Introduced in 1998, the Patek Philippe ref. 5059 along with ref. 5050 were the only perpetual calendar wristwatches available with center seconds since the ref. 2497 and 2438-1. With a distinct appeal, the 36mm diameter officer-style case with a hinged caseback encases a perfectly symmetrical with painted black Roman numerals and retrograde date indication.

The reference 5050 and 5059 share the sophisticated, self-winding caliber 315 S-QR with its striking 21K gold rotor, based on the caliber 315 SC featuring center seconds only. A robust and state-of-the-art in-house movement, it features an intriguing retrograding date complication as part of its perpetual calendar function.

The reference was produced in all four metals with an estimated 1200 – 1400 examples produced until the reference was discontinued in 2006. It is believed that only 340 examples were produced with a pink gold cases.

The present ref. 5059R-017 is definitely out of the ordinary from the family. Striking at first sight with a sunburst brown dial, this is a highly rare example from a special edition by Patek Philippe made available to London. Preserved with care, according to our research, this 5059R is the first example to appear in the auction market in such an attractive configuration. Fitted with the same hue of brown as the unique 5059R-018 with Breguet numerals “MSO’ monogram dial that was sold for $264,600USD at PHILLIPS New York Auction: Seven, this variant is elevated with pink gold applied Roman numerals and white centre seconds and retrograde hand instead.

Offered in excellent overall condition from 2017 and accompanied by its original Certificate of Origin and its full set of accessories, this is a once in a blue moon opportunity to acquire an understated perpetual calendar wristwatch manufactured by none other than Patek Philippe.