Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XV Hong Kong Monday, November 28, 2022 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: Circa 1980s
    Reference No: 4700/001
    Movement No: 1’529’413
    Case No: 2’796’214
    Model Name: Nautilus
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Quartz cal. E19C, 7 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Patek Philippe bracelet, max length 165mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Patek Philippe deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 26mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by undated Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin stamped A l’Emeraude S.A. Switzerland.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Unveiled admits the heights of the quartz crisis in 1981, the Patek Philippe ref. 4700 is the smallest Nautilus ever produced by the firm with a case that measures only 26mm in diameter. The early 1980s was a pivital moment for the watch industry as manufacturers had to choose between fully integrating into catering towards the fashion and trends of the 20th century, or to stand their ground in preserving traditional Swiss watchmaking. Patek Philippe made a bold statement by firmly sticking to their roots as traditional watchmakers from the 19th century while embracing the new quartz technology without letting it override their heritage. By doing so, Patek Philippe retained their production strategy driven by mechanical timepieces as well as introducing quartz models at the same time. The ref. 4700 was among one of the models that bore a quartz cal. E19C.

    The Patek Philippe lady’s Nautilus ref. 4700 enjoyed a successful 23-year production run, offered in an array of different iterations and was eventually discontinued in 2004. The present example in stainless steel with an ashen gray ribbed dial is truly a classic. Offered in excellent overall condition with minimal signs of use and wear, this is truly the perfect everyday timepiece for the discerned lady collector today. With a new wave of young male enthusiasts braving smaller wristwatches, this piece can potentially be a great essential for a style-conscious modern gentlemen.

  • 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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1018

Lot offered with No Reserve

Ref. 4700/001
A lady's fine and attractive stainless steel quartz wristwatch with date, bracelet and Certificate of Origin

Circa 1980s
26mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$80,000 - 160,000 
€9,500-19,000
$10,300-20,500

Sold for HK$88,200

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XV

28 - 29 November 2022 (Online Registration ends 27 Nov, 2pm HKT)