First introduced in 1996, the Patek Philippe ref. 5004 is distinguished by its complex perpetual calendar function, coupled with a split-seconds chronograph complication. Extremely well-received, the reference was the last of its kind to be driven by a Lemania-based caliber, cal. CH 27-70 Q. Although the reference was discontinued in 2009, an extremely exclusive limited series was released in 2010, housed in a stainless steel case. Widely considered one of Patek Philippe's most desirable models, it was later succeeded by the ref. 5204, which came onto the scene in 2012 and features an in-house movement. At the time when it was still available in boutiques, the ref. 5004 was an application piece and was incredibly difficult to be granted the privilege of purchasing one: the intricacy of the split second module added to the already complex perpetual calendar chronograph and the enormously high finishing standard of the company commanded an incredibly slow production rate.

While the model was cased in a variety of metals, white gold examples are scarce. According to research, the present ref. 5004G-013 is the 15th example fitted with this dial configuration to appear in the market. Widely thought of as one of the most desirable contemporary complication references by Patek Philippe, the combination of the subtle lustre of white gold, rarity, and the finest in Swiss watchmaking make this an exceptional acquisition for the discerning collector.