Lot Essay
Reference 5004
With an approximate output of only 12 examples per year due to its immense technical complexity, the reference 5004 is regarded as one of the great modern classics among Patek Philippe’s high complication models and has a cult following among collectors.
Descended from reference 3970 which is the true and legitimate successor to the mythical reference 2499, reference 5004 embodies not only the essence of Patek Philippe's design legacy of the post war decades but also the savoir faire of their skilled master watchmakers who managed to add another highly complex mechanism to a traditional sized watch without disturbing its proportions. To many collectors, reference 5004 is one of the greatest wristwatches ever made and is often mentioned as one of the watches with the most promising future in the market. Reference 5004 was Patek Philippe’s first serially produced split-seconds perpetual calendar wristwatch. Manufactured in four metals during its 16-year run – 18k yellow gold, 18k pink gold, 18k white gold, and platinum. The 5004 was eventually superseded by Ref. 5204, which was unveiled during Baselworld 2012.
With an approximate output of only 12 examples per year due to its immense technical complexity, the reference 5004 is regarded as one of the great modern classics among Patek Philippe’s high complication models and has a cult following among collectors.
Descended from reference 3970 which is the true and legitimate successor to the mythical reference 2499, reference 5004 embodies not only the essence of Patek Philippe's design legacy of the post war decades but also the savoir faire of their skilled master watchmakers who managed to add another highly complex mechanism to a traditional sized watch without disturbing its proportions. To many collectors, reference 5004 is one of the greatest wristwatches ever made and is often mentioned as one of the watches with the most promising future in the market. Reference 5004 was Patek Philippe’s first serially produced split-seconds perpetual calendar wristwatch. Manufactured in four metals during its 16-year run – 18k yellow gold, 18k pink gold, 18k white gold, and platinum. The 5004 was eventually superseded by Ref. 5204, which was unveiled during Baselworld 2012.