Patek Philippe

• cal. 240/165 automatic nickel-finished lever movement, stamped with the seal of Geneva, 45 jewels, Gyromax balance, 22k yellow gold eccentric micro-rotor engraved with the Calatrava cross • blue dial, inner bezel with silvered Roman numerals, sapphire crystal glass with silvered ellipse framing the visible sky (marked out with the cardinal points), skeletonized white-lacquered feuille hands • 18k white gold polished case, curved lugs, case band finely decorated with halved Calatrava crosses, one crown at 2 to wind the movement and set the time, another crown at 4, which in one direction adjusts the planisphere and in the other direction corrects the angular position and moon-phases, screw-down sapphire crystal display back • case, sapphire crystal disc and movement signed • with an 18k white gold Patek Philippe folding clasp

Please note that the movement has not been checked for timekeeping accuracy and Sotheby's will not be held responsible for any repairs should they be require. The movement is running at the time of cataloguing. The watch is in perfect working order. The case is in excellent condition with only a few light scuffs. The dial and the hands in perfect 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."

According to our research the presently offered lot, in excellent original condition, has never been offered in public before.

Launched in 2002, the 'Celestial' (reference 5102) is one of the most important horological complications ever developed. Upon the watch's dial, the owner can gaze at a rendition of the northern hemisphere's sky. The 'sky' rotates counter-clockwise, showing the progression of stars relative to the meridian passage of Sirius. Simultaneously, the meridian passage and phases of the moon can be seen. 25 trillion (25,000,000,000,000) ratio combinations were researched by Patek Philippe to determine the greatest accuracy for all the reference 5102's displays. This gives some sense of the tremendous challenges that the watch's production posed to the company's watchmakers. 

Using a highly sophisticated automatic movement (calibre 240 LU CL), the movement consists of 301 individual parts that are meticulously hand-finished in the workshops of Patek Philippe. Three sapphire crystal discs are used to simulate the orbit of the moon and the passage of the stars, giving a tremendous sense of depth. For this important invention Patek Philippe was awarded a Swiss Patent for the base calibre (CH 688 171 B5). 

As a significant new reference, one sees the 'Celestial' (reference 5102) standing proudly alongside other legendary Patek Philippe watches with star charts such as The Henry Graves Supercomplication (see Sotheby's, Geneva, 11^th November 2014, lot 345), the Calibre 89 and the Sky Moon Tourbillon (reference 5002).