is the first men’s Aquanaut wristwatch in white gold, and also the largest model in the line. With its 42mm in diameter, the watch pays tribute to the original 1...
Patek Philippe Nautilus 40th Anniversary Collection
The legendary Nautilus made its debut in 1976. This timelessly contemporary model, designed in close collaboration with Gérald Genta, one of the most renowned watch designers of the past century, will be remembered as the first sports watch in the long history of Patek Philippe manufacture. The Nautilus caused something like a small revolution in watchmaking. It was a completely unusual timepiece, one unlike any seen in the industry for that matter. While most of the watches of the era were slender timepieces made of gold, Nautilus boasted a vo...
Patek Philippe Calatrava Timeless White Ref 7122
In addition to the World Time Chronograph Ref. 5930, which pairs two popular complications in one watch, and the Annual Calendar Ref. 5396, Patek Philippe introduces the Calatrava "Timeless White" Ref. 7122 – a mechanical timepiece designed for ladies. In its latest iteration, the famous Calatrava model has been subtly reworked, paired with a bright white dial, and graced with diamonds. The timelessly elegant Calatrava is now offered in a modern, all-white edition, with a highly innovative design, but in an eternally beautiful way. The Ti...
Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Ref. 5396
The new Annual Calendar Ref. 5396 is a special sequel to the highly successful series that began in Basel in 1996 with the Ref. 5035. The same reference was voted Watch of the Year only a couple of months after its debut at BaselWorld. Since 1996, the Annual Calendar has been rendered in 21 different versions, including jewelry editions aimed at the ladies. The new Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Ref. 5396 is the 22nd model in the Annual Calendar range. Annual Calendar complication elegantly bridges the gap between a simple calendar and the p...
Patek Philippe World Time Chronograph Ref. 5930G
This extraordinary model combines Patek Philippe’s patented World Time mechanism with a proprietary self-winding chronograph movement. This rare combination of two of Patek Philippe’s specialties is aimed at true collectors and aficionados, who will most certainly appreciate it. So far, the union of the world time complication and a chronograph has appeared only in a single Patek from the 1940’s. Until today, the only Patek Philippe World Time Chronograph is a one-of-a-kind wristwatch No. 862 442, from 1940. This historical timepiece now res...




























































