Patek Philippe

• cal. 27-70 Q manual winding lever movement stamped with the Seal of Geneva, 28 jewels • silvered dial, applied Arabic numerals, outer minute track with 1/5 seconds divisions, subsidiary dials for constant seconds combined with 24-hour indication, 30-minute register with leap year indication and date combined with an aperture for moon-phases, twin-apertures for day and month in French • platinum case, molded bezel, fluted lugs, crown with integrated pusher for split-second activation, screw-down sapphire crystal display back • case, dial and movement signed • with a platinum Patek Philippe folding clasp

The movement is running at time of cataloguing, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement. The dial and hands are in excellent condition, the original dial of this watch was changed to the current one during a service by Patek Philippe. The case is in good condition, it has been polished but the hallmarks are still visible, the case has very minor scratches throughout which is consistent with little use after the service of the watch.
"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."

Accompanied by a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming date of sale on August 20th 1997 and that the dial has been changed by Patek Philippe during a service of the watch at the owner's request. 

The reference 5004 demonstrates somewhat of a juxtaposition in aesthetic. The watch itself is complicated, the case however, crisp and understated, and the design of the dial favours beauty and efficiency over busyness, or worse, fussiness.  

The combination of the two form the perfect, almost minimalist, housing for the split second chronograph and perpetual calendar complications fuelled by Nouvelle Lemania's calibre CHR 27-70Q.

Production of the reference started in 1995 and finished in 2009. Currently, only 40 examples of the platinum version have appeared at auction. The end of the reference 5004's 13 year life-span marks the last use an out-of-house movement, its successor, the 5204, being powered by the in-house calibre CHR 29-535 PS Q.

The split seconds chronograph allows the simultaneous measurement of multiple events beginning at the same time and 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.

For an example of the reference, see Huber, M & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Wristwatches, p. 312, Vol. II, Second Edition.