Patek Philippe

• cal. 27-525/231 manual winding nickel lever movement stamped with the Geneva seal, 27 jewels, Gyromax balance, adjusted to heat cold isochronism and 5 positions • white lacquered dial, Breguet numerals, 2 subsidiary dials for constant seconds and 60-minute register • platinum case, chronograph button to the crown, split seconds mechanism operated through the button at 2 o'clock, screw-set lugs, sapphire crystal display snap-on back • case, dial and movement signed • with a platinum Patek Philippe buckle

Movement and split seconds chronograph are in working order while cataloguing. Service is still recommended as it has been manufactured over 5 years. Dial is clean and intact. Only a few very superficial scuffs to the case. Strong hallmarks, no signs of any polishing, thickness 8.5 mm. The buckle with some scuffs from wear. The Ref. 5959P reaffirms Patek Philippe's unmatched virtuosity in the domain of complications: it is one of the thinnest split-seconds column-wheel chronograph movement ever built. To achieve this record, the experts at the Geneva workshops developed a totally new and highly sophisticated chronograph calibre, designed from the very start as an ultra-thin split-seconds chronograph. It was a challenging venture because the split-seconds mechanism is at least as difficult a complication to master as a minute repeater or a tourbillon. This is a rare and attractive watch thought after be collectors in overall 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."

Launched in 2005, the reference 5959 was Patek Philippe’s first completely in-house designed and built chronograph movement; it was also the world’s thinnest column-wheel chronograph.
Extremely mechanically complex, the split seconds chronograph is considered one of the three most challenging complications in the art of watchmaking and is consequently one of the most celebrated by collectors. With its "Officer" style case, white dial and special italicised Arabic numerals, the Patek Philippe ref.5959P harks back to the 1920s, a period when many historically important complication watches were made by this celebrated Swiss manufacturer. Launched in 2005, the reference 5959 uses the company's first fully 'in house' chronograph calibre (CHR 27-525PS). The 252 movement parts are confined to a record breaking size for this complication of just 27.3mm in diameter and a thickness of 5.25mm, thereby making it the thinnest column-wheel controlled split seconds chronograph ever made. In addition the mono-pusher chronograph uses a 60 minute register instead of the conventional 30 minute.  Manufactured in extremely limited quantities due to the demanding accuracies required, each movement, which uses superior German silver, is assembled then checked for imperfections, disassembled then re-assembled again. It takes a master-watchmaker approximately two months to assemble and adjust each movement.
Although the Ref.5959 remains published in the Patek Philippe catalogue it is widely regarded as one of the most difficult models to acquire from the company and must be placed as a special order.