In 1997 Patek Philippe moved all its production facilities under one roof into a new building in Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva. The inauguration of the workshops in 1997 was celebrated with a collection of new limited edition “Pagoda” watches. The Pagoda ref. 5500 was produced in a limited edition of 1,100 pieces in 18K yellow gold —gold dial—, 500 in 18K rose gold —silvered dial—, 250 in 18K white gold —salmon dial—, and 150 in platinum —black dial. These four fascinating watches are fitted with a very unique rectangular case with its case band shaped like a 'Pagoda' —when seen from the side— and dials featuring Roman numerals and subsidiary seconds at 6 o'clock.
Posts filed under Patek Philippe
Rare Bird: Patek Philippe ref. 5100 10-Day Power Reserve. A Very Special Timepiece Launched to Welcome the Millennium in The Year 2000.
To celebrate the arrival of the new millennium in the year 2000, Patek Philippe created a limited edition series of 3,000 watches under the ref. 5100. Of these 3,000 watches, only 1,500 were made in 18K yellow gold with white dial, 300 in platinum with black dial, 450 in 18K white gold with blue dial and 750 in 18K rose gold with a brown dial. This watch featuring an entirely new chronometer movement with a 10-day power reserve represented a first in the history of watchmaking.
Baselworld 2014: Patek Philippe Retrograde Perpetual Calendar ref. 5496 Honey Brown Dial. Live Pictures.
This time we present you another one of Patek Philippe's novelties from Baselworld 2014 and one of our absolute favorites. The Patek Philippe Retrograde Perpetual Calendar ref. 5496 is now presented with a beautiful honey brown dial. This amazing grand complication fitted with a platinum case measuring 39.5 mm in diameter features a retrograde perpetual calendar with day, month and leap year indicator in apertures at 9, 3 and 12 o'clock respectively, a retrograde date ring with hand indicator and moon phases at 6 o'clock. Rounding out the elegant look of this timepiece the watch comes with a hand-stitched shiny brown alligator strap with fold-over clasp. Perhaps the biggest difference between this dial and the silvery dial on its predecessor —besides the obvious color difference—, is the engraving below the moon phase aperture that completes a full circle.
This Patek Philippe ref. 5496 is fitted with the automatic Patek calibre 324 S QR composed of 361 parts, 30 jewels, 9 bridges and which provides a power reserve of 45 hours when fully wound. The calibre is fully visible via the display case back but the watch is provided with an interchangeable back to go from full back to display case back.
This new Patek Philippe ref. 5496 with honey brown dial is one that for sure will become a popular watch amongst Patek collectors. The beauty of its new dial and the magnificent complication housed inside this watch create a perfect 'haute horlogerie' symphony for perpetual calendar lovers.
Sticker Price TBC. For more info on Patek Philippe click here.
Baselworld 2014: Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph ref. 5960/1A. Live Macro Pictures.
Patek Philippe's new Ref. 5960/1A Annual Calendar Chronograph is a wristwatch that emanates the cool sheen of stainless steel. It is one of the manufacture's rare classically elegant wristwatches outside the casually exclusive Nautilus and Aquanaut collections that combine a complicated movement with a stainless steel case measuring 40.5 mm in diameter. This debut is bound to capture the attention of collectors and brand aficionados.
When it was launched in 2006, the Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph in platinum won instant acclaim. It was the manufacture's first self-winding chronograph, manifested a new and unique style with its prominent monocounter and three large calendar apertures, and quickly established itself as one of the most coveted timepieces of the Patek Philippe portfolio. The success story continued with further versions in platinum and rose gold. Now, the letter "A" in the model designation 5960/1A, which stands for acier —steel in French—, announces a paradigm change. The Annual Calendar Chronograph in stainless steel is not only the latest sibling of its lineage but will also replace all current gold and platinum versions.
