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Lot Essay
With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with opaline-white dial with Calatrava cross pattern and gold Roman numerals in 2001 and its subsequent sale on 15 January 2002. Furthermore delivered with Patek Philippe leather-bound folder including instructions and details of the watch in French, an image of reference 5002, as well as a promotional CD. Additionally delivered with three coloured technical information pages in English in a separate carton folder, setting pin, original veneered presentation box featuring 18K gold spandrels in each corner and a drawer and outer packaging.
Reference 5002, known as the Sky Moon Tourbillon, is the most complicated wristwatch ever produced by Patek Philippe since its founding in 1839. Regarded by many as the finest watch in existence, this extremely exclusive timepiece is now discounted by the brand. As befitting a magnum opus of this technical complexity and ingenious design, only one out of the 180 Patek Philippe master watchmakers is able to create this reference.
The movement comprises 686 parts, which come together to form twelve of the most important horological complications - the tourbillon, perpetual calendar, moon age, leap year cycle, day of the week, month, date, fly back, minute repeater, sky chart, moon phases and orbit. The reverse dial reveals the angular progression of the stars and moon from the Northern Hemisphere and allows the wearer to observe the waxing and waning of the Earth's satellite. This timepiece undoubtedly has its place in horological history, housing calibre 109, which is based on the much lauded Star Calibre 2000. According to Patek Philippe, only two of these highly desirable pieces are produced annually.
Based on its movement number, one can conclude that the present example is only the sixth piece manufactured for this reference. Furthermore fresh to the market, the present lot is only the third example in yellow gold offered at public auction to date and should be considered as a rare opportunity to acquire Patek Philippe's most exceptional timepiece of modern production.
Reference 5002, known as the Sky Moon Tourbillon, is the most complicated wristwatch ever produced by Patek Philippe since its founding in 1839. Regarded by many as the finest watch in existence, this extremely exclusive timepiece is now discounted by the brand. As befitting a magnum opus of this technical complexity and ingenious design, only one out of the 180 Patek Philippe master watchmakers is able to create this reference.
The movement comprises 686 parts, which come together to form twelve of the most important horological complications - the tourbillon, perpetual calendar, moon age, leap year cycle, day of the week, month, date, fly back, minute repeater, sky chart, moon phases and orbit. The reverse dial reveals the angular progression of the stars and moon from the Northern Hemisphere and allows the wearer to observe the waxing and waning of the Earth's satellite. This timepiece undoubtedly has its place in horological history, housing calibre 109, which is based on the much lauded Star Calibre 2000. According to Patek Philippe, only two of these highly desirable pieces are produced annually.
Based on its movement number, one can conclude that the present example is only the sixth piece manufactured for this reference. Furthermore fresh to the market, the present lot is only the third example in yellow gold offered at public auction to date and should be considered as a rare opportunity to acquire Patek Philippe's most exceptional timepiece of modern production.