Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 2015 Reference No: 5140P-013 Movement No: 5’883’594 Case No: 6’080’840 Material: Platinum Calibre: Automatic, cal. 240 Q, 27 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: Platinum Patek Philippe deployant clasp Dimensions: 37mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed Accessories: Delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the date of manufacture of the present timepiece in 2015 and its subsequent date of sale on 19th October 2015.
Catalogue Essay
Patek Philippe has a long history of exquisite and complicated timepieces. Their first serially produced perpetual calendar wristwatches reach back to 1941 when the brand released the reference 1526, followed by other exceptional models like the references 2497 and 2438/1 introduced in 1951 as their first perpetual calendar with center seconds. The reference 3448 released in 1962 was the first self-winding perpetual calendar wristwatch, and was replaced in 1981 by the reference 3450 – their first serially produced perpetual calendar wristwatch with leap year indicator.
Patek Philippe introduced the reference 3940 in 1985, replacing the reference 3450, as a more modern, less angular wristwatch considered by many enthusiasts as one of the finest examples of a complicated timepiece with round case and micro-rotor-based automatic movement. Its successor, the reference 5140, was introduced in 2006 and continued to use the prestigious caliber 240Q, however the model was updated with a slightly larger 37mm diameter case, compared to the 36mm of the reference 3940. Reference 5140 also introduced more daring dial colors such as a brown dial fitted on the rose gold version and a metallic blue dial on the platinum edition.
The present example Patek Philippe ref. 5140P-013 features the rarer black dial with diamond-set indexes exuding a cool tuxedo-style appeal compared to its peers in other metals. Offered in great value with an Extract from the Archives issued by Patek Philippe confirming the production of the present timepiece in 2015, it is a great opportunity for collectors seeking for a handsome perpetual calendar wristwatch manufactured the pioneers of the complication.
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. 5140P-013 A very fine and elegant platinum perpetual calendar wristwatch with black dial, diamond-set indexes, moon phases, 24-hour and leap year indication
2015 37mm diameter Case, dial, movement and clasp signed