Patek Philippe's stainless steel watches have always ranked among the most desirable timepieces because they were crafted only in small numbers. They were not regularly produced until 1976, when the manufacture introduced the casually elegant Nautilus line. Its memorable slogan: "One of the world's most expensive watches is made of steel." Twenty years later, the attractively stylish Aquanaut was also endowed with a stainless steel case. With very few exceptions, such as the ultra-thin Ref.5950A split-seconds chronograph which has been in the collection since 2010, all other Patek Philippe men's watches were systematically cased in gold or platinum. As regards this strict distinction between casual and classic watches, the new Ref. 5960/1A is another one of these seductive exceptions.
Powered by the Patek Philippe calibre H 28-520 IRM QA 24H with flyback chronograph and annual calendar, this watch comes with a power reserve of 55 hours when fully wound and the movement is fully visible via the display case back.
Its integrated stainless steel bracelet flows nicely with the design and follows the classic 'rice bead' links of all other Patek Philippe bracelets. The bracelet is fitted with a double folding clasp with small fliplock.
On the wrist, this watch exudes pure elegance but its red accents make it look very young and contemporary. The watch wears true to its size and we are confident this will become a popular watch among the younger Patekaholics.
Sticker Price close to $55,000 USD to be confirmed. For more info on Patek click here.
Baselworld 2014: Patek Philippe Nautilus Travel Time Chronograph ref. 5990/1A in Stainless Steel. Up Close and Personal Live Pictures.
Baselworld 2014 has been quite an exciting show so far. We finally bring you these up close and personal images of the new Patek Philippe Nautilus Travel Time Chronograph ref. 5990/1A in Stainless Steel. This amazing complication that features a chronograph with the Travel Time function that indicates the time in two different time zones at a single glance is fitted with the traditional Nautilus case in stainless steel measuring 40.5 mm in diameter. This new watch, combines two highly popular complications and features additional functions for enhanced everyday convenience.
Something we are quite excited about, is that during our meeting with Patek Philippe where Philip Barat —Head of Development at Patek — explained how this new model works, we were able to capture some special images of the construction and internal structure of the case that clearly shows how this complication works. In order to preserve the hinged case shape of the iconic Nautilus without compromising aesthetics, Patek added two pushers —one to advance the independent travel time hand and the other to back it— on the left side of the case to make sure that the travel time functionality wouldn't alter the overall look of the watch.
Additionally, Patek Philippe added a date corrector located at the 1 o'clock position near the top right lug in a very discreet way, but with the end user in mind in order to ease the date setting operation.
As you can see in these images the dial has very interesting color variations depending on the lighting conditions. The dial fitted on this new Nautilus Travel Time Chronograph features a date indicator at 12, a 60-minute chronograph at 6, Local and Home Time apertures with day/night indicator at 9 and 3 o'clock respectively and perfectly contrasting white hands and white fonts.
Regarding the pushers these flow seamlessly with the hinged shaped of the case and perfectly positioned for ease of use.
This new model Nautilus Travel Time Chronograph ref. 5990/1A is powered by the Patek Philippe automatic calibre CH 28-520 C FUS composed of 370 parts, 34 jewels, Gyromax balance and which provides a power reserve of 55 hours when fully wound while beating at a frequency of 28,800 vph. The calibre is beautifully finished with the classical Patek touches and fully visible via the display case back.
On the wrist, the watch wears true to its size and with superlative wrist presence. World travelers be prepared to add this exceptional timepiece to your collections as we are confident that you will enjoy having this new Nautilus on your wrists. The classical dial configuration along with its color, makes for an easy to match watch to practically any outfit. We have added several wrist shots so that you can appreciate the color variations of the dial, depending on the angle and how the light hits its surface. Enjoy these live pictures!
Sticker Price Close to $60,000 USD pending final confirmation. For more info on Patek Philippe click here.
Baselworld 2014: Patek Philippe Presents Twenty-One New Timepieces Celebrating its 175th Anniversary. Live Pictures.
This year at Baselworld 2014, not only Patek Philippe unveiled a brand new redesigned pavilion to celebrate its 175th anniversary, but also surprised everyone with a very large number of new timepieces that were presented with a total of twenty-one. While not all these new watches are new references that have never been available before, they are a nice mix of new references like the 5960/1A in stainless steel with bracelet, the Nautilus 5990/1A but also the addition of new metals to old references, new dials and also fitting some of the existing references with bracelets .
