PATEK PHILIPPE. A VERY RARE 18K PINK GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR SPLIT SECONDS CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH MOON PHASES, 24 HOUR AND LEAP YEAR INDICATION AND UNUSUAL RUBY-SET DIAL, WITH ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE, ADDITIONAL CASE BACK AND PORTFOLIO PHOTOGRAPHS

Prospective purchasers are advised that several co… Read more

PROPERTY FROM AN IMPORTANT PRIVATE COLLECTOR Coming to auction from a very important private collector for the first time, the following four exquisite timepieces represent the pinnacle production of each of these Patek references: the 5004, 3939, 3974 and 5016. The fantastic pink gold cases combined with the magnificent embellishment of ruby-set numerals are unique to these four pieces. Rubies are fire. Rubies are luxury. Rubies are considered the most magnificent of all gems; they are the stone of Kings and Royalty. It is a symbol of beauty, protection, passion and power. Consigned by a prominent private collector, the present four lots are certainly one of the most charismatic and important collections of modern complicated Patek Philippe watches ever to be offered on the market. Each blessed with a 'one-of-kind' type of dial, they display a perfect combination of mechanical complexity, dial design and exclusivity. Throughout literature, there has never been another reference 5016, 3939 or 3974 in pink gold with ruby-set dial ever released to the public until today and then must be considered as part of the holy grail of modern production. Most certainly commissioned on special request, there are no other references 5016 known to exist with the present combination of case metal and dial configuration. Indeed, to have one of these references is a rarity in itself especially cased in pink gold. To date, there has only been one other pink gold reference 5016 ever offered on the market. It is believed that only 30 to 40 pieces were ever manufactured making pink gold perhaps the rarest case metal used for the 5016. The 3974, considered by many collectors as the most elegant and important watch manufactured by the firm in the last 20 years, is thought to be made in less than 20 pieces cased in pink gold and only four examples have ever come to market. The present watch is possibly unique and the dial, not originally born with the watch, was made exclusively for the present owner by Patek Philippe to satisfy his need for rubies, to match his fabulous collection of complicated Pateks. One of the most elegant and subtle of the Patek Philippe grand complication timepieces, the 3939 was extremely limited in production and is only known in four pieces cased in pink gold. Never before seen in pink gold fitted with a ruby-set dial, the present watch can only be regarded as a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. The present reference 5004 is certainly one of the most charismatic and important 5004 to be offered at auction. The current lot is only the second known example fitted with the highly sought after ruby-set dial. The first known example was sold at Christie's in Hong Kong, May 2013, lot 2913 for a record breaking HK$4,350,000. To own even one of these timepieces is to hold that fire and passion inherent to the ruby in your hand. Unrivalled by any other examples of these Patek Philippe references, the present watches will remain in history as unique, exceptional and powerful. Christie's is honored to have been chosen to offer this magnificent collection for the very first time at auction. Please note tht Lots 36, 37, 38 and 39 all have endangered species straps (indicated by the CITES symbol next to the lot number). These straps are shown for display purposes only and have been removed and retained by Christie's prior to shipment to the sale site. In some cases the straps may be available for collection free of charge. For more information please refer to the IMPORTANT NOTICES AND EXPLANATION OF CATALOGUING PRACTICE at the back of this catalogue and contact the Watch Department.

SIGNED PATEK PHILIPPE, GENEVE, REF. 5004, MOVEMENT NO. 879'674, CASE NO. 4'007'834, CIRCA 2007

Details

PATEK PHILIPPE. A VERY RARE 18K PINK GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR SPLIT SECONDS CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH MOON PHASES, 24 HOUR AND LEAP YEAR INDICATION AND UNUSUAL RUBY-SET DIAL, WITH ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE, ADDITIONAL CASE BACK AND PORTFOLIO PHOTOGRAPHS
SIGNED PATEK PHILIPPE, GENEVE, REF. 5004, MOVEMENT NO. 879'674, CASE NO. 4'007'834, CIRCA 2007
Cal. 27-70 Q mechanical lever movement stamped with the Geneva seal, 28 jewels, silvered dial, applied ruby-set numerals, two apertures for day and month, three subsidiary dials for constant seconds and 24 hours display, 30 minutes register and leap year indicator, date and aperture for moon phases, circular case, stepped bezel and lugs, glazed screw back, split seconds chronograph mechanism operated through two round chronograph buttons in the band and through the crown, 18k pink gold Patek Philippe deployant clasp, case, dial and movement signed
37 mm. diam.

Special Notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory, tortoiseshell and crocodile. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country. Items which contain rubies or jadeite originating in Burma (Myanmar) may not be imported into the U.S. As a convenience to our bidders, we have marked these lots with Y. Please be advised that a purchaser¹s inability to import any such item into the U.S. or any other country shall not constitute grounds for non-payment or cancellation of the sale. With respect to items that contain any other types of gemstones originating in Burma (e.g., sapphires), such items may be imported into the U.S., provided that the gemstones have been mounted or incorporated into jewellery outside of Burma and provided that the setting is not of a temporary nature (e.g., a string). This property has been sourced from overseas. When auctioned, such property will remain under “bond” with the applicable import customs duties and taxes being deferred unless and until the property is brought into free circulation in the PRC. Prospective buyers are reminded that after paying for this lot in full and cleared funds, if they wish to import this lot into the PRC, they will be responsible for and will have to pay the applicable import customs duties and taxes. The rates of import customs duty and tax are based on the value of the goods and the relevant customs regulations and classifications in force at the time of import. The final amounts will be determined by PRC Customs and other competent authorities at the time of import. Neither Christie’s nor the seller warrants or guarantees the accuracy of this information and we are not responsible in any way for any errors or omissions. Potential buyers are responsible for satisfying themselves as to the amount of import customs duty and tax payable for lots which they buy and intend to import into the P

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Lot Essay

With Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, additional case back and setting.

Consigned by a prominent private collector, the present reference 5004 is certainly one of the most charismatic and important 5004 to be offered at auction. The current lot is only the second known example fitted with the highly sought after ruby-set dial, confirmed by the Certificate of Origin. The first known example was sold at Christie's in Hong Kong, May 2013, lot 2913 for a record breaking 4,350,000 Hong Kong Dollars.

To many collectors, reference 5004 is one of the greatest wristwatches ever made and is often mentioned as the watch with the most promising future on the market.

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