Posts filed under Patek Philippe

Rare Bird: Patek Philippe 18K Gold Perpetual Calendar with Moon Phases ref. 3448 for Tiffany & Co. To Be Auctioned by Leslie Hindman Auctioneers. UPDATE: Hammer Price.

On April 8, 2014 our friends at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers will host perhaps the most impressive Timepieces auction in their history. This upcoming sale No. 294, will include 91 lots with rare and exclusive timepieces coming from different Estates including the property from the Estate of Gerard L. Cafesjian from Naples, FL, the property from the Estate and Trust of Elise Reeder Olton from Boca Raton, FL, the property from the Collection of a Member of the Royal Family of the United Arab Emirates and a property of a Palm Beach Estate. The auction, to take place next April 8th at 5:30pm CST, will include several highly collectible Patek Philippe timepieces as well as a nice assortment of vintage and modern timepieces from Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet, Girard-Perregaux, Rolex, Longines, IWC and Corum amongst others —we will be showing you in the next weeks some of the special pieces they will be auctioning. Nevertheless, the star of the auction without a doubt will be a very rare Patek Philippe 18K Yellow Gold Perpetual Calendar with Moon Phases ref. 3448 for Tiffany & Co. with movement number 1,119,164 and case number 325,520.

This fascinating Patek Philippe 18K Yellow Gold Perpetual Calendar with Moon Phases ref. 3448 for Tiffany & Co. circa 1970, features an 18K yellow gold case measuring 37.50 mm in diameter and 12 mm in thickness. The watch features a silvered dial with day and month apertures at 12, a date and moon phase indicator at 6 o'clock, dauphine hands, pearl minute track, raised gold hour markers and with the Tiffany & Co. imprint on the dial as this particular watch was originally sold by them.

While this example to be auctioned next month, is nowhere near the rarity of the Patek Philippe 18K Yellow Gold Perpetual Calendar with Moon Phases ref. 3448 Blue dial from 1978—probably a unique piece and only three other examples with color dials— sold at the Christie's auction in Geneva on November of 2013 for a hammer price of $684,626, we are confident that this watch will fetch some serious money. The estimate for this special piece is between $70,000 and $90,000 USD but we are confident the hammer will come down at a higher amount.

Only 586 pieces were ever produced of this fine and rare Patek Philippe ref. 3448 between 1962 and 1985, mostly in yellow gold with handful of examples in white gold and two or three in platinum. The ref. 3448 was the first automatic Perpetual Calendar with Moon Phases and the current example features the upgraded calibre 27-460 Q. Patek retired the ref. 3448 and replaced it with the ref. 3940. The watch is fitted with a snap-on solid case back and correctors for the perpetual calendar and moon phase around the case band. The watch is fitted with an original Patek Philippe black lizard strap with original Patek Philippe 18K yellow gold buckle.

Next month we'll get to see if the current price trend that was set in Geneva at the Christie's auction will continue for these rare and coveted Tiffany & Co. Pateks. As expected, on the wrist this watch couldn't look or wear any better. Ladies and Gentlemen, make sure to check the results of the auction next month or even better, let us know if you became the new owner of this beautiful watch on April 8th. Based on what we have seen in the market in the past couple of months, this watch could sell for another record-breaking amount. Everything is possible when it comes to Pateks. UPDATE: After last night's auction we are pleased to inform you that this watch fetched a hammer price of $182,500 before any buyer's fees.

For more info on Leslie Hindman Auctioneers click here.

Disclaimer: Please do not use our images or content as your buying guide or condition report for this watch. Only Leslie Hindman Auctioneers can provide you with such information.

Posted on March 9, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Patek Philippe, Watch Auctions and tagged Patek Philippe ref. 3448 Tiffany Dial Patek Philippe Calibre calibre 27-460 Q Leslie Hindman Auctioneers 2014.

Insider: Patek Philippe World Time ref. 5130. The Best and Most Elegant World Timer Ever Created.

The Patek Philippe World Time watch ref. 5130 is without a doubt the best and most elegant worldtimer ever created. Fitted with a beautiful case measuring 39.5 mm in diameter available in yellow gold, rose gold, white gold or platinum, and a silvery white guilloché sunburst dial with gold applied hour markers and 24 time zone ring with day/night indicator, this watch is not only very easy to use but also extremely beautiful and elegant. The understated look and classiness of Patek Philippe is present in every detail of this timepiece that is a joy to wear.

