PATEK PHILIPPE | EARLY, FINE AND VERY RARE PLATINUM PERPETUAL CALENDAR CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH MOON-PHASES AND BREGUET NUMERALSREF 5020 MVT 3045223 CASE 2956157 MADE IN 1995

Movement: cal. 27-70 Q manual winding, 24 jewels  Case: platinum, snap-on sapphire crystal display back  Bracelet/Clasp/Buckle: platinum Patek Philippe buckleSize: 37 mm widthSigned: case, dial and movement  Accessories: Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, setting pin, sales tag, instruction manual and presentation box. Furthermore delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with opaline dial and 9 white gold Breguet numerals in 1995 and its subsequent sale on 19 September 1995

The movement and all chronograph functions are in working condition at the time of cataloguing. The calendar function is working properly. The bezel with extremely minor signs of wear at 3 o'clock, otherwise it is in good overall condition. Underneath the lugs with signs from removing the strap. Otherwise the watch is in excellent overall condition with very minor signs of wear only. The buckle is in excellent overall condition. * Please note that the movement has not tested for the accuracy of time and may need service at the buyer's expense. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement. **Please be advised that the bands on this watch are made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species, please refer to important notices for further information. *Please note that the watch needs to be taken to boutique for proper adjustment of perpetual calendar to the correct dates
"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."

When the Patek Philippe reference 5020 was first introduced in 1994, the watch was widely unpopular. The reference 3970, however, which had been introduced 8 years earlier, was an immediate success. In its early days, the 5020 acquired the nickname “television set” as a result of its unusual shape. Collectors were not enthralled with its overall design and rather large and chunky case. Strange, that those very elements which were initially derided by the collector world came to be loved and contributed to the 5020 becoming an icon in its own right - a watch whose exceptional aesthetic appeal and timeless design have only become more and more appreciated with the passage of time.

The reference 5020 had a relatively short and unsuccessful run that came to a close in 2002. To the best of our knowledge, there were a combined total of about 150 examples of 5020 produced in yellow, pink, white gold and platinum. Scholarship has recorded that fewer than 20 pieces were cased in platinum, five of which were fitted with a black diamond dial, one pink diamond dial, one black Breguet dial and one black diamond dial that was later changed to a silvered dial. The present watch is the earliest and only known original white silvered Breguet dial.

Manufactured in September, 1995, this platinum 5020 came with just one back, the solid platinum back. It has been in the collection of a distinguished and fastidious collector since he purchased it.

There is another feature which makes this particular watch even more appealing. It appears that only the early 5020 white gold and platinum models have the captivating royal blue/yellow moon disc; rather than the more standard and subdued black/silver moon disc. The present lot with its royal blue and yellow moon disc belongs to what might be called the first series of the 5020 platinum.

The present watch has all the elements the discerning collectors could hope for: extreme rarity, exceptional beauty, unpolished condition, complete with all original accessories and freshness to the market.