One of the great classics of the modern Patek Philippe catalogue, the reference 5004 was produced between 1994 and 2010. It is the first Patek Philippe serially-produced perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with split-seconds – based on the iconic perpetual calendar chronograph models rooted in the history of the brand, the first model made in series being reference 1518 launched in 1941 – now with the addition of a split-seconds complication. Together with the reference 5070 and 5970, it is the last Patek Philippe model to employ the “Nouvelle Lemania”-based calibre. The aesthetics of the watch are based on reference 3970 (itself based on the iconic ref. 2499), with subtle differences: the dial features large Arabic numerals instead of baton markers most often found on the ref. 3970; the case is thicker and 0.8 mm larger as a result of the split-seconds complication, granting it a more substantial wrist presence, while still remaining very elegant and understated.

To be granted the privilege of purchasing any reference 5004 was arduously challenging. The intricacy of the split-seconds module added to the already complex perpetual calendar chronograph and the extremely high finishing standard of the company commanded an incredibly slow production rate. Out of the five serially produced materials used in the 5004 – being yellow gold, white gold, pink gold, platinum, and stainless steel – white gold is believed to be the rarest, with only 26 examples known to-date.

To augment this rarity, the present, fresh-to-market reference 5004 in white gold is factory single-sealed and comes accompanied with all of its original accessories as delivered by the factory. Widely thought of as one of the most desirable contemporary references by Patek Philippe, the combination of the subtle lustre of white gold, rarity, and the finest in Swiss watchmaking make this an exceptional acquisition for the discerning collector.