Priority Bidding is here! Secure a lower Buyer’s Premium today (excludes Online Auctions and Watches). Learn More

1034

Patek Philippe

Ref. 5026R

Calatrava "Macau Handover"

A very rare and limited edition pink gold wristwatch with Breguet numerals and small seconds, one of a limited edition of 30 pieces, made to celebrate Macau’s handover to the People’s Republic of China

Estimate
HK$100,000 - 200,000
€11,100 - 22,100
$12,800 - 25,600
HK$254,000
Lot Details
Manufacturer
Patek Philippe
Year
1999
Reference No
5026R
Movement No
3’150’921
Case No
4’030’533
Model Name
Calatrava "Macau Handover"
Material
18K pink gold
Calibre
Automatic, cal. 240 PS, 27 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Crocodile
Clasp/Buckle
18K pink gold Patek Philippe pin buckle
Dimensions
33mm diameter
Signed
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
Accessories
Delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the production of the present timepiece in 1999 and its subsequent sale date on 6 December 1999.
Catalogue Essay
The Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 5026R “Macau Handover” is a rare limited edition watch created to commemorate Macau’s return to Chinese sovereignty in 1999 after over four centuries of Portuguese administration. Only 30 pieces were produced, making it one of the most exclusive Calatrava models ever released. Crafted in 18K pink gold, the watch features a classic 33mm case, an ivory white dial adorned with elegant Breguet numerals, and a subsidiary seconds dial at 5 o’clock. Its standout feature is the emblem at 7 o’clock, specially designed to celebrate the historic handover. This emblem is not merely decorative but marks the exact date of the event, serving as a symbolic and visual anchor for the watch’s commemorative purpose.

Powered by the ultra-thin Calibre 240 automatic movement with a 22K yellow gold micro-rotor, the watch maintains Patek Philippe’s tradition of technical excellence. The emblem at 7 o’clock adds a unique layer of historical significance, making the watch not only a collector’s item but also a wearable tribute to a pivotal moment in modern Chinese history. Offered in excellent condition along with its Extract from the Archives, the present 5026R Macau Handover edition remains one of the most culturally resonant and aesthetically understated pieces in Patek Philippe’s catalogue.

Patek Philippe

Swiss | 1839
Since its founding in 1839, this famous Geneva-based firm has been surprising its clientele with superbly crafted timepieces fitted with watchmaking's most prestigious complications. Traditional and conservative designs are found across Patek Philippe's watches made throughout their history — the utmost in understated elegance.Well-known for the Graves Supercomplication — a highly complicated pocket watch that was the world’s most complicated watch for 50 years — this family-owned brand has earned a reputation of excellence around the world. Patek's complicated vintage watches hold the highest number of world records for results achieved at auction compared with any other brand. For collectors, key models include the reference 1518, the world's first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, and its successor, the reference 2499. Other famous models include perpetual calendars such as the ref. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450, chronographs such as the reference 130, 530 and 1463, as well as reference 1436 and 1563 split seconds chronographs. Patek is also well-known for their classically styled, time-only "Calatrava" dress watches, and the "Nautilus," an iconic luxury sports watch first introduced in 1976 as the reference 3700 that is still in production today.
Browse Maker