Fresh to market: 5 Patek Philippe watches to excite collectors
Our Rare Watches auction on 16 May in Geneva features a large selection of rare and complicated Patek Philippe watches — including these, which have never previously been auctioned
Ref. 5002 Sky Moon Tourbillon in pink gold
Patek Philippe Ref. 5002 'Sky Moon Tourbillon' in pink gold. Estimate: CHF700,000-900,000. This watch is offered in the Rare Watches auction on 16 May at Christie’s Geneva
At the time of its launch in 2001 this model was Patek Philippe’s most complicated and expensive wristwatch ever. The house’s first double-dialed wristwatch incorporates a unique combination of high complications, including a tourbillon, ‘cathedral’ minute repeating, perpetual calendar and the celestial heart of the northern hemisphere. It is one of only four examples of this reference in pink gold to have appeared in public to date.
Ref. 2499 perpetual calendar chronograph in yellow gold, third series
Patek Philippe Ref. 2499 perpetual calendar chronograph in yellow gold, third series. Estimate: CHF250,000-450,000. This watch is offered in the Rare Watches auction on 16 May at Christie’s Geneva
Ref. 2499 was introduced to the market in 1950 and is widely acknowledged as one of the world’s greatest watch models. Over a period of 35 years, it was made in four series — this watch, manufactured in 1956, is from the third series, with round chronograph buttons, applied baton numerals and outer seconds divisions. In total, only 349 pieces were produced — an average of nine watches a year — and the majority are cased in yellow gold.
Ref. 530 chronograph in stainless steel with sector dial, retailed by Astrua Torino
Patek Philippe Ref. 530 chronograph in stainless steel with sector dial, retailed by Astrua Torino. Estimate: CHF500,000-800,000. This watch is offered in the Rare Watches auction on 16 May at Christie’s Geneva
Believed to be the earliest and best-preserved reference 530 in stainless steel to be discovered to date, this watch is one of the most impressive oversized chronographs ever made by Patek Philippe. Furthermore, it is one of a total of only three known examples in stainless steel with sector dial, and the only example among this group to have been bestowed with the signature of the famous retailer Astrua of Torino. In this respect it is most probably unique.
Ref. 3448 perpetual calendar wristwatch in white gold
Patek Philippe Ref. 3448 perpetual calendar wristwatch in white gold. Estimate: CHF300,000-500,000. This watch is offered in the Rare Watches auction on 16 May at Christie’s Geneva
Consigned by the original owner and with its original certificate, Patek Philippe Japan card and brochures (shown top), folder and box, this ref. 3448 in white gold is understood to be one of fewer than 50 ever made. In superb condition, it is believed to be the only ref. 3448 known to date with a so-called ‘Aprior’ dial with small reversed date ring, featuring the lower half of the numbers upside down.
Ref. 2497 perpetual calendar wristwatch in yellow gold
Patek Philippe Ref. 2497 perpetual calendar wristwatch in yellow gold. Estimate: CHF120,000-220,000. This watch is offered in the Rare Watches auction on 16 May at Christie’s Geneva
Consigned by the son of the original owner who bought it at Garrard & Co. in London in 1954, this is the only ref. 2497 known with G&Co.Ld (Garrard & Co. Ltd) stamp to the case. Ref. 2497 was introduced in 1951, and only 179 examples were made.