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1096Σ

Patek Philippe

Ref. 5026

Calatrava "Macau Handover"

A fine and extremely rare pink gold automatic wristwatch with Breguet numerals. Part of a limited edition of 30 pieces

Realized in an extremely rarified edition of 30 pieces in 1999, the present watch commemorates the return to Chinese administration of the Macau territories, until then under Portuguese administration for more than 400 years. The case reprises the timeless proportions of reference 96 - the original Calatrava - the main difference being a 33mm diameter rather than the original 31mm. The dial is one of the most unusual seen on similar models, incorporating Breguet numerals, eccentric seconds at 5 o’clock, and an emblem at 7 o’clock celebrating the date of the handover. While highly uncommon, similar layout are known from Patek Philippe production. Most notably, few very rare examples of reference 96 fitted with observatory-grade movement bear a similar emblem at 3 o’clock with the signature of the manufacturer.

Patek Philippe

Swiss | 1839

Since its founding in 1839, this famous Geneva-based firm has been surprising its clientele with superbly crafted timepieces fitted with watchmaking's most prestigious complications. Traditional and conservative designs are found across Patek Philippe's watches made throughout their history — the utmost in understated elegance.

Well-known for the Graves Supercomplication — a highly complicated pocket watch that was the world’s most complicated watch for 50 years — this family-owned brand has earned a reputation of excellence around the world. Patek's complicated vintage watches hold the highest number of world records for results achieved at auction compared with any other brand. For collectors, key models include the reference 1518, the world's first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, and its successor, the reference 2499. Other famous models include perpetual calendars such as the ref. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450, chronographs such as the reference 130, 530 and 1463, as well as reference 1436 and 1563 split seconds chronographs. Patek is also well-known for their classically styled, time-only "Calatrava" dress watches, and the "Nautilus," an iconic luxury sports watch first introduced in 1976 as the reference 3700 that is still in production today.

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