Patek Philippe has been a powerhouse of creating the most complicated and magnificent timepieces since the early 20th century and has continued to impress the world of horology with their fruitful and sophisticated timepieces in modern times. Dubbed by collectors as one of the most important references created in recent times, the ref. 5208 epitomizes the essence of Patek Philippe featuring for the first time a combination of a minute repeater, perpetual calendar and a single-button chronograph function, all of which can be considered as the manufacturer’s most prized complications.
Introduced at the Baselworld 2011, the reference was first released in platinum featuring an elegant sunburst gray dial. Extremely well-received by collectors and offered only to the most important clients of Patek Philippe, the platinum example was discontinued in 2018 making way for the ref. 5208 in pink gold for the first time. With a striking combination of incorporating contemporary and traditional elements of horological artistry, the dial features a perfectly legible and balanced layout. With technical boundaries stretched even further to achieve the maximal aesthetical satisfaction that one can endure, the calendar is displayed with three windows depicting the day, date and month that automatically jumps in synchronized fashion. Featuring traditional chronographic registers, the leap year and day/night indication completes the full picture clearly displayed in its respective apertures within the registers. Sandwiched in between at the 6 O’clock position is an extremely desirable “upside down” moon phase creating the perfect symmetry whilst enhancing its legibility of the dial. The case is also a masterpiece itself. Elegant and attractive in all angles, the three-body case featuring a slider on the left and a single chronographic button above the crown is a crowd pleaser. However, the most fascinating subtle detail is perhaps the hollowed lugs giving the reference a unique appeal compared to other grand complications.
Technically sound and majestic in all respect, the reference is powered by the firm’s in-house self-winding cal. R CH 27 PS QI, a metropolis composed of 719 individual parts. Originally inspired from the cal. CH 27-525 PS featured in the split-seconds single-button chronograph ref. 5950, a minute repeating mechanism and a perpetual calendar module is further integrated. The instantaneous calendar is a horological feat itself featuring a lever composed of 15 individual components allowing the change of date in synchronized manner. The minute repeater has long been the crown jewel of Patek Philippe and with no surprise the elegant complication is executed to the highest standards. Achieved by fitting a “gong” rimming the circumference of the movement, two hammers striking against it produces an opulent chime that differs in harmony and tune across various case materials it may be encased in. Requiring intensive craftsmanship to create such a monumental timepiece, it is estimated that only 10 examples of the reference are produced annually.
Provenance
The present example was originally owned by Italian National footballer and World Cup 2006 winner, Fabio Cannavaro who is also known to be an avid watch collector. Regarded as an Italian national hero, Cannavaro's illustrious career started in Napoli's youth team where he quickly became a star defender and was noticed by Parma playing alongside the likes of Gianluigi Buffon. After a few successful seasons, Cannavaro further extended his career in Serie A playing for Internazionale and Juventus. However, the pivotal moment was during his uncanny performance in World Cup 2006, where his defensive skills led the Italian National Team to a victorious game in the finals against France, earning his nickname "Il Muro di Berlino", "The Berlin Wall" in Italian. After the world cup, Cannavaro joined the elites establishing a career at Real Madrid.
In an incredible turn of events the consignor of this very rare version of the Patek Philippe 5208R has received the blessing of the watch’s original owner, Fabio Cannavaro, and jointly with PHILLIPS, has generously offered to pledge part of the proceeds of the sale to the footballer’s Fondazione in order to support its charitable missions.
Created in 2005 by Fabio Cannavaro, Ciro Ferrera and their two brothers Paolo and Vincenzo, the Fondazione Cannavaro Ferrera has already raised more than €3M euros to help guarantee a better future for at-risk youth and vulnerable families based in Naples, the founder’s beloved native city. Through sport and educational programs, the Fondazione offers children a straight path towards their personal development and integration into society.