Description
Best known for their Grand Complications watches Patek Philippe masters the “Haute Horlogerie” and are arguably the best in the industry.
In 1989, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the manufacture, Patek Philippe developed what is one of the most complicated portable timepiece in the world: the Calibre 89 with 33 complications but half a century ago in 1932 they had built the “Henry Graves Supercomplication” which had at that time 24 complications, including Westminster chimes, a perpetual calendar, sunrise and sunset times, and a celestial map of New York as seen from Graves’s apartment on Fifth Avenue.
For decades they did held the title of the most complicated watches built. Mastering their craft they perpetuated the skills and traditions to deliver in their current collection pieces of the highest quality.
Reference 5004 was produced from 1994 to 2009, due to its complexity to manufacture they were making only 12 pieces a year ! Available in gold and platinum it remains altogether a rare reference in any metal.
The present reference 5204R-001 Silver dial was launched in 2016 at Baselworld, It features a 40.2mm rose gold case displays the perpetual calendar functions, namely the day, date, month, leap year, day/night and moonphase indicators, and a chronograph with split-second function, all laid out neatly marked in gold on an incredibly gorgeous silvery opaline dial. It is one of the few modern Pateks with hacking seconds – a little geeky touch adding to the collectors’ appreciation.
On the movement side is the breathtaking Patek Philippe in-house calibre 29 535PS Q featuring 2 column wheels and a gyromax balance. The meticulous finishing on each component of the movement is simply incredible with a combination of black polishing and chamfering on the edges of levers and bridges, all dancing in rhythm to the play of light.
Offered on a brown hand-stitched alligator strap with spring bars giving the flexibility to swap straps easily, it is accompanied by a rose gold deployant clasp.
Patek Philippe – Bio
Patek Philippe & Co. was founded in 1839, located in Geneva and the Vallée de Joux. It designs and manufactures timepieces and movements, including some of the most complicated mechanical watches. It is considered by many experts and aficionados to be one of the most prestigious watch manufacturers.
In 1868, Patek Philippe made their first wristwatch, which was sold on November 13, 1876 to the Hungarian Countess.
It is the last independent, family-owned Genevan watch manufacture with uninterrupted operating history spanning nearly 180 years.