The beating heart inside this Patek is the automatic calibre 240 HU composed of 239 parts, a 22K gold off-centered mini rotor, eight bridges, gyromax balance and which provides a power reserve of 48 hours while beating at a frequency of 21,600 vph. The calibre is fully visible via the display case back and the Côtes de Genève finish on the bridges along with the perlage are a real treat for the eyes. Only when wearing a Patek Philippe one understands why you merely take care of it for the next generation.

This exceptional timepiece is very easy to use and all it takes is for the wearer to push the button at 10 o'clock to tell the time across 24 different timezones. The hour and minute hands display the local time in the middle of the dial. Surrounding it are two rings, one with the names of 24 cities that stand for the 24 time zones, the other with a 24-hour ring featuring a darker part with a moon symbol for the nocturnal hours and a brighter one with a sun symbol for the daytime hours. Local time is the time in the zone represented by the city at the very top of the dial in the 12 o’clock position. The time in any other zone is displayed by the 24-hour ring opposite the name of the respective city. When traveling, the easiest way to tell time in the destination city is the push the button at 10 o'clock until the the city you are traveling to appears at the 12 o'clock position.

Fitted with an elegant matte alligator strap that is hand-stitched and equipped with a folding clasp, this watch is extremely comfortable and one that wears true to its size. Next time you are traveling around the world in 80 days and you look at this timepiece on your wrist, you'll understand even further why this heirloom will be passed down to your descendants.

Sticker Price $47,000 USD. For more info on Patek Philippe click here.

Posted on December 13, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Patek Philippe and tagged Patek Philippe World Time Patek Philippe 5130J World Timer Patek Philippe Calibre 240 HU Patek Philippe 5130J-001 Patek Philippe ref. 5130 2013.

Experience: Twenty Amazingly Rare Patek Philippe Timepieces Sold for More Than $12 Million Dollars at Christie's Auction in Geneva.

The Christie's Important Watches Auction held in Geneva today Monday November 11, 2013 included a total of 122 amazing Patek Philippe timepieces of which only ten didn't sell. The total dollar amount fetched by all watches sold at the auction exceeded $30 million, of which Patek Philippe made more than half of it.

For this in-depth review of what happened at the auction around the Patek Philippe timepieces, we have picked the twenty Patek Philippe watches that fetched the highest amounts —all of them above a quarter of a million dollars each— and which all combined, sum up a total amount of $12,020,680 USD. All hammer prices are in USD and are inclusive of the buyer's premium. All images from Christie's.com

1. The star of the auction and the watch that fetched the highest amount was the Patek Philippe 18K Pink Gold Perpetual Calendar Chronograph with Moon Phases ref. 2499 manufactured in 1951 and encased in 1957. According to the Patek Philippe archives, the watch was originally sold on December 15, 1960. This reference is one of the most legendary Patek references and features raised hard enamel printings of all elements on the dial. Hammer Price $2,160,544.

2. Patek Philippe 18K Gold Split Seconds Chronograph ref. 1563 with Luminous Breguet numerals, rounded pushers and screw case back from 1947 that was originally sold on June 30, 1950. Few complicated Patek Philippe references are as rare as this reference of which only three examples are known to exist. Hammer Price $1,572,789.

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3. Patek Philippe 18K Gold Perpetual Calendar Chronograph with Moon Phases ref. 2499 with Cartier on the dial —probably a unique piece— from 1966 originally sold on April 29, 1968. The watch was sold with Cartier's certificate of authenticity stating that the watch was delivered to Cartier New York in 1968. Hammer Price $1,024,218.

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4. Patek Philippe 18K Pink Gold Perpetual Calendar Chronograph with Moon Phases ref. 1518 with an ultra rare two-tone dial —possibly a unique piece dial— from 1950 and originally sold on December 16, 1952. What makes this watch even more desirable is the two-tone silvered dial fitted on this watch, that has never been seen before on any other ref. 1518. The two-tone dial provides a unique visual effect depending on the lighting conditions and the angle at which the light hits the dial. Hammer Price $1,024,218.

5. Patek Philippe 18K Gold Perpetual Calendar with Moon Phases ref. 3448 Blue dial —probably a unique piece— with raised gold markers from 1978. The watch originally sold on November 10, 1978. The uniqueness of this watch —besides the beautiful color of its dial— comes from the fact that it is known that only four watches ref. 3448 were fitted with color dials —other than the traditional silvered— and while three feature champagne dials, it appears like this is the only one with a blue dial. Hammer Price $684,626.

