- 2217
Patek Philippe
Description
- A FINE AND RARE PLATINUM SPLIT SECONDS CHRONOGRAPH PERPETUAL CALENDAR WRISTWATCH WITH REGISTER, MOON-PHASES AND LEAP YEAR INDICATION CIRCA 2003 REF 5004P MVT 879907 CASE 4146750
- diameter 36 mm
Condition
"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."
Catalogue Note
Accompanied by a Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, Instruction Manual in a leather folder, setting pin, extra full case back and a presentation box with an outer card box. Further accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming production in 2002 and sale on March 6th of the following year.
The first to introduce this combination of functions, Patek Philippe exhibits a strong lineage of perpetual calendar chronograph watches. The impressive range includes the Ref. 1518 in 1941, which was the first series of chronograph perpetual watches produced to the highly coveted Ref. 2499, introduced in 1951, to the penultimate Ref. 3970, brought out in 1986, which went through a variety of alterations in its nineteen year history. The chronograph perpetual calendar wristwatch has been likened to great pieces of mechanical art as well as invaluable representations of horological advancement.
The Ref. 5004 has been hailed as "the most ambitious creation" of the "grand complications" with the most promising future as a collectable. With all 407 individual parts interacting in perfect harmony in order to execute the complicated functions (split seconds chronograph and perpetual calendar), this model is the most complicated piece of mastery in Patek Philippe's line of stopwatches. Furthermore, the model also showcases the moon-phases mechanism that remains accurate for 122 years and 45 days, even then only requiring adjustment by one day. Although only introduced in 1995, the Ref. 5004 is a timeless classic and attracts sophisticated collectors with a penchant for understated complexity.