Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: Circa 2006 Reference No: 5040G-018 Movement No: 3’128’061 Case No: 4’316’783 Material: 18K white gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 240 Q AUT, 27 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Patek Philippe deployant clasp Dimensions: 42.5mm length x 35mm width Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin stamped Shiy Mei Zai Watch Co., Ltd. Taiwan and dated 7th August 2006, instruction manual, product literature, leather folio and hang tag.
Catalogue Essay
Patek Philippe is perhaps one of the most celebrated manufacturers of perpetual calendar wristwatches. Both idyllic in aesthetics and mechanical sophistication, the ref. 5040 was introduced in 1992 and enjoyed a long production run of 15 years before being discontinued in 2007, with three generations envisioned.
Unlike typical perpetual calendars, this reference stands out from its peers thanks to its finely shaped unusual tonneau case, more often seen on early 20th century designs. Adhering to the firm’s DNA, the voluptuous case is further complemented by equally curvaceous Breguet numerals that accentuate the classic yet contemporary overall appearance of the timepiece.
To the best of our knowledge, the present Patek Philippe ref. 5040G from the second series is the 40th example identified, remains resealed in an unworn condition, and is further presented with its Certificate of Origin. This lot provides an incredible chance for connoisseurs of fine timepieces to acquire a rare and highly desirable perpetual calendar wristwatch featuring a distinctive case shape.
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.
Ref. 5040G-018 A fine and rare white gold tonneau-shaped perpetual calendar wristwatch with Breguet numerals, moon phases, 24-hour indication, leap year indication and Certificate of Origin
Circa 2006 42.5mm length x 35mm width Case, dial, movement and clasp signed