Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: XVII Geneva Saturday, May 13, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 2012
    Reference No: 5004A-001
    Movement No: 3'275'493
    Case No: 4'530'349
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. CHR27-70Q, 28 jewels, stamped with the Geneva Seal
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Patek Philippe deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin dated April 25, 2012, additional caseback, numbered hang tag, setting pin, portfolio with photograph, numbered slip case, presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    In the modern world of horology, Patek Philippe is synonymous with innovation and fine artisanship. One watch that exemplifies everything about Patek Philippe is the reference 5004 - a wondrous epitome of Swiss horological prowess, technological mastery and breathtakingly beautiful design. In production between 1994 and 2012, the reference 5004 is one of the scarcest Patek Philippe models in the market, as only approximately 12 examples were created per year due to its technical difficulty. The reference 5004 embodies some of the most significant features in the history of horology, including perpetual calendar, split seconds chronograph, moon phases, as well as 24-hour and leap year indication.

    To celebrate the retirement of this iconic model, Patek Philippe created the reference 5004 encased in stainless steel, as all preceding models were in gold or platinum. It was rumoured that 50 examples were made. Wristwatches with perpetual calendar or chronograph movements encased in stainless steel are some of the rarest timepieces in the world of watch collecting. Cased in stainless steel, the present reference 5004 is not only a rare work of art for the wrist, but also a highly complex timekeeping device. Adding an element of exclusivity, the reference 5004 in stainless steel was sold exclusively through the Geneva Salon, providing personalization customization for the brand’s most loyal clients.

    Fresh to the auction market, the present watch was brand new and only unsealed on January 17, 2023 for the purpose of shipping the timepiece. A video of the unsealing of the timepiece is available to view, and the timepiece is also accompanied by a signed letter from Phillips' in-house counsel attesting this fact. As such, it is a study of originality, showing how a reference 5004 should look when it is brand new, from the curves on the lugs, to the fluting and all the hallmarks - all are original, as if the timepiece left the Patek Philippe yesterday. It is furthermore accompanied by its original accessories, such as the Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin dated April 25, 2012, additional caseback, numbered hang tag, setting pin, portfolio with photograph, numbered slip case, presentation box and outer packaging.

    To date, only 9 examples of the reference 5004A have ever graced the auction market, underscoring the rarity and importance of the present timepiece.

  • Artist Biography

    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.

    View More Works

Σ139

Ref. 5004A-001
A recently unsealed, extremely rare and fine stainless steel perpetual calendar split seconds chronograph wristwatch with moon phases, 24 hours, leap year indicator, original certificate, additional caseback and presentation box

2012
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
CHF400,000 - 800,000 
€416,000-833,000
$457,000-914,000

Sold for CHF939,800

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

+41 79 637 17 24
AGhotbi@phillips.com

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 79 460 55 88
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XVII

Geneva Auction 13 - 14 May 2023