Patek Philippe

• cal. R27 PS QR LU automatic lever movement, stamped with the Patek Philippe seal, 41 jewels, Gyromax balance, pink gold decorated mini-rotor, minute repeating on two gongs • skeletonized dial, four subsidiary sapphire crystal display discs for day, month, leap years and constant seconds combined with moon-phases, retrograde hand with blue outer ring indicating the date • platinum polished case, 18k pink gold inlays in band • case, dial and movement signed 

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 required. This watch is a magnificent example of craftsmanship, highly collectible piece with an attractive price. The watch has just been serviced and is in perfect working order. The case has the usual light scuffs due to use. The minute repeating mechanism strikes beautifully with a high tone, very harmonized and even.
"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."

Launched as a prototype at Basel in 2006, the reference 5104 was unlike any other Patek Philippe wristwatch ever manufactured. With the same large 43 mm case diameter as the reference 5002 flagship model, the 5104 offered a more daring and imposing design, vying away from the understated traditional style they are famous for. The model emphasized the demand of today for visually appealing complex mechanisms that marvel the wearer and admirer.

With a sapphire dial revealing, for the first time, the complexity of a grand complication movement from the front and reverse the model presented the company with numerous, never before experienced, hurdles resulting with a new patent for their ingenuity. To achieve the desired look the Patek Philippe sought, a different approach to displaying day, month, moon-phase and leap-year indications was required.

A common aspect skeletonized watches suffered from was making the functions visible, thus the company developed a way to fuse sapphire crystal and steel together offering a blank canvas on which the relevant indicators could be highlighted. To emphasis the colour combination offered by the visible movement, the case received similar design attributes with pink gold used to offer depth and colour to the platinum body. Perhaps due to difficulties in production, in 2012 the reference 5104 remains the only grand complication wristwatch offered by Patek Philippe with the movement visible through the dial, this unique feature allows the model to resonate the repeater gongs louder and clearer than perhaps any other Patek Philippe minute repeating wristwatch made.