New Patek Philippe ref. 5960/1A in Stainless Steel with Bracelet.
Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 5990/1A in Stainless Steel.
Among the Grand Complications line, there are several new timepieces. Two new models ref. 5951P, two new models ref. 5270G, the addition of a new dial to the ref. 5140R and the ref. 5140P, the ref. 5940 is now also available in white gold as it was only existing in yellow gold, the addition of a new dial to the ref. 5496P, the new ref. 5271P with diamond baguettes, the ref. 5950 now available in stainless steel with 3 new dials and also available on bracelet, a new dial on the ref. 5204P, the ref. 5078 is now also available in rose gold as it was only available in platinum, a brand new ref. 5304R, the ref. 5217 now available in platinum with diamond baguettes, a new ladies ref. 7121/1J with matching bracelet, a new dial on the Calatrava ref. 5153G and lastly a new ladies model ref. 4895R.
Now enjoy these images and pretend you came along.
For more info on Patek Philippe click here.
Patek Philippe Aquanaut ref. 5167. Perfectly Suited for the Springtime.
The Patek Philippe Aquanaut ref. 5167A-001 is the perfect sporty yet elegant watch for the Spring and Summer months. Since today is March 21st, and it's officially the Spring equinox in the northern hemisphere, we thought it would be appropriate to welcome the warmer weather with a watch that is perfectly suited for water activities and hot humid swelling wrists thanks to its rubber 'tropical' strap. Furthermore, this year Patek Philippe will be celebrating its 175th anniversary and we only wonder what Baselworld 2014 will have in store for us.
This wonderful and iconic Patek Philippe sometimes referred to as the 'perfect first Patek' or even negatively called by tasteless collectors as the 'poor man's Patek' or the 'Daewoo of Pateks' is nothing but exceptional. Frankly, every time we hear these type of comments when it comes to timepieces, we feel sorry for those making them.
The iconic Patek Philippe Aquanaut Jumbo was originally launched in 1997 under ref. 5065A —measuring 38 mm in diameter— or in a slightly smaller size as ref. 5066 'Mid-Size' —measuring 36 mm—, as a casual Patek alternative with lines and design slightly inspired by the iconic Nautilus. The Aquanaut, is the only Patek Philippe watch fitted with a rubber strap and ready to take on all types of activities inside or outside the water.
The Patek Philippe Aquanaut ref. 5167A-001 is fitted with a stainless steel case measuring 40 mm in diameter —2 mm larger than its predecessor— with highly polished and satin-brushed finished areas and a slightly rounded octagonal shape, the Aquanaut is a watch that comes with great proportions and a timeless design. The embossed black dial —ruthenium looking with a brownish hue— features white gold applied Arabic numerals and a white minute track.
Since its launch, the dial on the Aquanaut was meant to replicate the attractive texture of the strap; however, we feel that the current dial looks less like the strap and more like the earth globe with wedges from where it takes some of its inspiration. Frankly, we personally prefer the original dial with raised 'guilloché' square pattern and the perfectly balanced look with the '3' Arabic number next to the date aperture. Regardless, this watch is ready for those watchlifestylers seeking a more inconspicuous wrist presence without compromising quality, elegance or price value. Furthermore, the fact that we watch is fitted with a screw-down crown and waterproof to a 120 meters, makes it a perfectly suited timepiece to be worn on the beach or by the pool while sporting your Vilebrequin trunks.
The 'tropical' rubber strap takes its inspiration from the vintage 'tropic' straps from the 60s and 70s and is equipped with a very elegant double-folding clasp than when fastened showcases the iconic 'Calatrava' cross used by Patek Philippe in bass-relief. One great thing about the ref. 5167 versus its predecessor ref. 5065/5066, is that the strap is perfectly flushed against the case providing a more elegant and seamless look.
For those of you interested in world history, the 'Calatrava' cross was the emblem used by the first military order founded in Castile, Spain and confirmed as a Militia by Pope Alexander III on September 26, 1164. 'Calatrava' means "Fortress of Rabah" and is also the name of a castle in Spain recovered from the Moors in 1147. The 'Calatrava' cross was originally worn by the Order Calatrava —composed by monks that later became knights— as a red Greek cross with fleur-de-lis ends.
