For me, the 2499 is the pinnacle of design of the Patek PPCs, in particular the 3rd series sans tachymeter. That makes the 3970 2nd series the best successor to it, IMO. I am very fortunate to own a beautiful rose gold version. It's the perfect style and size for my small-ish wrist, and I love the way the movement fills the display back. Even if its successors were the same price or less, I would still choose this watch. I bought it about 2 years ago from a kind and passionate member of this forum; we quickly became good friends.