Patek Philippe ref 2499 could see $350,000 at Bonhams

Bonhams' biannual Fine Watches auction will offer the highly desirable Patek Philippe ref 2499

A superb example of the Patek Philippe ref 2499 is to provide the star lot in Bonhams' biannual Fine Watches, Wristwatches and Clocks auction, which will be held on December 13 in New York.

The auction will also be conducted simultaneously in Los Angeles and San Franciso and will offer some of the world's finest and rarest timepieces. The Patek Philippe holds the highest valuation of all the lots, estimated at $250,000-350,000.

A platinum Patek Philippe 2499 from Eric Clapton's collectionsold in November

Despite being one in a production run of only 349, the sale is not the first reference 2499 to have appeared at auction this year. In November, Eric Clapton's Patek Philippe 2499 - which is one of two platinum examplesever produced - sold for an impressive $3.6m at Christie's Geneva showroom.

Reference 2499 has beenmanufactured by Patek Philippe for over 70 years and is one of the most desirable models from the luxury brand. The example at auction was produced in 1955 and is made from 18k gold. Featuring its original leather strap, it boasts a perpetual calendar and Moon phases.

Haldimann's watches are produced without the use of automated equipment

Also starring is a Beat Haldimann platinum wristwatch with a central flying tourbillion. Haldimann's Swiss workshop specialises in producing handmade, individual watches to order, and this is one such example. Introduced at the 2002 Basel Fair, the HI tourbillion is expected to sell for $60,000-80,000.

Paul Fraser Collectibles has a classic Longines Olympic Series men's watch for sale. For more of the latest news and investment advice on watch collecting, sign up to our free weekly newsletter.