Patek Philippe

• cal. R 27 PS QA automatic nickel lever movement, stamped with the seal of Geneva, 44 jewels, 22k yellow gold micro-rotor, repeating on 2 Cathedral gongs • two-tone silvered dial, Roman numerals, 3 apertures for day, date and month, subsidiary seconds • titanium tonneau case, repeating slide to the band, sapphire crystal snap-on case back • case, dial, and movement signed • with a titanium Patek Philippe buckle

Movement running at time of cataloguing, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time and may need service at the buyer's discretion. All functions work properly with calendar properly changing. Case in overall excellent condition with slight scuff to the bezel at 12. The titanium case retains all the original lines and the original brushed finish. Dial is in excellent condition. Repeat is correct and in phase and has a very resonate sound. Overall an exceptional example of a unique piece. The strap of this watch contains endangered species; please see Important Notices for further information.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Accompanied by an extra solid titanium case back, white gold and sapphire pusher, the original wooden presentation box, outer cardboard box, leather portfolio with technical specifications including original Certificate of Origin, instruction manual, product image and literature, Patek Philippe original delivery coffin box and an Extract from the Archives confirming date of sale on 24 November 2004. 

This important wristwatch is the only example of the rare 5033 reference currently known to have been made in titanium. Reference 5033 was originally released as a special order of only 10 pieces in 2002. Nine of these pieces were made in platinum, the remaining piece, the present watch, was specially made in titanium. The full reference code for the platinum pieces was 5033P-001 whilst the titanium example had its very own reference: 5033T-001. The 5033-001 series was manufactured with a specially designed two-tone silvery grey dial with guilloché center and stretched black Roman numerals. According to our research, reference 5033 was listed by Patek Philippe until 2012. The entire production of the model was small: our research suggests a total of approximately 80 pieces were made across all variations of the reference, of which only 5 have re-appeared on the market.

As the only known titanium example of the 5033, the present watch has its own unique character. The grey color of the case metal perfectly complements the two-tone silvery grey finish of the dial and the lightness of the titanium gives a markedly and surprisingly different feel to the watch when compared to the standard platinum version. Titanium is, of course, extremely hard wearing and it is interesting to note the sharpness of angles to the case when compared to platinum versions of the reference. It is fascinating to note the tonal subtleties of the chiming in a titanium case. 

The elegant design of the 5033, with its broad ‘coussin-tortue’ case, is inspired by the Art Deco period. The arrangement of the calendar apertures is unusual, yet reminiscent of famous historical Patek Philippe models with triple aperture calendars such as the unique Calatrava no.828.665, made in 1941 and the platinum rectangular no.860.182, made in 1938. The two aforementioned watches are illustrated in Huber, M. and Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Second Edition, p. 278. However, it is the combination of the annual calendar complication with that of minute repetition that defines the 5033 model. Indeed, it is the first time that Patek Philippe have combined these two complications in a wristwatch. The 5033’s movement incorporates the innovative calibre R27 PS QA, a masterpiece of mechanical complexity which comprises an astonishing 483 individual parts. The exceptionally sonorous nature of the repetition is achieved by the use of extra long ‘cathedral’ gongs, made from a special alloy that provides a rich and long lasting tone when struck by the movement’s polished repeating hammers. 

The present reference 5033T is an extremely rare complicated Patek Philippe wristwatch. The production of a special titanium case would have required specific tooling, adding greatly to the cost of manufacture. The fact that such effort was made for what may well be a unique piece, demonstrates the importance of this wristwatch.