Patek Philippe

• cal. 27-70 Q manual winding nickel lever movement stamped with the seal of Geneva, 28 jewels, Gyromax balance • opaline-white dial, gold applied Arabic numerals, 3 subsidiary dials for constant seconds combined with 24-hour indication, 30-minute register with leap-year display and date with fan-form aperture for moon-phases, apertures for day and month in English • platinum case, split seconds chronograph pushers to the band, screw-down case back • case, dial and movement signed • with a platinum Patek Philippe folding clasp

At the time of cataloging, manual winding, perpetual calendar and split seconds chronograph are all in working order. Dial is in excellent condition, nice and clean. Case with only a few very light hairlines to the side. Very light signs of use shown on buckle. Excellent condition in general. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time keeping and a service might be required at the buyer's expense. **The strap of this wristwatch is made from an endangered species, please refer to 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."

With a Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, an instruction manual, a setting pin, a platinum interchangeable solid case back and presentation box.

With the introduction of the legendary Ref. 1518 in 1941, which was the first series of chronograph perpetual watches ever produced, since then Patek Philippe has unfolded a strong line of stop watches equipped with complications. From Ref. 2499, introduced in 1951, to the penultimate Ref. 3970, launched in 1986, the series underwent a great variety of alterations in its long 19-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 also been hailed as a "design legacy" as the master watchmakers managed to combine two highly complex mechanisms into a traditionally-sized watch with utmost class and elegance.

Year 1995 saw the commencement of production of the Ref. 5004. It remains the most complicated model in Patek Philippe's line of chronographs to date. Composed of 407 miniscule parts, the present example houses calibre CHR 27-70Q, and ingeniously combines a split seconds chronograph and perpetual calendar in a classic platinum case. The present masterpiece employs Patek Philippe's patented split seconds disengagement mechanism, accurate within a fraction of a second. The perpetual calendar function features a 24-hour display, leap year indication and precision moon-phases device.

It is not an overstatement to say that the Ref. 5004 is indeed the ultimate example of understated horology. The reference also had the historical significance of employing the last non-Patek Philippe in house chronograph calibre which was produced for them by Nouvelle Lemania.