Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI Hong Kong Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: Circa 2017
    Reference No: 6102P-001
    Movement No: 5’854’143
    Case No: 4’594’776
    Model Name: Celestial
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 240 LU CL C, 45 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: Platinum Patek Philipe deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 44mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin stamped Myungbo Watches Korea and dated 2nd December 2017, instruction manual, product literature, photograph, leather portfolio, leather document holder, additional black and white crocodile straps, setting pin, key, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Steering away from Patek Philippe’s distinct, discreet designs, the ref. 6102 Celestial is intended to turn heads with its generous proportions and its dreamy, dynamic display of a starlit night sky. The present model adheres strongly to the now-iconic ref. 5102 from 2002 and is equipped with all the coveted functions of its predecessor, such as the sky chart, phases and orbit of the moon, along with the time of Meridian passage of Sirius and of the moon. Upgraded in 2012, the ref. 6102 includes an updated case design with a date indication added to the edge of the dial that avoids obstructing the natural flow of this poetic stage set.

    Replicating a three-dimensional nightscape, the dial of this Celestial reference is composed of a few layers, starting with a deep blue metallic base, then a second level that indicates the phases and orbit of the Moon. Located above that, the third layer supports the stars and Sirius, the brightest star system from earth’s point of view. To top it all off, the underside of the crystal is printed with the cardinal points, which outline the portion of the sky visible from Geneva. The protagonist of the present wristwatch is evidently its slow-moving sky chart, while the time display is merely a love interest in this life-like portrayal of a starry night. Accompanying the hours and minutes hands is a long, slender date indicator, defined by its crescent-shaped tip in bright red.

    Powered by the in-house cal. 240 LU CL C, this technically sound automatic movement is as beautifully constructed as it is on the outside. Every nook and cranny of this ingenious 315-component structure is finished to the highest levels, boasting perfectly polished bevelled angles, perlage finishes on the plates, Geneva Stripes on the bridges and an elegant gold micro-rotor – a quality attested by the Patek Philippe Seal.

    Exceedingly rare, the present Celestial ref. 6102P-001 is fresh-to-the-market and is the 10th example identified. Even though it is cased in solid platinum and measures a whopping 44mm, this timepiece wears comfortably on the wrist thanks to the subtle curves on the lugs. Furthermore, a smaller dial would not have allowed its wearer to fully enjoy this ethereal spectacle. Accompanied by its original accessories, the present example from 2017 is offered in excellent overall condition and will no doubt appeal to discerning collectors of stellar horological masterpieces.

  • 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.

    View More Works

Σ962

Ref. 6102P-001
A mechanically impressive, rare and attractive platinum astronomical wristwatch with sky chart, phases and orbit of the moon, time of Meridian passage of Sirius and of the moon, date indication, Certificate of Origin and fitted presentation box

Circa 2017
44mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$1,200,000 - 2,500,000 
€140,000-292,000
$154,000-321,000

Sold for HK$2,286,000

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