Patek Philippe - The New York Watch Auction: NINE New York Saturday, December 9, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 2012
    Reference No: 5078P-011
    Movement No: 1’904’238
    Case No: 4’483’287
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. R 27 PS AIG 2, 39 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: Platinum Patek Philippe deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 38mm Diameter
    Accessories: Accompanied by Certificate of Origin dated June 4th, 2012, leather portfolio with glossy photograph, product literature, additional solid caseback, and hang tag.

  • 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.

    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.

    Housed within a tastefully-sized 38mm diameter case, 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 combination it was born with. Likely custom-ordered by an important client, it is the only known version of this reference to feature a “red” seconds hand. Accordingly, it is designated on the certificate of origin as a reference 5078P-011 – the first and only known example of the reference to appear with this reference number.

    Preserved in outstanding condition, the present watch is accompanied with its Certificate of Origin, a leather folio with portrait and model overview, and as well as an additional, solid caseback. The possibly unique red seconds hand is furthermore noted on the certificate. Consigned by the original owner, the uniqueness of its configuration and its pristine state of preservation make this one of the most important examples of the reference to appear on the market.

    CONSIGNED BY THE ORIGINAL OWNER

  • 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.

    View More Works

Σ144

Ref. 5078P-011
A possibly unique, incredibly rare, and attractive platinum minute repeating wristwatch with red seconds hand and black lacquer dial, Certificate of Origin, additional solid caseback, and leather folio

2012
38mm Diameter

Estimate
$200,000 - 400,000 
CHF180,000-360,000
€187,000-374,000
HK$1,560,000-3,120,000
S$272,000-544,000

Sold for $596,900

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Deputy Chairman and Head of Watches, Americas
+1 (212) 940-1293
WatchesNY@Phillips.com
 
Isabella Proia
Head of Sale, New York
+1 (212) 940 1285
iproia@phillips.com

The New York Watch Auction: NINE

New York Auction 9 - 10 December 2023