Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XI Hong Kong Saturday, November 28, 2020 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: Circa 2012
    Reference No: 5550P-001
    Movement No: 5’627’593
    Case No: 4’747’989
    Model Name: Advanced Research
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 240 Q, 25 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: Platinum Patek Philippe deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 37mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin dated 22nd May 2012 stamped Patek Philippe Shanghai Boutique, instruction manual, product literature, adapter kit, additional solid caseback, setting pin, hang tag, slip case, leather folio, outer packaging and fitted winding presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    With a manufacturer that strives to only offer the best timepieces in the market, innovation is often the key element that drives the momentum. In 2005, Patek Philippe introduced the Advanced Research department to develop new innovations to improve precision and reliability of a mechanical wristwatch through the experimentation of new materials and micromechanics.

    In the same year of the introduction of Advanced Research, Patek Philippe released their very first timepiece via the ref. 5250 Annual Calendar fitted with a newly innovated Silinvar escape wheel that was developed by CSEM (a micro-engineering laboratory based in Neuchâtel) and funded by Patek Philippe, Rolex and the Swatch Group. Since the introduction of the reference, three more references were released, each with a newly developed component, refs. 5350, 5450 and 5550.

    Being the second last Advanced Research timepiece from the series, the ref. 5550 was released at the 2011 Baselworld, which utilized all of the silicon developments by the department. While the previous three references are all annual calendar wristwatches, the “triple 5” is a step up with a perpetual calendar complication powered by the practical cal. 240 and further featuring a Pulsomax escape wheel and pallet fork, Spiromax hairspring and a GyromaxSi balance wheel. Rendered in silicon, the components do not require any oiling. Released as a limited edition of 300 pieces, the ref. 5550 is certainly a rare and interesting piece.

    The present example Patek Philippe ref. 5550 is offered in excellent overall condition with extremely minimal signs of use and wear. Complete with its full set of accessories, the ref. 5550 is definitely not a timepiece you see every day.

  • 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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Σ925

Ref. 5550P-001
A very rare and attractive limited edition platinum perpetual calendar wristwatch with moon phases, leap year indication, Silinvar escape wheel, Spiromax balance spring, Certificate of Origin and presentation box

Circa 2012
37mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$390,000 - 780,000 
€42,000-84,100
$50,000-100,000

Sold for HK$793,800

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi

Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001

WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XI

Hong Kong Auction 29 November 2020