Lot 903
  • 903

Patek Philippe

Estimate
120,000 - 180,000 USD
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Description

  • Patek Philippe
  • A 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 3328147 CASE 4259727 CELESTIAL MADE IN 2004
  • WHITE GOLD, AUTOMATIC WRISTWATCH, cow leather
  • diameter 43 mm
• cal. 240/165 automatic lever movement, stamped with the seal of Geneva, 45 jewels, 22k yellow gold micro rotor • outermost sapphire crystal with silvered ellipse framing the celestial chart with cardinal points, blue chapter ring with silvered radial Roman numerals, dot minute divisions, corundum sapphire disc with painted gold stars in relative orders of magnitude, reverse marked with fine gold dust to represent the Milky Way Galaxy, below revolving blue disc with aperture for moon phases • 18k white gold case, band finely decorated with Patek Philippe Calatrava crosses, winding crown at 2 to set the time, crown at 4 to set the celestial chart and moon phases, sapphire crystal display back • case, dial, and movement signed • with an 18k white gold Patek Philippe folding clasp

Condition

The movement is running at time of cataloguing, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement. Case is in overall excellent condition with very minor signs of wear. Dial and hands are in excellent condition. Overall this watch is in very good condition. ***Please be advised that the bands on this watch are made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) and thus not sold with the watch, they are for display purposes only. We will remove these bands prior to international shipping.***
"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."

Catalogue Note

Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming date of sale on July 5th, 2004. 

Launched in 2002, the Celestial (Ref. 5102) is one of the most important horological complications ever developed. Its introduction allowed the remarkable rendition of the Northern Hemisphere's celestial chart to be fitted dynamically upon the wrist for the first time. 

The celestial chart 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 production of this highly complicated model posed to the company's watchmakers.

Using a highly sophisticated automatic calibre 240 LU CL, the movement uses 301 individual parts that are meticulously hand finished in the workshops of Patek Philippe. Three corundum sapphire crystal discs are used to simulate the orbit of the moon and the passage of the stars, creating an incredible sense of depth. For this important invention, Patek Philippe was awarded a Swiss Patent for the base calibre (CH 688 171 B5).