19Σ︎
Patek Philippe
Ref. 5004G-015
An early and exceedingly rare white gold perpetual calendar split seconds chronograph wristwatch with moonphases, 24 hour indication, leap year indicator, black dial, extract of the archives and additional caseback
Full-Cataloguing
- Perpetual Calendar and split seconds chronograph with moonphases
- Less than 10 known in this configuration
- Early example with black dial confirmed on the extract of the archives
- Excellent overall condition
One of the great modern classics of Patek Philippe, the reference 5004 was produced between 1994 and 2010 and stands as the manufacture’s first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with split-seconds. Alongside the references 5070 and 5970, it represents the final chapter of Patek Philippe’s use of the revered “Nouvelle Lemania”–based calibers. Aesthetically derived from the legendary ref. 3970, the 5004 distinguishes itself through subtle yet important differences, most notably the frequent use of large Arabic numerals instead of baton indexes, and a slightly wider and thicker case necessitated by the rattrapante mechanism, lending the watch a more commanding presence on the wrist.
The extreme complexity of combining a split-seconds chronograph with a perpetual calendar, coupled with Patek Philippe’s uncompromising finishing standards, resulted in exceptionally low production numbers. Of the five metals in which the reference was produced, white gold is believed to be the rarest, with fewer than 30 examples known today. Further elevating its importance, the present early ref. 5004G-015 is only the tenth example fitted with the highly desirable black baton dial configuration to appear on the public market. Universally regarded as one of the most coveted contemporary Patek Philippe references, the combination of rarity, discreet white-gold elegance, and historical significance makes this an outstanding acquisition for the discerning collector.
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.