Patek Philippe

PROPERTY OF AN IMPORTANT COLLECTOR

Patek Philippe

Reference 5029

A limited edition pink gold minute repeating wristwatch, Made to commemorate the inauguration of Patek Philippe's new watchmaking centre in Geneva in 1997, Made in 1997

Dial: opaline white

Calibre: cal. R 27 PS automatic, 39 jewels

Movement number: 1'904'080

Case: 18k pink gold, hinged case back to reveal sapphire crystal display back

Case number: 2'833'922

Closure: brown Patek Philippe alligator strap and 18k pink gold Campaign buckle

Size: 35 mm diameter

Signed: case, dial and movement

Accessories: Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, C.O.S.C. Certificate, Attestation, Extract from the Archives confirming the production of the present watch in 1997 and its subsequent sale on 23 April 1998, product literature, instruction manual and presentation box

In 1997, Patek Philippe inaugurated its cutting-edge manufacture in Plan-les-Ouates, located just 7 kilometers from central Geneva. This facility, conceived by former President Philippe Stern and his son Thierry, marked a significant milestone in the brand’s development. It was designed to bring together all watchmaking disciplines under one roof, serving as a sanctuary for artisanal craftsmanship, traditional Rare Handcraft techniques, and a center for horological innovation and research.

To celebrate this important achievement, Patek Philippe released a limited series of only 30 minute-repeating wristwatches, divided into three groups of ten each in yellow gold, pink gold, and platinum. Exclusively available through the Geneva Salon, these timepieces were offered only to the most distinguished collectors. The design represented a novel approach—introducing a minute repeater in a classically inspired officer-style case, which was the first of its kind, drawing inspiration from Patek’s case designs dating back to 1915.

Characterized by its elegant rounded form, straight lugs secured with visible screws, and a hinged caseback opening at 3 o’clock to accommodate the repeater slide at 9 o’clock, the case itself exemplifies artisanal mastery. Patek Philippe entrusted this monumental project to Jean-Pierre Hagmann, the era's most esteemed case maker, whose legacy is closely tied to the brand’s most complex and precious watches. He is the sole case maker allowed to stamp his personal mark—JHP—on Patek Philippe cases, a hallmark seen only on the most exceptional pieces, including early versions of reference 3979 and the iconic reference 3974.

So important was the creation of reference 5029 that Patek Philippe took the extraordinary step of destroying the dies and tools used in its production, ensuring that no further examples would be made and cementing its status as one of the brand’s most celebrated modern masterpieces.