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Lot 36 PROPERTY FROM AN IMPORTANT PRIVATE COLLECTOR
Coming to auction from a very important private collector for the first time, the following four exquisite timepieces represent the pinnacle production of each of these Patek references: the 5004, 3939, 3974 and 5016. The fantastic pink gold cases combined with the magnificent embellishment of ruby-set numerals are unique to these four pieces. Rubies are fire. Rubies are luxury. Rubies are considered the most magnificent of all gems; they are the stone of Kings and Royalty. It is a symbol of beauty, protection, passion and power.
Consigned by a prominent private collector, the present four lots are certainly one of the most charismatic and important collections of modern complicated Patek Philippe watches ever to be offered on the market. Each blessed with a 'one-of-kind' type of dial, they display a perfect combination of mechanical complexity, dial design and exclusivity. Throughout literature, there has never been another reference 5016, 3939 or 3974 in pink gold with ruby-set dial ever released to the public until today and then must be considered as part of the holy grail of modern production.
Most certainly commissioned on special request, there are no other references 5016 known to exist with the present combination of case metal and dial configuration. Indeed, to have one of these references is a rarity in itself especially cased in pink gold. To date, there has only been one other pink gold reference 5016 ever offered on the market. It is believed that only 30 to 40 pieces were ever manufactured making pink gold perhaps the rarest case metal used for the 5016.
The 3974, considered by many collectors as the most elegant and important watch manufactured by the firm in the last 20 years, is thought to be made in less than 20 pieces cased in pink gold and only four examples have ever come to market. The present watch is possibly unique and the dial, not originally born with the watch, was made exclusively for the present owner by Patek Philippe to satisfy his need for rubies, to match his fabulous collection of complicated Pateks.
One of the most elegant and subtle of the Patek Philippe grand complication timepieces, the 3939 was extremely limited in production and is only known in four pieces cased in pink gold. Never before seen in pink gold fitted with a ruby-set dial, the present watch can only be regarded as a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
The present reference 5004 is certainly one of the most charismatic and important 5004 to be offered at auction. The current lot is only the second known example fitted with the highly sought after ruby-set dial. The first known example was sold at Christie's in Hong Kong, May 2013, lot 2913 for a record breaking HK$4,350,000.
To own even one of these timepieces is to hold that fire and passion inherent to the ruby in your hand. Unrivalled by any other examples of these Patek Philippe references, the present watches will remain in history as unique, exceptional and powerful. Christie's is honored to have been chosen to offer this magnificent collection for the very first time at auction.
Please note tht Lots 36, 37, 38 and 39 all have endangered species straps (indicated by the CITES symbol next to the lot number). These straps are shown for display purposes only and have been removed and retained by Christie's prior to shipment to the sale site. In some cases the straps may be available for collection free of charge. For more information please refer to the IMPORTANT NOTICES AND EXPLANATION OF CATALOGUING PRACTICE at the back of this catalogue and contact the Watch Department.
Coming to auction from a very important private collector for the first time, the following four exquisite timepieces represent the pinnacle production of each of these Patek references: the 5004, 3939, 3974 and 5016. The fantastic pink gold cases combined with the magnificent embellishment of ruby-set numerals are unique to these four pieces. Rubies are fire. Rubies are luxury. Rubies are considered the most magnificent of all gems; they are the stone of Kings and Royalty. It is a symbol of beauty, protection, passion and power.
Consigned by a prominent private collector, the present four lots are certainly one of the most charismatic and important collections of modern complicated Patek Philippe watches ever to be offered on the market. Each blessed with a 'one-of-kind' type of dial, they display a perfect combination of mechanical complexity, dial design and exclusivity. Throughout literature, there has never been another reference 5016, 3939 or 3974 in pink gold with ruby-set dial ever released to the public until today and then must be considered as part of the holy grail of modern production.
Most certainly commissioned on special request, there are no other references 5016 known to exist with the present combination of case metal and dial configuration. Indeed, to have one of these references is a rarity in itself especially cased in pink gold. To date, there has only been one other pink gold reference 5016 ever offered on the market. It is believed that only 30 to 40 pieces were ever manufactured making pink gold perhaps the rarest case metal used for the 5016.
The 3974, considered by many collectors as the most elegant and important watch manufactured by the firm in the last 20 years, is thought to be made in less than 20 pieces cased in pink gold and only four examples have ever come to market. The present watch is possibly unique and the dial, not originally born with the watch, was made exclusively for the present owner by Patek Philippe to satisfy his need for rubies, to match his fabulous collection of complicated Pateks.
One of the most elegant and subtle of the Patek Philippe grand complication timepieces, the 3939 was extremely limited in production and is only known in four pieces cased in pink gold. Never before seen in pink gold fitted with a ruby-set dial, the present watch can only be regarded as a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
The present reference 5004 is certainly one of the most charismatic and important 5004 to be offered at auction. The current lot is only the second known example fitted with the highly sought after ruby-set dial. The first known example was sold at Christie's in Hong Kong, May 2013, lot 2913 for a record breaking HK$4,350,000.
To own even one of these timepieces is to hold that fire and passion inherent to the ruby in your hand. Unrivalled by any other examples of these Patek Philippe references, the present watches will remain in history as unique, exceptional and powerful. Christie's is honored to have been chosen to offer this magnificent collection for the very first time at auction.
Please note tht Lots 36, 37, 38 and 39 all have endangered species straps (indicated by the CITES symbol next to the lot number). These straps are shown for display purposes only and have been removed and retained by Christie's prior to shipment to the sale site. In some cases the straps may be available for collection free of charge. For more information please refer to the IMPORTANT NOTICES AND EXPLANATION OF CATALOGUING PRACTICE at the back of this catalogue and contact the Watch Department.
PATEK PHILIPPE. A VERY RARE 18K PINK GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR SPLIT SECONDS CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH MOON PHASES, 24 HOUR AND LEAP YEAR INDICATION AND UNUSUAL RUBY-SET DIAL, WITH ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE, ADDITIONAL CASE BACK AND PORTFOLIO PHOTOGRAPHS
SIGNED PATEK PHILIPPE, GENEVE, REF. 5004, MOVEMENT NO. 879'674, CASE NO. 4'007'834, CIRCA 2007
Closed26 September 2013
Price Realised
CNY 2,200,000
More Information
Specialist note
With Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, additional case back and setting.
Consigned by a prominent private collector, the present reference 5004 is certainly one of the most charismatic and important 5004 to be offered at auction. The current lot is only the second known example fitted with the highly sought after ruby-set dial, confirmed by the Certificate of Origin. The first known example was sold at Christie's in Hong Kong, May 2013, lot 2913 for a record breaking 4,350,000 Hong Kong Dollars.
To many collectors, reference 5004 is one of the greatest wristwatches ever made and is often mentioned as the watch with the most promising future on the market.
Consigned by a prominent private collector, the present reference 5004 is certainly one of the most charismatic and important 5004 to be offered at auction. The current lot is only the second known example fitted with the highly sought after ruby-set dial, confirmed by the Certificate of Origin. The first known example was sold at Christie's in Hong Kong, May 2013, lot 2913 for a record breaking 4,350,000 Hong Kong Dollars.
To many collectors, reference 5004 is one of the greatest wristwatches ever made and is often mentioned as the watch with the most promising future on the market.