Lot 200
  • 200

Patek Philippe

Estimate
120,000 - 220,000 CHF
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Description

  • A FINE AND POSSIBLY UNIQUE PINK GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH MOON-PHASES, BREGUET NUMERALS AND BRACELETREF 5970 MVT 3048248 CASE 4365922 MADE IN 2006
  • pink gold
  • diameter 40 mm
• cal. 27-70Q manual winding nickel-finished lever movement, stamped with the seal of Geneva, 24 jewels, Gyromax balance • silvered dial, applied gold Breguet numerals and baton indexes, outer minute track, gold feuille hands, aperture for day and month, subsidiary dials for 30-minute combined with leap-year indication and constant seconds combined with 24-hour indication, moon-phases combined with date, outermost tachometer scale • 18k pink gold case, scooped bezel, polished case, sapphire crystal screw-down case back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k pink gold Patek Philippe double deployant buckle, brick link bracelet 

Provenance

Mr. Eric Clapton

Condition

Please note that the movement has not been checked for timekeeping accuracy and Sotheby's will not be held responsible for any repairs should they be required. Manual winding movement, perpetual calendar and chronograph functions in working order while cataloguing. Dial and hands in excellent. Case with usual and inevitable light scuffs. Some marks to the case back. One brick of the bracelet is dangling as a pin is missing. Overall in very good condition. Very appealing watch
"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."

Catalogue Note

Reference 5970 was launched in 2004 and replaced reference 3970 which had been in production since 1986. Since the introduction of Patek Philippe’s first series produced perpetual calendar chronograph, reference 1518 in 1941, the perpetual calendar chronograph has become one of Patek Philippe’s signature pieces.

The 5970 was in production for only 6 years, an extremely short period of time when compared with the previous 3 models (references 1518, 2499 and 3970) which, between them, had an average production period of 20 years.

As the natural successor to the legendary Patek Philippe lineage of perpetual calendar chronograph models, the 5970 is clearly influenced by each of its preceding references. However, the case of the 5970 is considerably larger and more contemporary than its predecessors, with a diameter of 40 mm. This larger size may in part have prompted the re-introduction of the tachometer scale to the outer edge of the dial, a feature that had not been seen as a standard issue since the second series version of the reference 2499 in the late 1950s. Following its launch, the 5970 immediately met with success. 

The present lot is fitted with a probably unique dial with Breguet numerals in opposition to the usual baton indexes. According to our research, it is the first time a 5970 with this configuration appears to the auction market. This characteristic provides the watch an exceptional and very elegant look, with the benefit of improved legibility of the dial. 

Furthermore, the watch is accompanied by gold brick bracelet which enhances the modern and unique appearance of the present lot.

These features were both probably special requests from the celebrated musician and watch collector Eric Clapton. Indeed, his name appears on the copy of the certificate of origin. 

Mr. Clapton, born in 1945 in Surrey, has been led by his enthusiasm to music since an early age. The English musician, guitarist and song-writer is the only three-time inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Furthermore, he was rewarded by receiving 18 Grammy Awards and the Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music. He is considered as one of the most talented guitarist of all times in blues, rock, psychedelic rock and still with own distinctive style. The artist is also deeply involved in the Crossroads Centre at Antigua, a non-profit organisation he created to fight against drug and alcohol dependency. 

Mr. Clapton is considered as one of the most influential and distinguished watch collectors with a particular interest in Patek Philippe and Rolex.