985
Patek Philippe
Ref. 5102G-001
Celestial
An incredibly fine and rare white gold astronomical wristwatch with sky chart, phases and orbit of the moon and time of Meridian Passage of Sirius and of the Moon and Certificate of Origin
- Estimate
- HK$800,000 - 1,600,000€95,800 - 192,000$103,000 - 205,000
HK$1,524,000
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Patek Philippe
- Year
- Circa 2003
- Reference No
- 5102G-001
- Movement No
- 3’328’092
- Case No
- 4’214’494
- Model Name
- Celestial
- Material
- 18K white gold
- Calibre
- Automatic, cal. 240 LU CL, 45 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Leather
- Clasp/Buckle
- 18K white gold Patek Philippe pin buckle
- Dimensions
- 43mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin stamped J Farren Price (St James) Pty Ltd., Sydney dated 20th August 2008, photograph, instruction manual, product literature, leather folio and associated winding presentation box.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
The Patek Philippe Celestial is a compelling fusion of technical prowess, exceptional craftsmanship, and pure poetry. Introduced in 2002, the reference 5102 was initially produced in white gold only. It was estimated that only approximately 500 pieces in white gold were made, before yellow gold examples were launched in 2007, and subsequently the pink gold and platinum variant in 2009. The reference 5102 was finally discontinued in 2012, paving the way for its descendant, the reference 6102.
The present reference 5102 is an astronomical wristwatch with its design rooted from the principle of the celestial canopy, for which the research and development instigated from the creation of the third most complicated Patek Philippe wristwatch ever created, the Star Calibre 2000. To achieve the highest possible exactitude for the astronomical displays, the engineers of Patek Philippe researched 25 trillion ratio combinations, showing the enormous horological challenge the model represents.
The dial of the timepiece depicts the skychart of the Northern Hemisphere elegantly rotating to depict the apparent angular motion of the stars and moon, along with the progression of the phases of the moon. Three sapphire crystal discs are seamlessly layered on top of one another to simulate the dynamic orbit of the moon and the passage of the stars, hence rendering it a remarkable sense of depth.
The hours and minutes are indicated by two skeletonized white-lacquered gold feuille (leaf-shaped) hands, pairing with the subtle blue outer chapter ring with roman numerals. The delicate elliptical contour on the inside of the glass further frames the portion of the sky visible from all cities sharing the latitude of Geneva. The present example features beautiful white gold case, embellished by delicate Calatrava engravings on the case bands. A silver lining surrounding the poetic blue sky, emanating supreme elegance.
Preserved in excellent overall condition and accompanied by the original Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, the present timepiece is arguably one of the most intriguing modern Patek Philippe wristwatches made, and it will surely enchant collectors of spectacular masterpieces.
The present reference 5102 is an astronomical wristwatch with its design rooted from the principle of the celestial canopy, for which the research and development instigated from the creation of the third most complicated Patek Philippe wristwatch ever created, the Star Calibre 2000. To achieve the highest possible exactitude for the astronomical displays, the engineers of Patek Philippe researched 25 trillion ratio combinations, showing the enormous horological challenge the model represents.
The dial of the timepiece depicts the skychart of the Northern Hemisphere elegantly rotating to depict the apparent angular motion of the stars and moon, along with the progression of the phases of the moon. Three sapphire crystal discs are seamlessly layered on top of one another to simulate the dynamic orbit of the moon and the passage of the stars, hence rendering it a remarkable sense of depth.
The hours and minutes are indicated by two skeletonized white-lacquered gold feuille (leaf-shaped) hands, pairing with the subtle blue outer chapter ring with roman numerals. The delicate elliptical contour on the inside of the glass further frames the portion of the sky visible from all cities sharing the latitude of Geneva. The present example features beautiful white gold case, embellished by delicate Calatrava engravings on the case bands. A silver lining surrounding the poetic blue sky, emanating supreme elegance.
Preserved in excellent overall condition and accompanied by the original Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, the present timepiece is arguably one of the most intriguing modern Patek Philippe wristwatches made, and it will surely enchant collectors of spectacular masterpieces.
Patek Philippe
Swiss | 1839Since 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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