Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 2016 Reference No: 5204P-011 Movement No: 5'252'374 Case No: 6'068'205 Material: Platinum Calibre: Manual, cal. CH 29-535 PS AIG.1, 33 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Alligator Clasp/Buckle: Platinum Patek Philippe deployant clasp Dimensions: 40mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin dated July 15, 2016, additional caseback, setting pin, leather portfolio, product literature, presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
The line of perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatches is one of the cornerstones of Patek Philippe’s collection. It all began in 1940 with the introduction of reference 1518; since then, the line has continuously been in production until now, spawning five main references. It is however only in recent times, with the introduction of reference 5004 in 1996 that a split-second feature was added to the ensemble.
Launched in 2012, the ref. 5204 replaced the ref. 5004 being the first perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch to feature the manufacturer’s first in-house cal. CHR 29-535 PS Q, replacing its former Lemania based cal. CHR 27-70Q.
The addition of a split-second feature propels the watch into the ultimate echelon of watchmaking, the split-second chronograph being one of the most daunting complications to execute, together with the minute repeater. Such mechanical prowess coupled with the generous proportions of the watch and the quintessentially Patek Philippe design of the piece made reference 5204 an instant classic, highly coveted by collectors.
Cased in platinum and displaying a striking black dial, the present timepiece is preserved in excellent and barely worn condition and is accompanied by all its original accessories.
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.
Ref. 5204P-011 A very fine and attractive platinum perpetual calendar split-seconds chronograph wristwatch with moon phases, leap year, day and night indication, additional caseback, certificate of origin and presentation box
2016 40mm Diameter Case, dial, movement and clasp signed