Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1997 Reference No: 5004P-001 Movement No: 879'663 Case No: 4'034'169 Material: Platinum Calibre: Manual, cal. CHR 27-70Q, 28 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Platinum pin buckle Dimensions: 37mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe red leather wallet containing a Certificate of Origin confirming the sale of the present watch on January 31st, 1998, product literature, additional glazed case back and fitted presentation box
Catalogue Essay
Patek Phillipe was the first manufacturer to introduce a series-produced wristwatch incorporating a perpetual calendar and chronograph, the reference 1518 presented in 1941.
A decade later, its successor, the reference 2499, was launched offering the same complications but now in a more substantial case highlighted by four fluted, downturned lugs. These would continue to be produced over the next thirty years. The reference 3970, introduced in 1986, replaced the 2499, with the same complications housed inside a slightly smaller, 36mm case size. Reference 5004 was a true revolution when it was introduced, as for the first time, it offered a split second function in addition to the perpetual calendar and chronograph complications. Produced in yellow gold, pink gold, white gold and platinum, platinum versions remain the most desirable of the four metals.
Since reference 5004 was discontinued, it has now achieved cult status amongst Patek Philippe collectors and purists, as it perfectly combines Patek Philippe's signature design, highest level of complications, and uncompromised approach to quality.
The present example is overall in mint condition, and is accompanied by the second sapphire crystal caseback, presentation box, and original papers.
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.