The strap also features the 'Calatrava' cross on its interior and its rubber composite is very supple and quite malleable. Perhaps the biggest downside to this strap, is the fact that it needs to be cut to the size of your wrist with no room for error and making it quite difficult to get the exact perfect fit. Now, if you are one of those watchlifestylers that likes to flip watches constantly and your wrist is on the smaller side, be prepared to add an additional brand new strap when selling your watch as most buyers with larger wrists won't be interested in buying from you.
The beating heart inside this Patek Philippe Aquanaut ref. 5167 is the automatic calibre 324 S C composed of 213 parts, 29 jewels, six bridges and which provides a power reserve of 45 hours when fully wound while beating at a frequency of 28,800 vph. One downside of this calibre is the lack of hacking seconds that prevents the wearer from an accurate time setting operation. The calibre is fully visible via the display case back and as with any other Patek a real treat for the eyes.
On the wrist, the Patek Philippe Aquanaut is quite comfortable but a watch that wears slightly smaller than its actual size. If you are a watchlifestyler that has to wear a Patek everywhere you go, then the Aquanaut is a must have in your collection. Paired with the right Vilebrequin trunks during a nice relaxing week in Saint-Tropez will show others that you know about watches and the good life.
The Aquanaut is also available as ref. 5165 measuring 38 mm in diameter, in 18K rose gold ref. 5167R, in stainless steel with matching bracelet ref. 5167/1 and in three different colors for the ladies model under ref. 5067.
Sticker Price $20,300 USD. For more info on Patek Philippe click here.
Rare Bird: Patek Philippe 18K Gold Perpetual Calendar with Moon Phases ref. 3448 for Tiffany & Co. To Be Auctioned by Leslie Hindman Auctioneers. UPDATE: Hammer Price.
On April 8, 2014 our friends at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers will host perhaps the most impressive Timepieces auction in their history. This upcoming sale No. 294, will include 91 lots with rare and exclusive timepieces coming from different Estates including the property from the Estate of Gerard L. Cafesjian from Naples, FL, the property from the Estate and Trust of Elise Reeder Olton from Boca Raton, FL, the property from the Collection of a Member of the Royal Family of the United Arab Emirates and a property of a Palm Beach Estate. The auction, to take place next April 8th at 5:30pm CST, will include several highly collectible Patek Philippe timepieces as well as a nice assortment of vintage and modern timepieces from Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet, Girard-Perregaux, Rolex, Longines, IWC and Corum amongst others —we will be showing you in the next weeks some of the special pieces they will be auctioning. Nevertheless, the star of the auction without a doubt will be a very rare Patek Philippe 18K Yellow Gold Perpetual Calendar with Moon Phases ref. 3448 for Tiffany & Co. with movement number 1,119,164 and case number 325,520.
This fascinating Patek Philippe 18K Yellow Gold Perpetual Calendar with Moon Phases ref. 3448 for Tiffany & Co. circa 1970, features an 18K yellow gold case measuring 37.50 mm in diameter and 12 mm in thickness. The watch features a silvered dial with day and month apertures at 12, a date and moon phase indicator at 6 o'clock, dauphine hands, pearl minute track, raised gold hour markers and with the Tiffany & Co. imprint on the dial as this particular watch was originally sold by them.
While this example to be auctioned next month, is nowhere near the rarity of the Patek Philippe 18K Yellow Gold Perpetual Calendar with Moon Phases ref. 3448 Blue dial from 1978—probably a unique piece and only three other examples with color dials— sold at the Christie's auction in Geneva on November of 2013 for a hammer price of $684,626, we are confident that this watch will fetch some serious money. The estimate for this special piece is between $70,000 and $90,000 USD but we are confident the hammer will come down at a higher amount.
