88Σ︎
Patek Philippe
Ref. 5004G-020
“Eric Clapton”
A most probably unique white gold perpetual calendar split-seconds chronograph wristwatch with “rose” dial, Breguet numeral 12, moon phases, leap year, 24-hour indicator, certificate of origin, setting pin, hang tag, and presentation boxes, formerly in the collection of Eric Clapton, CBE
Full-Cataloguing
• Possibly unique piece formerly in the collection of Eric Clapton, CBE
• First example in this configuration known with “rose” dial and Breguet numeral 12
• Full-set
• Fresh-to-market
One of the great classics of modern Patek Philippe history, the reference 5004 was produced between 1994 and 2010. It is the first Patek Philippe serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with split-seconds. Together with the reference 5070 and 5970, it is the last Patek Philippe model to employ the “Nouvelle Lemania”-based caliber. The aesthetics of the watch are based on the reference 3970, with subtle differences: the vast majority of dials feature large Arabic numerals instead of baton markers most often found on the ref. 3970; the case is thicker and 0.8 mm wider as a result of the split-seconds complication, granting it a more substantial wrist presence.
The intricacy of the split-seconds module added to the already complex perpetual calendar chronograph and the extremely high finishing standard of the company commanded an incredibly slow production rate. Out of the five serially produced materials used for the 5004 – being yellow gold, white gold, pink gold, platinum, and stainless steel – white gold is believed to be the rarest with only 27 examples known to-date.
But even the rarity of its white gold case pales in comparison to the spectacularly rare nature of this example. Ordered and delivered to a man who needs no introduction, Eric Clapton, CBE, it was part pf a series of 5004s (among other Nouvelle Lemania based Patek Philippes) commissioned by the world-famous guitarist, with applied Breguet numeral 12, dot hour markers, and tachymeter scales – not to be confused with similar commissioned pieces featuring a Roman numeral 12. This is the first appearance at auction for this particular combination of white gold case and “rose” dial, with previous examples appearing with a platinum case / blue metallic dial and a pink gold / black dial. In all likelihood, there is another example out there in yellow gold, having yet to appear at auction, and likely with a doré dial (similar to the Roman numeral set) or in pink gold with a silver dial similar to the 3970 example Eric Clapton commissioned.
Of the 22 special order dials known across all metals, only four (now five) are known in white gold, making this the second rarest combination behind yellow gold. It retains all its original accessories, including solid caseback, hang tag, setting pin, and Certificate of Origin and appears at public auction for the first – and possibly last – time ever.
Patek Philippe
Swiss | 1839Since 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.