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Lot Essay
Christie’s is immensely honoured to offer this extraordinary bespoke rose gold reference 5002R-014, a unique version with spectacular special request Certificate-confirmed black dial that is further adorned with diamond indexes set in rose gold chatons. Entirely fresh to the market, to the best of our knowledge, this watch is the only publicly known example of its type and as such is one of the most important individual watches of the entire reference 5002 production.
It has always been assumed that because the Sky Moon Tourbillon was only ever available by invitation and interview to Patek Philippe’s most important clients, unique special request versions were likely to exist. It is therefore incredibly exciting to discover the present watch, the first example of its type ever to be seen at international auction. It is also fascinating to observe that the black diamond index dial bestows an entirely new aesthetic on the model that proclaims its individuality and ultimate exclusivity. Naturally, the bespoke nature of this watch reflects the importance of the owner himself as someone who was not only hand-picked to own a Sky Moon Tourbillon but was also permitted to commission an exotic dial of his choosing, indeed one of the fortunate few.
This awe-inspiring Patek Philippe Grande Complication is presented in superlative condition with full set of accessories and offers collectors and those who appreciate the finest complicated watches the singular opportunity to obtain the unobtainable, a bespoke example of one of the world’s greatest contemporary horological achievements.
Reference 5002 ‘Sky Moon Tourbillon’
The Sky Moon Tourbillon Ref. 5002 is one of the most important watches ever to have been made in modern history. During the years in which it was produced, it was the most complicated wristwatch ever made by Patek Philippe. The term ‘masterpiece’ is used quite deservedly for all of Patek Philippe’s complicated watches. However, the reference 5002 Sky Moon Tourbillon holds a very special place amongst Patek Philippe’s greatest horological achievements. Made between 2001 and 2012 (the rose gold version being introduced in 2002), the watch features two dials and 12 complications. Its technical complexity and brilliance caused a sensation when it was released and the model has lost none of its appeal over the last 20 years. Inspired by the famous ‘Star Caliber 2000’, a double-dialled pocket watch made to commemorate the new Millennium, the Sky Moon Tourbillon has two dials. The first displaying mean solar time, retrograde perpetual calendar and phases of the moon. The other side features the sky chart – a map of the night sky in the Northern Hemisphere. An elliptical contour surrounds the portion of the nocturnal sky that is visible from a specific location. This patented module has a transparent crystal disk rotating once per sidereal day which is the basis for the sidereal time display with two hands and 24-hour scale. The sky chart also depicts the angular motion of the stars and of the moon, the meridian passages of Sirius and of the moon, and the waxing and waning moon phases. The disk is driven by means of teeth on its circumference, concealed from view by the bezel, comparable to the mechanism of ‘mystery’ clocks. The Patek Philippe Sky-Moon mechanism represents an extraordinary horological achievement, offering an incredible degree of precision in the depiction of the celestial canopy.
The Minute Repeater with Cathedral Gongs
The minute repeater is a complication for which Patek Philippe are justly famous. Over the years, the company has invested considerable time and effort in the development of the minute repeating wristwatch in order to perfect both its function and sound. The company has developed a special alloy for the making of the gongs which provides a clear, easily audible and attractive tone. In the reference 5002 Sky Moon Tourbillon, two extra-long ‘cathedral’ gongs provide an astonishing richness and clarity. Almost twice the length of ordinary gongs, both coil around the movement twice.
It has always been assumed that because the Sky Moon Tourbillon was only ever available by invitation and interview to Patek Philippe’s most important clients, unique special request versions were likely to exist. It is therefore incredibly exciting to discover the present watch, the first example of its type ever to be seen at international auction. It is also fascinating to observe that the black diamond index dial bestows an entirely new aesthetic on the model that proclaims its individuality and ultimate exclusivity. Naturally, the bespoke nature of this watch reflects the importance of the owner himself as someone who was not only hand-picked to own a Sky Moon Tourbillon but was also permitted to commission an exotic dial of his choosing, indeed one of the fortunate few.
This awe-inspiring Patek Philippe Grande Complication is presented in superlative condition with full set of accessories and offers collectors and those who appreciate the finest complicated watches the singular opportunity to obtain the unobtainable, a bespoke example of one of the world’s greatest contemporary horological achievements.
Reference 5002 ‘Sky Moon Tourbillon’
The Sky Moon Tourbillon Ref. 5002 is one of the most important watches ever to have been made in modern history. During the years in which it was produced, it was the most complicated wristwatch ever made by Patek Philippe. The term ‘masterpiece’ is used quite deservedly for all of Patek Philippe’s complicated watches. However, the reference 5002 Sky Moon Tourbillon holds a very special place amongst Patek Philippe’s greatest horological achievements. Made between 2001 and 2012 (the rose gold version being introduced in 2002), the watch features two dials and 12 complications. Its technical complexity and brilliance caused a sensation when it was released and the model has lost none of its appeal over the last 20 years. Inspired by the famous ‘Star Caliber 2000’, a double-dialled pocket watch made to commemorate the new Millennium, the Sky Moon Tourbillon has two dials. The first displaying mean solar time, retrograde perpetual calendar and phases of the moon. The other side features the sky chart – a map of the night sky in the Northern Hemisphere. An elliptical contour surrounds the portion of the nocturnal sky that is visible from a specific location. This patented module has a transparent crystal disk rotating once per sidereal day which is the basis for the sidereal time display with two hands and 24-hour scale. The sky chart also depicts the angular motion of the stars and of the moon, the meridian passages of Sirius and of the moon, and the waxing and waning moon phases. The disk is driven by means of teeth on its circumference, concealed from view by the bezel, comparable to the mechanism of ‘mystery’ clocks. The Patek Philippe Sky-Moon mechanism represents an extraordinary horological achievement, offering an incredible degree of precision in the depiction of the celestial canopy.
The Minute Repeater with Cathedral Gongs
The minute repeater is a complication for which Patek Philippe are justly famous. Over the years, the company has invested considerable time and effort in the development of the minute repeating wristwatch in order to perfect both its function and sound. The company has developed a special alloy for the making of the gongs which provides a clear, easily audible and attractive tone. In the reference 5002 Sky Moon Tourbillon, two extra-long ‘cathedral’ gongs provide an astonishing richness and clarity. Almost twice the length of ordinary gongs, both coil around the movement twice.