Only 586 pieces were ever produced of this fine and rare Patek Philippe ref. 3448 between 1962 and 1985, mostly in yellow gold with handful of examples in white gold and two or three in platinum. The ref. 3448 was the first automatic Perpetual Calendar with Moon Phases and the current example features the upgraded calibre 27-460 Q. Patek retired the ref. 3448 and replaced it with the ref. 3940. The watch is fitted with a snap-on solid case back and correctors for the perpetual calendar and moon phase around the case band. The watch is fitted with an original Patek Philippe black lizard strap with original Patek Philippe 18K yellow gold buckle.
Next month we'll get to see if the current price trend that was set in Geneva at the Christie's auction will continue for these rare and coveted Tiffany & Co. Pateks. As expected, on the wrist this watch couldn't look or wear any better. Ladies and Gentlemen, make sure to check the results of the auction next month or even better, let us know if you became the new owner of this beautiful watch on April 8th. Based on what we have seen in the market in the past couple of months, this watch could sell for another record-breaking amount. Everything is possible when it comes to Pateks. UPDATE: After last night's auction we are pleased to inform you that this watch fetched a hammer price of $182,500 before any buyer's fees.
For more info on Leslie Hindman Auctioneers click here.
Disclaimer: Please do not use our images or content as your buying guide or condition report for this watch. Only Leslie Hindman Auctioneers can provide you with such information.
Insider: Patek Philippe World Time ref. 5130. The Best and Most Elegant World Timer Ever Created.
The Patek Philippe World Time watch ref. 5130 is without a doubt the best and most elegant worldtimer ever created. Fitted with a beautiful case measuring 39.5 mm in diameter available in yellow gold, rose gold, white gold or platinum, and a silvery white guilloché sunburst dial with gold applied hour markers and 24 time zone ring with day/night indicator, this watch is not only very easy to use but also extremely beautiful and elegant. The understated look and classiness of Patek Philippe is present in every detail of this timepiece that is a joy to wear.
The beating heart inside this Patek is the automatic calibre 240 HU composed of 239 parts, a 22K gold off-centered mini rotor, eight bridges, gyromax balance and which provides a power reserve of 48 hours while beating at a frequency of 21,600 vph. The calibre is fully visible via the display case back and the Côtes de Genève finish on the bridges along with the perlage are a real treat for the eyes. Only when wearing a Patek Philippe one understands why you merely take care of it for the next generation.
This exceptional timepiece is very easy to use and all it takes is for the wearer to push the button at 10 o'clock to tell the time across 24 different timezones. The hour and minute hands display the local time in the middle of the dial. Surrounding it are two rings, one with the names of 24 cities that stand for the 24 time zones, the other with a 24-hour ring featuring a darker part with a moon symbol for the nocturnal hours and a brighter one with a sun symbol for the daytime hours. Local time is the time in the zone represented by the city at the very top of the dial in the 12 o’clock position. The time in any other zone is displayed by the 24-hour ring opposite the name of the respective city. When traveling, the easiest way to tell time in the destination city is the push the button at 10 o'clock until the the city you are traveling to appears at the 12 o'clock position.
Fitted with an elegant matte alligator strap that is hand-stitched and equipped with a folding clasp, this watch is extremely comfortable and one that wears true to its size. Next time you are traveling around the world in 80 days and you look at this timepiece on your wrist, you'll understand even further why this heirloom will be passed down to your descendants.
Sticker Price $47,000 USD. For more info on Patek Philippe click here.
Experience: Twenty Amazingly Rare Patek Philippe Timepieces Sold for More Than $12 Million Dollars at Christie's Auction in Geneva.
The Christie's Important Watches Auction held in Geneva today Monday November 11, 2013 included a total of 122 amazing Patek Philippe timepieces of which only ten didn't sell. The total dollar amount fetched by all watches sold at the auction exceeded $30 million, of which Patek Philippe made more than half of it.
For this in-depth review of what happened at the auction around the Patek Philippe timepieces, we have picked the twenty Patek Philippe watches that fetched the highest amounts —all of them above a quarter of a million dollars each— and which all combined, sum up a total amount of $12,020,680 USD. All hammer prices are in USD and are inclusive of the buyer's premium. All images from Christie's.com
1. The star of the auction and the watch that fetched the highest amount was the Patek Philippe 18K Pink Gold Perpetual Calendar Chronograph with Moon Phases ref. 2499 manufactured in 1951 and encased in 1957. According to the Patek Philippe archives, the watch was originally sold on December 15, 1960. This reference is one of the most legendary Patek references and features raised hard enamel printings of all elements on the dial. Hammer Price $2,160,544.
