Patek Philippe

• cal. 240 LU CL automatic damascened nickel lever movement stamped with the Geneva seal, 45 jewels, free-sprung Gyromax balance, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions, 22k gold mini-rotor engraved with the Calatrava cross • inner blue bezel with silvered Roman numerals, the sapphire crystal glass with silvered ellipse framing the visible sky (marked out with the cardinal points), planisphere of the Northern Hemisphere rotates counter-clockwise above the dial, skeletonised white-lacquered feuille hands show the hours and minutes • 18k white gold case with polished bezel, case band finely decorated with halved Calatrava crosses, two crowns in the band both embossed with the Calatrava cross, one at 2 o'clock to wind the movement and set the time, the second at 4 o'clock which in one direction adjusts the planisphere and in the other corrects the angular position and phases of the moon, screw-down sapphire crystal display back • case, sapphire crystal disc and movement signed • with an 18k white gold Patek Philippe buckle

Automatic movement running while cataloguing. Dial is clean and looks impressive, the glass with a small scratch at 1 o'clock with a very very small chip at the edge. Bezel with light scuffs, but these can be polished. The rest of the case in good condition. The buckle is original. Hallmarks are clear. Overall the watch is in very good condition.
"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.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Accompanied by a Patek Philippe maroon leather folder containing Certificate of Origin, a colour diagram showing an exploded view of the movement, images and descriptions of the dial and instructions for adjusting the moon age and the Sky Moon mechanism. Together with a  later wooden Patek Philippe presentation case and card outer box.

Launched in 2002, the 'Celestial' (ref. 5102) is one of the most important horological complications ever developed. Upon the watch's dial, the owner can gaze at a rendition of the northern hemisphere's sky. The 'sky' rotates counter-clockwise, showing the progression of stars relative to the meridian passage of Sirius. Simultaneously, the meridian passage and phases of the moon can be seen. 25 trillion (25,000,000,000,000) ratio combinations were researched by Patek Philippe to determine the greatest accuracy for all the ref.5102's displays. This gives some sense of the tremendous challenges that its production posed to the company's watchmakers. Using a highly sophisticated automatic movement (calibre 240 LU CL), the movement uses 301 individual parts that are meticulously hand-finished in the workshops of Patek Philippe. Three sapphire crystal discs are used to simulate the orbit of the moon and the passage of the stars, giving a tremendous sense of depth. For this important invention, Patek Philippe were awarded a Swiss Patent for the base calibre (CH 688 171 B5). As a significant new reference, one sees the 'Celestial' (ref. 5102) standing proudly alongside other legendary Patek Philippe watches with star charts to which it owes its heritage; watches such as: the Henry Graves Supercomplication Patek Philippe no.198.385 (sold Sotheby's, New York December 1999, US$11,002,500), the 'Packard' Patek Philippe, 198.203, the Calibre 89, the Star Calibre 2000 and, of course, the Sky Moon Tourbillon.