Auktionen Dr. Crott – Patek 2499/100J, 3450J and 3700/1J

On 10 May, Auktionen Dr. Crott, led by Stefan and Steffi Muser, holds its 112th auction. The catalogue is strong, but three watches stand out: the Patek Philippe 2499/100J and 3450J, both sold through Gübelin and both new old stock (NOS) with full sets, and a Patek Philippe 3700/1J, also NOS. All three come from the family of the original owner.

Reference 2499/100J, fourth series

In our view this may be the best 2499/100J to have reached the market so far. It has everything a serious collector looks for: absolutely NOS condition, a double-signed Gübelin dial, and the original certificate, invoice, wooden box and outer packaging. For a top-level collector it is an opportunity to buy the best; for a newcomer, a way to start a collection at the highest level. The estimate is €500,000–1,500,000. Whether a fourth-series 2499 will pass the million-euro mark remains to be seen.

Patek Philippe 2499/100J yellow gold perpetual calendar chronograph with silver dial, moon phase and black strap — Patek Philippe 2499/100J, yellow gold, fourth series

Close-up of the dial of a gold perpetual calendar chronograph with moon phase, day and date windows and the Gübelin signature — The double-signed Gübelin dial

Patek Philippe certificate of origin for the 2499/100J — Certificate of origin

Gübelin invoice letter on letterhead — Original Gübelin invoice

Wooden watch box with light wood inlay beside a red leather case — Original wooden box and outer packaging

Reference 3450J

The 3450J is equally remarkable. It is also NOS and comes with its original certificate, original invoice, a further invoice for the folding clasp, and a letter from Patek Philippe to the owner explaining the mechanism of the date function. The dial is likewise double-signed Gübelin. This is probably the best 3450J seen on the market to date. The estimate is €170,000–270,000.

Patek Philippe 3450J yellow gold perpetual calendar with moon phase on a black strap, certificate of origin behind — Patek Philippe 3450J, yellow gold

Close-up of the gold perpetual calendar dial showing the FRI SEP date windows, moon phase and Gübelin signature — Dial signed Patek Philippe and Gübelin

Patek Philippe certificate of origin for the 3450J — Certificate of origin

Patek Philippe letter on letterhead with typed text and a signature — Letter from Patek Philippe explaining the date mechanism

Reference 3700/1J

The third piece is a perfectly preserved 3700/1J, accompanied by its original invoice, box and outer packaging, with a dial double-signed Beyer. Finding a Nautilus in NOS condition, with a tight, unstretched bracelet and crisp bevels, is genuinely rare, and as a full set it is a notable addition to any serious collection. The estimate is €150,000–300,000. The Nautilus market has softened, so it will be interesting to see where this one lands; an example in this state is still something special.

Patek Philippe Nautilus 3700/1J in gold with blue dial and matching gold bracelet, with two small gold accessories beside it — Patek Philippe 3700/1J, yellow gold

Black cushion box with gold rim beside a white Patek Philippe box with branded lid — Original box and outer packaging

Photographs: Auktionen Dr. Crott.

Auktionen Dr. Crott, 10 May – Patek Philippe 2499/100J, 3450J and 3700/1J, NOS full sets

Reference 2499/100J, fourth series

Reference 3450J

Reference 3700/1J