2. Patek Philippe 18K Gold Split Seconds Chronograph ref. 1563 with Luminous Breguet numerals, rounded pushers and screw case back from 1947 that was originally sold on June 30, 1950. Few complicated Patek Philippe references are as rare as this reference of which only three examples are known to exist. Hammer Price $1,572,789.
3. Patek Philippe 18K Gold Perpetual Calendar Chronograph with Moon Phases ref. 2499 with Cartier on the dial —probably a unique piece— from 1966 originally sold on April 29, 1968. The watch was sold with Cartier's certificate of authenticity stating that the watch was delivered to Cartier New York in 1968. Hammer Price $1,024,218.
4. Patek Philippe 18K Pink Gold Perpetual Calendar Chronograph with Moon Phases ref. 1518 with an ultra rare two-tone dial —possibly a unique piece dial— from 1950 and originally sold on December 16, 1952. What makes this watch even more desirable is the two-tone silvered dial fitted on this watch, that has never been seen before on any other ref. 1518. The two-tone dial provides a unique visual effect depending on the lighting conditions and the angle at which the light hits the dial. Hammer Price $1,024,218.
5. Patek Philippe 18K Gold Perpetual Calendar with Moon Phases ref. 3448 Blue dial —probably a unique piece— with raised gold markers from 1978. The watch originally sold on November 10, 1978. The uniqueness of this watch —besides the beautiful color of its dial— comes from the fact that it is known that only four watches ref. 3448 were fitted with color dials —other than the traditional silvered— and while three feature champagne dials, it appears like this is the only one with a blue dial. Hammer Price $684,626.
6. Patek Philippe 18K Rose Gold Chronograph ref. 530 sold by Astrua Torino in 1941. The ref. 530 was launched in 1937 and it is one of the rarest Patek chronographs, furthermore, the Astrua ref. 530 is one of the most impressive oversized chronographs by this manufacture and it is known that this is the only ref. 530 featuring the Astrua marking on the dial. Additionally, this is the first time that it's been offered at auction and the case and dial are as sharp and original as it gets. Even the lugs still display the original satin finish pointing towards the strap. Hammer Price $658,503.
7. Patek Philippe Calatrava 18K Pink Gold Dual Time Zone ref. 2597 with independent adjustable second time zone hand manufactured in 1963 but originally sold until January 8, 1981. This particular reference is one of the rarest Pateks ever and it was such unpopular that it was discontinued quite quickly. Interestingly enough, this watch —among other four of this same reference in pink gold— is living testament of that unpopularity as it sat unsold for 18 years after its production. This watch is also the only example to feature luminescent material on its hands. This watch was auctioned in mint unworn and unpolished condition. Hammer Price $501,769.
8. Patek Philippe Stainless Steel Chronograph ref. 1463 with Breguet numerals and rounded pushers manufactured in 1945 and originally sold on July 29, 1946. The Breguet numerals on this watch are ultra rare —less than twenty examples in stainless steel known to exist up to date. Described by Italian collectors as the "tasti tondi" for its rounded pushers, this watch was also featured in the book Patek Philippe Steel Watches by John Goldberger, pp. 286 - 287. Hammer Price $501,769.
9. Patek Philippe 18K Pink Gold Split Seconds Chronograph ref. 1436 with pink dial from 1940 and originally sold on April 13, 1942. This pink gold reference is one of the rarest Pateks sold at auction and less than ten examples have sold at auction in the last 30 years —only four were fitted with pink dials. Additionally, the watch is a only two-owner watch. Hammer Price $423,401.
10. Patek Philippe 18K Gold Minute Repeater ref. 2524/1 manufactured in 1954 and sold on August 11, 1960. This watch is one of four examples that does not have a seconds sub-dial at 6 o'clock and its repeater lever mechanism is activated by pushing it downwards. Hammer Price $397,279.
