Patek Philippe - STYLED. Timeless Watches & How to Wear Them New York Wednesday, December 5, 2018 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1997
    Reference No: 5500R
    Movement No: 1’858’550
    Case No: 4’014’395
    Model Name: Pagoda
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 215, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Alligator
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Patek Philippe buckle
    Dimensions: 40mm length x 26mm width
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin confirming its sale at Tiffany & Co., chronometer testing certificate, a Patek Philippe Attestation confirming limited production, commemorative plaque with medallion, and hardcover booklet discussing the 1997 commemorative timepieces. Further accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the production of this watch in rose gold, with an opaline dial and 11 applied rose gold Roman numerals, as well as sale on August 7th, 1997.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The creation of something new based on designs of the past is a common occurence for special occasions in Patek Philippe history, and the watches created to commemorate the opening of their new manufacturing center in Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva, in 1997, were especially well-received by collectors. Of these, seven were limited edition rectangular-shaped timepieces: four reference 5500 in 18K pink gold, 18K white gold, 18K yellow gold, and platinum, and three reference 4900 – the more diminutive women’s size – in 18K pink gold, 18K white gold, and 18K yellow gold. They were nicknamed "Pagoda" for the exaggerated curved lugs that extend into a wide, flat base much like the architecture of a traditional pagoda. Inextricable from Art Deco design, which also drew on the history of art and architecture in South and East Asia, the design for the 1997 "Pagoda" was based on the mid-century reference 2441. In production from 1948 until the mid-1950s, the reference 2441 has been nicknamed the "Eiffel Tower" by collectors, though the Pagoda-style lugs are almost identical in architecture to those of the so-called "Eiffel Tower". The top and bottom lugs are joined by an elegantly arched bridge, which terminates in large, squared lugs. The vertical, rose gold Roman numerals further accentuate the Art Deco design origins.

    The reference 5500 in 18K rose gold was produced in 500 examples, with the dies and tools used to create those examples being destroyed so that they can never again be reproduced. Offered in wonderful condition and complete with its original presentation box and literature announcing the new series of watches, this is an exclusive and highly attractive modern limited edition Patek Philippe watch for the connoisseur. Its desirability is further enhanced by the prestigious Tiffany & Co. retailer signature found at 6 o’clock – making it the first of its kind to surface at auction.

  • 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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Σ96

Ref. 5500R
A very fine and rare pink gold limited edition rectangular wristwatch, made to commemorate the opening of Patek Philippe's watchmaking center in 1997, retailed by Tiffany & Co.

1997
40mm length x 26mm width
Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.

Estimate
$15,000 - 25,000 
CHF15,000-24,900
€13,000-21,700
HK$118,000-196,000

Sold for $22,500

Contact Specialist
Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

STYLED. Timeless Watches & How to Wear Them

New York Auction 5 December 2018