53Σ︎
Patek Philippe
Ref. 5178G-012
Minute Repeater Rare Handcrafts
A very rare, like-new, superbly attractive, and impressive “cathedral gong” minute repeating wristwatch with finqué blue Grand Feu enamel dial, Breguet numerals, certificate of origin, and presentation box
完整圖錄內容
• Rare Handcrafts Cathedral Gongs minute repeater
• Complete set
While cultural and societal norms have changed, without the complications first created for pocket watches, some of today’s most iconic wristwatches could not have come to fruition. Without these exemplary timepieces we may not have Patek Philippe’s legendary collection of complicated wristwatches like the iconic perpetual calendar wristwatch, their sublime minute repeating perpetual calendar, or their majestic minute repeating wristwatches like the present Minute Repeater Rare Handcraft with cathedral gongs.
At Baselworld in 2017, Patek Philippe released the references 5078G and 5178G, two minute repeating timepieces featuring the brand’s first in-house repeating automatic caliber R27. The two models differed in size, with the 5078G in a 38mm diameter case and the 5178G in a 40mm diameter case. While one may assume the size difference was a style choice, it was a practical matter since the reference 5178G’s minute repeating movement features cathedral gongs, which necessitates a larger case to accommodate the longer gongs. The minute repeater is a cherished complication and while Patek Philippe’s first minute repeating wristwatch dates to the 1920s the brand brought it to serial production in 1989 and their 150th anniversary reference 3974 minute repeating perpetual calendar wristwatch. Classic repeaters chime the hours, minutes, and quarters striking thin steel coils curving around the circumference of the case, typically one for a low tone and one for a high tone. Cathedral gongs differ due to their length, which are nearly twice as long as the standard gongs and arranged helically preventing the gongs from touching. The present reference 5178G has a rich, harmonious tone with a virtually silent regulator mechanism – all the hallmarks of exquisite sound Patek Philippe is known for.
Patek Philippe introduced the reference 5178G-012 in 2023 and it remains part of their collection today. The present extraordinary example has the added refinement of the brand’s Rare Handcrafts, with a stunning flinqué blue Grand Feu enamel dial with applied Breguet numerals. As of the time of cataloguing, this is the first known example of the 5178G-012 to be offered at auction. Consigned by the original owner, the watch is preserved in like new condition and offered complete with all original accessories. Patek Philippe is legendary for their excellence in grand complication timepieces, and this is a unique opportunity to own one of their most impressive modern minute repeaters.
Patek Philippe
Swiss | 1839Since 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.