11. Patek Philippe 18K Gold Perpetual Calendar with Moon Phases ref. 2497 with box and papers manufactured in 1953 and originally sold on September 8, 1956. This rare example features a sweep center seconds hand which is very uncommon for this Patek reference. Hammer Price $384,218.
12. Patek Philippe 18K Pink Gold Perpetual Calendar with Moon Phases ref. 1526 with pink dial manufactured in 1948 and originally sold on October 18, 1949. It is known that of this very rare reference in 18K pink gold only a little bit over 200 watches were ever made by Patek and even fewer feature a pink dial like this one. Furthermore, this watch remains in unpolished condition. Hammer Price $345,034.
13. Patek Philippe 18K Pink Gold Split Seconds Chronograph ref. 1436 with two-tone silvered sector dial manufactured in 1950 and subsequently originally sold on November 1, 1952. The Split Seconds Chronograph is a very rare Patek and this particular watch features a sector/aviator dial that was added after its original purchase to enhance its look even more —completely stunning in our opinion. Hammer Price $331,973.
14. Patek Philippe 18K Gold Perpetual Calendar with Moon Phases ref. 2438/1 with box and service papers from 1954 and originally sold on June 23, 1958. This watch just like the ref. 1436 that sold for $428,406 is also a only two-owner watch. This reference is fitted with a screw case back to make it water-resistant. Hammer Price $305,850.
15. Patek Philippe Stainless Steel and 18K Pink Gold Chronograph ref. 130 with two-tone pink dial from 1947. The watch was originally sold on June 25, 1948 and its reference marks the first chronograph to be fitted with calibre 13 and in production from 1936 until 1964. This two-tone model is known to be quite rare and up to date there are only other seven pieces to be known to exist. Hammer Price $305,850.
16. Patek Philippe 18K Gold Split Seconds Chronograph ref. 1436 manufactured and sold in 1946. This watch was auctioned with an additional silvered dial that the previous owner had purchased to give the watch a more current look. Hammer Price $292,789.
17. Patek Philippe 18K Gold Minute Repeater ref. 3979 with white porcelain white dial with box and papers. The watch was originally sold on March 30, 1992. This reference was launched in 1989 to commemorate Patek Philippe's 150th anniversary, discontinued only nine years later and replaced by ref. 5078. Hammer Price $292,789.
18. Patek Philippe Platinum Flared Sides ref. 2442 with diamond-set dial manufactured in 1949 and originally sold on February 11, 1950. This watch is powered by a rare rectangular movement with only 150 watches ever made of which only three examples of the platinum model are known to exist. Hammer Price $292,789.
19. Patek Philippe 18K Gold Openface Keyless Lever Tourbillon Pocket Watch with Breguet numerals and Bulletin d'Observatoire manufactured in 1930, encased in 1951 and originally sold on December 21, 1951. This watch comes with a certificate from the Geneva Observatory attesting that the pocket watch participated in a timing contest in 1946 obtaining the third prize. for Hammer Price $266,667.
20. Patek Philippe 18K Gold Openface Minute Repeater Perpetual Calendar Split Seconds Chronograph ref. 658 Keyless Lever Pocket Watch with Moon Phases and box manufactured in 1931, encased in 1955 and originally sold on July 18, 1955. This watch is known to be one of only five examples of this reference. Hammer Price $253,605.
As expected from such an array of exceptional timepieces, the prices went up through the roof. Congratulations to all the collectors that added this amazing creations to their vaults.
For more info on Christie's click here and for Patek Philippe here.
News: Patek Philippe ref. 2499 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph with Moon Phases Fetches Over $2 Million Dollars at Christie's Important Watches Auction in Geneva.
Today, November 11, 2013, another historical day is setting records in Geneva at the Christie's Important Watches Auction. This time the auction comprising 406 lots overall, is led by an exceptionally rare 18K pink gold Patek Philippe perpetual calendar chronograph with moon phases, ref. 2499, manufactured in 1951 and encased in 1957 with an original estimate between $1,101,301-1,651,951 USD, that has fetched the incredible amount of $2,186,081 —inclusive of buyer's premium.
