Patek Philippe - The New York Watch Auction: EIGHT New York Saturday, June 10, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1997
    Reference No: 5500J
    Movement No: 1'857'704
    Case No: 4'013'081
    Model Name: Pagoda
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 215, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle
    Dimensions: 40.5mm length x 29.5mm width
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Attestation dated November 10, 1997, Controle Officiel Suisse des Chronometres dated December 16, 1996, Patek Philippe presentation box, commemorative medallion, leather wallet, additional Patek Philippe strap, suede pouch, and outer packaging. Further accompanied by Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1997, and its subsequent sale on November 10, 1997.

  • Catalogue Essay

    While a relatively common occurrence in 21st century horology, just a few decades ago limited editions timepieces were rarely seen. The Reference 5500 is among the scarce limited edition wristwatch models made by Patek Philippe prior to the new millennium. Other examples include the commemorative “Officer” references 3960 and 3969 launched in celebration of the firm’s 150th anniversary in 1989, along with special retailer editions like the highly sought after reference 3940, which was released in 1985 with the first 25 examples with the Beyer signature and piece number on the dial to honour the retailer’s 225th anniversary.

    The present limited-edition model from 1997 was made to commemorate the opening of Patek Philippe’s Plan-les-Ouates facility. Production was limited to 1100 pieces of reference 5500 in yellow gold, 500 watches in pink gold, 250 in white gold, and 150 in platinum. The unusual case design featured a fitted rectangular case drawing inspiration from Patek Philippe’s reference 2441 from the 1940s and known by collectors at the “Eiffel Tower. It is said that the tools and dies were destroyed following production to guarantee no other models would be made. The watch has a golden gilt dial and matching roman hour markers, which contrast boldly to the jet-black minute and hour hands, making the present model highly sought after. The case back is engraved “Commemoration 1997 Pagoda”.

    In lovely original condition, this is a perfect timepiece for both elegant and informal occasions.

  • 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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Σ108

Ref. 5500J
A rare and attractive limited edition yellow gold wristwatch with Attestation and presentation box, made to commemorate the opening of Patek Phillipe’s watchmaking center in Geneva

1997
40.5mm length x 29.5mm width
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
$8,000 - 16,000 
CHF7,200-14,400
€7,400-14,800
HK$62,500-125,000
S$10,800-21,500

Sold for $20,320

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas
+1 (212) 940-1293
WatchesNY@Phillips.com
 
Isabella Proia
Head of Sale, New York
+1 (212) 940 1285
iproia@phillips.com

The New York Watch Auction: EIGHT

New York Auction 10 - 11 June 2023