Patek Philippe - STYLED. Timeless Watches & How to Wear Them New York Wednesday, December 5, 2018 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 2009
    Reference No: 5078P-013
    Movement No: 1'904'258
    Case No: 4'493'547
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. R 27 PS AIG 2
    Bracelet/Strap: Alligator
    Clasp/Buckle: Platinum Patek Philippe buckle
    Dimensions: 38mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.
    Accessories: With Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin dated November 14th, 2009 and signed by the Patek Philippe salon, London, fitted wooden Patek Philippe presentation box, box key, leather portfolio with glossy photograph, product literature and outer packaging. Further accompanied by a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch striking on two gongs and with blue sunburst dial in 2009 and its subsequent November 14th, 2009.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Patek Philippe’s reference 5078 is a stunning modern masterpiece featuring one of the most complex and desirable of all high complications – a minute repeater. Launched in 2008, it is the brand’s 21st century iteration of the striking wristwatch, and while it has a contemporary look and feel it’s firmly rooted in horology’s traditional past. Initially offered in platinum with a choice of white enamel dial or black lacquered dial, or 18K pink gold with white enamel dial, the reference is today offered by the brand only in 18K white gold.

    Powered by a self-winding movement with micro-rotor, its caliber R 27 PS is comprised of 342 parts and measures a very slim 5.05 mm in thickness. Winding is accomplished via a beautifully engraved micro-rotor, visible through the sapphire crystal caseback, and superbly integrated into the movement to permit an unobstructed view of the repeater’s hammers and gongs.

    This mechanical marvel is housed within a tastefully sized 38 mm diameter case designed with so many of the classic attributes found in Patek Philippe’s most prestigious, complicated vintage watches such as a wide concave bezel and fluted and elongated lugs - both reminiscent of the iconic reference 2499 perpetual calendar chronograph. The now-discontinued platinum and rose gold versions of the reference were fitted with dials featuring slender and elegant Roman numeral hour markers and feuille hands, noted with a -001 or a -010 extension to the reference number if enamel or black lacquer, respectively.

    The present watch is made extraordinary thanks to the special and possibly unique dial it was born with. Likely custom-ordered by a very important client, it is the only known version of this reference to feature a blue “soleil” dial. Accordingly, it is designated on the certificate of origin as a reference 5078P-013 – the first and only known example of the reference to appear with this dial variation. Although still in its factory seal, the brilliance and depth of the sunburst-grained dial can still be seen, with a deep and powerful blue main dial that contrasts elegantly with the slightly darker blue seconds chapter at 6 o’clock. The hands, hour markers, and seconds and minutes graphics are painted in pure white – a superb complement to the polished platinum case and adding vibrancy to the blue dial.

    Preserved in brand new condition still in its factory double sealed box, the present watch comes complete with all of its paperwork including the certificate of origin, a leather folio with portrait and model overview, second caseback, and presentation box. The uniqueness of its dial, its pristine state of preservation, and the presence of all of its original accessories, make this one of the most important examples of the reference to ever appear on the market. A trophy watch for a collection of the world’s finest watches.

  • 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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Σ58

Ref. 5078P-013
A possibly unique and important platinum minute repeating wristwatch with blue soleil dial, certificate of origin and presentation box, factory double sealed

2009
38mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.

Estimate
$250,000 - 500,000 
CHF249,000-498,000
€217,000-434,000
HK$1,960,000-3,920,000

Sold for $375,000

Contact Specialist
Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

STYLED. Timeless Watches & How to Wear Them

New York Auction 5 December 2018