The Important Watches auction is still in progress and during intermission at this time. The auction will resume at 3pm —Geneva time— for the lots 194-406. We will be reporting the results upon completion of the auction as there are other very rare and important timepieces being auctioned today. Stay tuned!
For more info on Christie's click here.
Baselworld: New Patek Philippe Nautilus 5980 in Stainless Steel and Rose Gold. The Return of a Two-Tone.
Patek Philippe relaunched the discontinued two-tone Nautilus. However, this time the two-tone refers to ref. 5980 in Stainless Steel and Rose Gold. This new model marks a come back for the two-tone models within Patek Philippe. Will other Haute Horlogerie brands follow this move? Only time will tell.
For now, enjoy this beauty!
For more info click here.
Insider: Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 5980. The Most Elegant Chronograph.
Here we are reviewing another iconic Nautilus reference. This time, is the turn for one of the most elegant chronographs out there. This elegant piece available in stainless steel or rose gold, offers a wide variety of dial colors in order to please even the most demanding watch lifestylers. The rose gold version is fitted with a black-brown dial and an alligator strap with rectangular scales and a deployant buckle that is very comfortable and easy to operate.
Classy, modern, timeless and functional, the Nautilus chronograph includes the best of both worlds. With a sporty look but a dressy character, it's a timepiece that commands attention and outstanding wrist presence. Its black-brown dial looks either milk chocolate brown or black depending on the lighting conditions. The chronograph pushers are subtly disguised with the overall design and construction of the case and they are very easy to use.
Fitted with caliber CH 28-520 C, this elegant chronograph registers hours and minutes for up to 12 hours with a single counter at 6 o'clock and a date aperture at 3. The movement, with a power reserve of up to 55 hours is very nicely decorated with the traditional Côtes de Genève finish prevalent on other Patek Philippe movements. Its large case with a diameter of 40.5mm is solid, masculine and very comfortable. The case sits very nicely on top of the wrist if you have a flatter shaped wrist. The strap is perfectly finished and the hand stitching in light brown creates the perfect symphony of accents and contrast.
This watch is a must have in any watch collection where class, perfection and character happen to be the common denominators. Sticker price on this beauty only $64,000.
Insider: Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 5711. A Genta Icon.
Another one of Gerald Genta's iconic creations. The Patek Philippe Nautilus was conceived using the universal shape of a porthole found on most maritime vessels and released just four years after the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak was launched in 1972.
Just like on the rest of Genta's creations, the alternating brushed and polished areas on the bezel as well as the flat top cases are part of the design. Patek Philippe commissioned monsieur Genta to come up with a design that would compete with the Royal Oak and that would stand the test of time. The end result, the iconic Nautilus. With its unmistakeable black-blue dial this timepiece was released in 1976 as ref. 3700/1 in stainless steel and with the name Nautilus 'Jumbo' due to its large—40mm— case diameter at the time. Since then, the Nautilus has established itself as a classic, elegant sports watch from one of the top Haute Horlogerie houses.
The black-blue dial on the Nautilus often looks either chocolate brown or black depending on the lighting conditions. This watch comes with a 45-hour power reserve thanks to its self-winding caliber 324 S C, screw-down crown, sapphire crystal case back and a stainless steel bracelet. The watch is very comfortable and the bracelet somewhat light for our taste. The watch has a strong presence on the wrist and extremely accurate timekeeping with +1 seconds a day.
The Nautilus is definitely a piece that needs to be part of any collection looking to honor monsieur Genta's creations or any power collection. Now, if you already own a Royal Oak, an IWC Ingenieur SL and a Vacheron Constantin Overseas, it is very likely that you will end up adding a Nautilus to complete your poker of aces. Probably in due time and time is already ticking.
Sticker Price $29,800. For more info on this watch click here.
Watch Goodies: Patek Philippe Limoges Limited Edition Bonbonniere
Not very long ago, we came across this beautiful limited edition Patek Philippe box made out of Limoges porcelain from the 2000 collection. The box features a Patek Philippe pocket watch from 1928 that is currently situated at the Patek Philippe Museum collection. The pocket watch is made out of 18 carat yellow gold and is finely decorated with roses and other motifs.
