Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI Hong Kong Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 2008
    Reference No: 5102J-001
    Movement No: 3'580'185
    Case No: 4'464'120
    Model Name: Celestial
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 240 LU CL, 45 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe pin buckle
    Dimensions: 43mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin stamped The Hour Glass Hong Kong and dated 29th October 2008, original purchase invoice, instruction manual, product literature, photograph, leather folio, fitted presentation box and outer packaging. Further delivered with a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 2008 and its subsequent sale on October 3rd, 2008.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Launched in 2002, the ‘Celestial’ is arguably one of the most game-changing horological complications ever engineered. This astronomical wristwatch adopts the principle of the celestial canopy from the most complicated Patek Philippe wristwatch, ref 5002, the Sky Moon Tourbillon. The reference was first realised in platinum, before the yellow gold variant was later introduced for two years only, from 2007 to 2009.

    A celestial dream on the dial, the nocturnal sky of the Northern Hemisphere rotates 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 hollowed hands in white. A delicate elliptical contour on the inside of the glass frames the portion of the sky visible from all cities sharing the latitude of Geneva.

    To achieve the highest possible exactitude for the astronomical displays, the engineers of Patek Philippe researched 25 trillion (25,000,000,000,000) ratio combinations, showing the enormous horological challenge the model represents. Through its sapphire caseback, the wearer is invited to admire the highly sophisticated automatic cal. 240 LU CL which consists of 301 meticulously hand-finished individual components.

    Phenomenal both inside and out, the present astronomical masterpiece is armed in a full yellow gold case with detailed Calatrava crosses etched onto the casebands for added grandeur. The Celestial ref. 5102J at hand is exceptionally rare and is the 23rd yellow gold example known to the market. The epitome of elegance and technical sophistication, this example will no doubt please connoisseurs of the most important timepieces in haute horology.

  • 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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Property from the Original Owner

Σ1000

Ref. 5102J-001
An incredibly rare and important yellow gold astronomical wristwatch with sky chart, phases and orbit of the moon, time of Meridian passage of Sirius and of the moon, Certificate of Origin and presentation box

2008
43mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$1,000,000 - 2,000,000 
€117,000-234,000
$128,000-256,000

Sold for HK$1,270,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2023