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Lot Essay
This stunning white gold minute repeater is, to the best of our knowledge, the first example of the reference 5078G-010 with Rare Handicrafts ‘Grand Feu’ black enamel ‘arabesque’ dial to be offered at auction. Christie’s is greatly honoured to present to the world’s most discerning collectors the exceptional opportunity to acquire this astonishingly attractive and highly exclusive example of Patek Philippe’s most significant complication, the minute repeater. Offered in exceptional condition, we are delighted to present this majestic watch for sale. Moreover, it is accompanied by the full set of accessories.
The ‘Grand Feu’ black enamel dial is simply beautiful with its subtle ‘arabesque’ design and a rare treat for collectors to find such a remarkably decorated dial on the classic reference 5078 minute repeater. Created on an 18k gold plate by the incredible craftsmen of Patek Philippe’s Rare Handicrafts division, the enamel dial is fired at very high temperatures and finally fitted with lozenge-shaped white gold hour markers. The black dial makes a wonderful and classic contrast to the white gold case. The dial decoration of scrolling arabesques features contrasting surfaces of matt and polished areas that reveal the exquisite pattern as light plays across the surface.
Patek Philippe’s minute repeaters are known worldwide for their outstanding acoustic performance and clarity of sound. In fact, minute repeating is one of the complications that the company have focused upon to continually develop ways to improve the tonality of the gongs in order to produce the very best possible sound. Before any Patek Philippe minute repeater is allowed to be delivered to its new owner, it is personally checked by Mr. Thierry Stern to ensure it conforms to the expected standard.
Reference 5078
One of the most elegant and pure models of Patek Philippe’s extraordinary minute repeating wristwatches, the automatic reference 5078 is also one of the rarest. Indeed, it is so cherished by those fortunate enough to possess it that in the 15 years since launch, only 13 examples in all metals have ever returned to the market.
Reference 5078 was launched in 2008 in white gold with a white enamel dial. In 2010 another white gold version was released but this time with a black lacquered dial. In 2014, the platinum version was launched at the same time as a pink gold version, reference 5078R-001. The present white gold version with Rare Handicrafts black arabesque dial was introduced in 2019.
Its 38 mm. diameter case recalls the classic understated elegance of Patek Philippe’s heritage and is fitted with a glazed display back in order to admire the finish and complexity of the movement. The ingenious calibre R 27 PS automatic movement impresses not only by its remarkable number of 342 parts but also by Patek Philippe's masterly performance of combining a micro-rotor and a minute repeating mechanism in a proportionally small 12 1⁄2''' movement.
Patek Philippe’s rare handicrafts division is dedicated to the preservation of the eclectic artisanal skills that have been associated with horology for over 400 years. The continuing use of these precious techniques in modern watchmaking contributes to their survival whilst at the same time delighting and impressing collectors and connoisseurs. The superb reference 5078G offered here pays tribute to Patek Philippe’s devotion to keeping these ancient crafts alive and demonstrates the techniques that enhance and enrich Patek Philippe’s enduring appeal and reputation for excellence in all aspects of watchmaking.
The Minute Repeater
On demand, the minute repeater strikes the hours, the quarter hours and then the minutes that have elapsed since the last quarter hour. The first hammer strikes the hours on the low-pitched gong with one strike for each hour. Subsequently, each quarter hour is sounded as an alternating double strike by two hammers on both the high- and low-pitched gongs. Finally, the second hammer strikes the high-pitched gong to count the number of minutes that have passed since the last quarter hour. At 12.59, for instance, the melody consists of 12 low sounds, 3 double high/low sounds, and 14 high sounds – totalling the maximum of 32 strikes.
The ‘Grand Feu’ black enamel dial is simply beautiful with its subtle ‘arabesque’ design and a rare treat for collectors to find such a remarkably decorated dial on the classic reference 5078 minute repeater. Created on an 18k gold plate by the incredible craftsmen of Patek Philippe’s Rare Handicrafts division, the enamel dial is fired at very high temperatures and finally fitted with lozenge-shaped white gold hour markers. The black dial makes a wonderful and classic contrast to the white gold case. The dial decoration of scrolling arabesques features contrasting surfaces of matt and polished areas that reveal the exquisite pattern as light plays across the surface.
Patek Philippe’s minute repeaters are known worldwide for their outstanding acoustic performance and clarity of sound. In fact, minute repeating is one of the complications that the company have focused upon to continually develop ways to improve the tonality of the gongs in order to produce the very best possible sound. Before any Patek Philippe minute repeater is allowed to be delivered to its new owner, it is personally checked by Mr. Thierry Stern to ensure it conforms to the expected standard.
Reference 5078
One of the most elegant and pure models of Patek Philippe’s extraordinary minute repeating wristwatches, the automatic reference 5078 is also one of the rarest. Indeed, it is so cherished by those fortunate enough to possess it that in the 15 years since launch, only 13 examples in all metals have ever returned to the market.
Reference 5078 was launched in 2008 in white gold with a white enamel dial. In 2010 another white gold version was released but this time with a black lacquered dial. In 2014, the platinum version was launched at the same time as a pink gold version, reference 5078R-001. The present white gold version with Rare Handicrafts black arabesque dial was introduced in 2019.
Its 38 mm. diameter case recalls the classic understated elegance of Patek Philippe’s heritage and is fitted with a glazed display back in order to admire the finish and complexity of the movement. The ingenious calibre R 27 PS automatic movement impresses not only by its remarkable number of 342 parts but also by Patek Philippe's masterly performance of combining a micro-rotor and a minute repeating mechanism in a proportionally small 12 1⁄2''' movement.
Patek Philippe’s rare handicrafts division is dedicated to the preservation of the eclectic artisanal skills that have been associated with horology for over 400 years. The continuing use of these precious techniques in modern watchmaking contributes to their survival whilst at the same time delighting and impressing collectors and connoisseurs. The superb reference 5078G offered here pays tribute to Patek Philippe’s devotion to keeping these ancient crafts alive and demonstrates the techniques that enhance and enrich Patek Philippe’s enduring appeal and reputation for excellence in all aspects of watchmaking.
The Minute Repeater
On demand, the minute repeater strikes the hours, the quarter hours and then the minutes that have elapsed since the last quarter hour. The first hammer strikes the hours on the low-pitched gong with one strike for each hour. Subsequently, each quarter hour is sounded as an alternating double strike by two hammers on both the high- and low-pitched gongs. Finally, the second hammer strikes the high-pitched gong to count the number of minutes that have passed since the last quarter hour. At 12.59, for instance, the melody consists of 12 low sounds, 3 double high/low sounds, and 14 high sounds – totalling the maximum of 32 strikes.