GE1304

/

Lot 184
  • 184

Patek Philippe

Estimate
120,000 - 160,000 CHF
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • AN EXTREMELY FINE AND RARE WHITE GOLD AUTOMATIC ASTRONOMICAL WRISTWATCH WITH SKY CHART PHASES AND POSITION OF THE MOON AND TIME OF MERIDIAN PASSAGE OF SIRIUS AND THE MOON REF 5102G MVT 3328337 CASE 4310561 CELESTIAL MADE IN 2005
  • white gold
  • diameter 43 mm thickness 10 mm
• cal. 240/165 nickel lever movement stamped with the seal of Geneva, Gyromax balance, 45 jewels, 22k yellow gold eccentric micro-rotor engraved with the Calatrava cross • blue dial, inner bezel with silvered Roman numerals, sapphire crystal glass with silvered ellipse framing the visible sky (marked out with the cardinal points), skeletonised white-lacquered feuille hands to show the hours and minutes • 18k white gold polished bezel, curved lugs, case band finely decorated with halved Calatrava crosses, one crown at 2 o'clock to wind the movement and set the time, another crown at 4 o'clock which in one direction adjusts the planisphere and in the other direction corrects the angular position and moon-phases, screw-down sapphire crystal back display • case, sapphire crystal disc and movement signed • with an 18k white gold Patek Philippe folding clasp

Condition

Movement is in working order while cataloguing, but it has not been tested for the accuracy of time keeping and a service might be required at the buyer's expense. Dial in good condition. Case with signs of wear. **The strap of this wristwatch is made from an endangered species, please refer to important notices for further information**.
"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

According to our research the presently offered lot has never been offered in public before.
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 the watch's 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.