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Lot Essay
This endangered species strap is shown for display purposes only and is not for sale. The watch will be supplied with a calf leather strap.
Reference 5032 was produced from 1995 through to 2001, and in 2000, a special "Millennium" series was made in a limited edition of 100 examples. The present watch is number 39 of the series, one of the smallest limited editions produced by the firm for an Anniversary or Commemoration. It differs from the standard production 5032 in a number of ways, the first being the shape of the numerals - dagger as opposed to baton, and the addition of a single Breguet numeral 2. The dial also features minute divisions on an outer ring, with Arabic five-minute divisions, while the standard dial features outer beady minute divisions. The sloped and polished bezel, as opposed to the rounded or stepped version, gives the watch a completely different look. Lastly, the cabochon ruby-set crown is a charming and different twist on a standard crown.
Watch companies have a grand tradition of celebrating anniversaries with the release of a limited edition watch, with Patek Philippe being no exception. From the complicated Caliber 89, produced in 1989 to mark the 150th Anniversary of Patek Philippe, to the reference 5396 released to celebrate the five year anniversary of Patek Philippe opening their first US boutique in the flagship Tiffany & Co. on New York's Fifth Avenue, Patek Philippe limited edition watches celebrating an anniversary or commemoration are highly anticipated and desired by collectors.
Reference 5032 was produced from 1995 through to 2001, and in 2000, a special "Millennium" series was made in a limited edition of 100 examples. The present watch is number 39 of the series, one of the smallest limited editions produced by the firm for an Anniversary or Commemoration. It differs from the standard production 5032 in a number of ways, the first being the shape of the numerals - dagger as opposed to baton, and the addition of a single Breguet numeral 2. The dial also features minute divisions on an outer ring, with Arabic five-minute divisions, while the standard dial features outer beady minute divisions. The sloped and polished bezel, as opposed to the rounded or stepped version, gives the watch a completely different look. Lastly, the cabochon ruby-set crown is a charming and different twist on a standard crown.
Watch companies have a grand tradition of celebrating anniversaries with the release of a limited edition watch, with Patek Philippe being no exception. From the complicated Caliber 89, produced in 1989 to mark the 150th Anniversary of Patek Philippe, to the reference 5396 released to celebrate the five year anniversary of Patek Philippe opening their first US boutique in the flagship Tiffany & Co. on New York's Fifth Avenue, Patek Philippe limited edition watches celebrating an anniversary or commemoration are highly anticipated and desired by collectors.