Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: X Hong Kong Friday, July 10, 2020 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: Circa 2019
    Reference No: 5231J-001
    Model Name: World Time
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 240 HU, 33 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 38.5mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Further accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, instruction manual, product literature, leather folio, outer packaging and fitted presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Patek Philippe World Time timepieces are highly desirable for mostly two reasons, practicality and elegance. In 2019, Patek Philippe introduced a new World Time ref. 5231J-001, the first model of its reference to feature its covetable cloisonné enamel dial. Whilst the regular counterpart ref. 5230 launched in 2016 replaced the former ref. 5130, a new case is implemented with inspiration from the past grails, more specifically the legendary ref. 2523 from the 1950’s. While the new case measures a smaller 38.5mm, the smaller size is compensated by its fancy faceted lugs revived from the ref. 2523. With an altered appeal, the World Time caliber remains the same powered by the self-winding cal. 240 HU with a micro-rotor.

    Fitted with a cloisonné enamel dial, Patek Philippe executes the delicate craft to the highest level. To achieve the perfect cloisonné enamel dial, a thin gold wiring known as “cloison” are carefully sculpted to create the outline of the desired motif then applied on the surface of the dial. Once that process is finished to perfection, the enamel is then applied to fill the areas with its respective colors. Once the enamel is secured, the dial will be placed inside an oven and heated to create the perfect cloisonné enamel dial. However, the meticulous and rigorous process does not guarantee the perfect yield, as any imperfections detected on the dial after the heating process will be considered as a defect and the process will then have to be restarted making these examples exceedingly rare and highly sought after in the market today.

    The present example of a Patek Philippe World Time ref. 5231J is presented in excellent overall condition with very minimal signs of wear. Furthermore, it is accompanied by the full set of accessories, making this a perfect example of the new World Time wristwatch by Patek Philippe. The present lot is the first example of the reference to be offered at auction.

  • 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.

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Σ881

Ref. 5231J-001
A very fine and rare yellow gold world time wristwatch with “cloisonné” enamel dial, Certificate of Origin and presentation box

Circa 2019
38.5mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$600,000 - 1,000,000 
€65,500-109,000
$76,900-128,000

Sold for HK$750,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi

Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001

WatchesHK@phillips.com

 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: X

Hong Kong Auction 10 July 2020