Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT Geneva Saturday, November 10, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1997
    Reference No: Man's model: 5500
    Lady's model: 4900

    Movement No: 5500 yellow gold: 1'853'218
    5500 pink gold: 1'853'121
    5500 white gold: 1'859'919
    5500 platinum: 1'858'133
    4900 yellow gold:3'066'271
    4900 pink gold: 3'066'216
    4900 white gold: 3'066'154

    Case No: 5500 yellow gold: 4'013'682
    5500' pink gold: 4'014'447
    5500 white gold: 4'014'910
    5500 platinum: 4'014'098
    4900 yellow gold: 4'014'979
    4900 pink gold: 4'018'214
    4900 white gold: 4'018'077

    Model Name: Pagoda
    Material: 18K yellow gold, 18K pink gold, 18K white gold, platinum
    Calibre: Ref. 5500: manual, cal. 215, 18 jewels, stamped with the Geneva Seal, COSC-certified
    Ref 4900: manual, cal 16 250, 18 jewels, stamped with the Geneva Seal, COSC-certified

    Bracelet/Strap: Alligator straps
    Clasp/Buckle: Patek Philippe yellow gold, pink gold, white gold and platinum pin buckles
    Dimensions: Ref 5500: 40.5mm Length 29.5mm Width
    Ref 4900: 32mm Length, 24.5mm Width

    Accessories: Each watch is accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificat d'Origine stamped by the Paris Patek Philippe Salon and dated November 1997, limited edition Attestation, COSC certification, Geneva Seal unbroken hangtag, product literature and leather wallet. The set is furthermore delivered with a commemorative medal, fitted wooden presentation box for the seven watches, and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    While a relatively common occurrence in modern watchmaking, just a couple of decades ago limited editions timepieces were a much rarer breed. Reference 5500 and 4900 are among the extremely scarce limited edition wristwatch models made by Patek Philippe before the new millennium. Other examples from the time include some commemorative models such as reference 3960 and reference 3969, launched in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the company in 1989, and some special editions of existing models especially made for retailers (such as reference 3940 for Beyer) although the latter are variations of existing models, rather than true limited edition references.

    These two models, instead, are truly limited edition pieces. Made to commemorate the opening of Patek Philippe Plan-les-Ouates facility, each piece is delivered with, in addition to the normally occurring Certificate d’Origine, also a COSC certification and a limited edition attestation detailing the number of pieces made. Specifically, only 1100 pieces of reference 5500 were made in yellow gold, 500 in pink gold, 250 in white gold and 150 in platinum. The lady’s model is even scarcer, with an output of 500 pieces in yellow gold, 150 pieces in pink gold and 100 pieces in white gold.

    Normally, the watches were sold singularly but five sets comprising all seven timepieces were delivered by the company. As expected all the Certificate d’Origine bear the stamp of the same retailer (the Patek Philippe Salon in Paris) and the same date, indicating this is not a “collection” of pieces, but rather a set of watches sold together. Furthermore, the set is accompanied by a massive wooden presentation box fitted to the seven pieces, with the lid doubling as presentation plateau. The present set has never appeared on the market before today, and it is the fourth set out of the five made to appear at auction. With only one set left to reappear on the market, this is a virtually unique occasion for the collector of rare and limited edition timepieces.

  • Artist Biography

    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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Ref. Man's model: 5500 Lady's model: 4900
An exceptionally rare set of 4 men's and 3 ladies' rectangular commemorative limited edition wristwatches with Certificates, Attestations, COSC certifications, and special group presentation box with medal, made to commemorate the inauguration of Patek Philippe new Geneva workshop

1997
Ref 5500: 40.5mm Length 29.5mm Width
Ref 4900: 32mm Length, 24.5mm Width

Estimate
CHF70,000 - 140,000 
€61,600-123,000
$71,700-143,000

Sold for CHF112,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+41 22 317 81 89
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT

Geneva Auction 10-11 November 2018