Patek Philippe. An extremely fine and rare platinum tonneau-shaped automatic “cathedral” minute repeating annual calendar wristwatch with two-tone silvered dial and elongated Roman numerals, original sales tag, second case back, setting pin and box

The present “Grand Complication” is believed to be the only second example of the special order series ref. 5033P-001 with Roman numerals to appear in public to date, impressively demonstrating its extreme rarity.

It is preserved in excellent overall condition and represents the scarce opportunity of acquiring one of the only 10 examples of this particular model ever made.

Ref. 5033P-001
Launched in 2002 as a special order of only 10 watches in platinum and 1 in titanium it is Patek Philippe’s first “Grande Complication” wristwatch combining a minute repeating and the patented annual calendar mechanism. The watches are distinguished by the specially made two-tone silvered dials with engine-turned centre and the elongated black Roman numerals.

Its celebrated calibre R27 PS QA, one of the firm’s most complex movements, comprises 483 individual parts and incorporates the "Cathedral" repeating mechanism, consisting of a high-tone and a low-tone gong. The length of the gong in a standard repeating mechanism corresponds to almost precisely one turn in the movement whereas those of the "Cathedral" mechanism exceed the case circumference by at least one and a half, even two turns. Consequently, a much richer and fuller timbre is achieved, resembling the chime of the bells of a cathedral.

Patek Philippe’s annual calendar mechanism, patented in 1996, requires to be adjusted only once a year, on 1st March.

The combination of rarity, finest craftsmanship and the elegant minimalist understatement design render this ref. 5033P-001 a fine trophy for the collector of exceptional timepieces.