6. Patek Philippe 18K Rose Gold Chronograph ref. 530 sold by Astrua Torino in 1941. The ref. 530 was launched in 1937 and it is one of the rarest Patek chronographs, furthermore, the Astrua ref. 530 is one of the most impressive oversized chronographs by this manufacture and it is known that this is the only ref. 530 featuring the Astrua marking on the dial. Additionally, this is the first time that it's been offered at auction and the case and dial are as sharp and original as it gets. Even the lugs still display the original satin finish pointing towards the strap. Hammer Price $658,503.

7. Patek Philippe Calatrava 18K Pink Gold Dual Time Zone ref. 2597 with independent adjustable second time zone hand manufactured in 1963 but originally sold until January 8, 1981. This particular reference is one of the rarest Pateks ever and it was such unpopular that it was discontinued quite quickly. Interestingly enough, this watch —among other four of this same reference in pink gold— is living testament of that unpopularity as it sat unsold for 18 years after its production. This watch is also the only example to feature luminescent material on its hands. This watch was auctioned in mint unworn and unpolished condition. Hammer Price $501,769.

8. Patek Philippe Stainless Steel Chronograph ref. 1463 with Breguet numerals and rounded pushers manufactured in 1945 and originally sold on July 29, 1946. The Breguet numerals on this watch are ultra rare —less than twenty examples in stainless steel known to exist up to date. Described by Italian collectors as the "tasti tondi" for its rounded pushers, this watch was also featured in the book Patek Philippe Steel Watches by John Goldberger, pp. 286 - 287. Hammer Price $501,769.

9. Patek Philippe 18K Pink Gold Split Seconds Chronograph ref. 1436 with pink dial from 1940 and originally sold on April 13, 1942. This pink gold reference is one of the rarest Pateks sold at auction and less than ten examples have sold at auction in the last 30 years —only four were fitted with pink dials. Additionally, the watch is a only two-owner watch. Hammer Price $423,401.

10. Patek Philippe 18K Gold Minute Repeater ref. 2524/1 manufactured in 1954 and sold on August 11, 1960. This watch is one of four examples that does not have a seconds sub-dial at 6 o'clock and its repeater lever mechanism is activated by pushing it downwards. Hammer Price $397,279.

11. Patek Philippe 18K Gold Perpetual Calendar with Moon Phases ref. 2497 with box and papers manufactured in 1953 and originally sold on September 8, 1956. This rare example features a sweep center seconds hand which is very uncommon for this Patek reference. Hammer Price $384,218.

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12. Patek Philippe 18K Pink Gold Perpetual Calendar with Moon Phases ref. 1526 with pink dial manufactured in 1948 and originally sold on October 18, 1949. It is known that of this very rare reference in 18K pink gold only a little bit over 200 watches were ever made by Patek and even fewer feature a pink dial like this one. Furthermore, this watch remains in unpolished condition. Hammer Price $345,034.

13. Patek Philippe 18K Pink Gold Split Seconds Chronograph ref. 1436 with two-tone silvered sector dial manufactured in 1950 and subsequently originally sold on November 1, 1952. The Split Seconds Chronograph is a very rare Patek and this particular watch features a sector/aviator dial that was added after its original purchase to enhance its look even more —completely stunning in our opinion. Hammer Price $331,973.

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14. Patek Philippe 18K Gold Perpetual Calendar with Moon Phases ref. 2438/1 with box and service papers from 1954 and originally sold on June 23, 1958. This watch just like the ref. 1436 that sold for $428,406 is also a only two-owner watch. This reference is fitted with a screw case back to make it water-resistant. Hammer Price $305,850.

15. Patek Philippe Stainless Steel and 18K Pink Gold Chronograph ref. 130 with two-tone pink dial from 1947. The watch was originally sold on June 25, 1948 and its reference marks the first chronograph to be fitted with calibre 13 and in production from 1936 until 1964. This two-tone model is known to be quite rare and up to date there are only other seven pieces to be known to exist. Hammer Price $305,850.

16. Patek Philippe 18K Gold Split Seconds Chronograph ref. 1436 manufactured and sold in 1946. This watch was auctioned with an additional silvered dial that the previous owner had purchased to give the watch a more current look. Hammer Price $292,789.

17. Patek Philippe 18K Gold Minute Repeater ref. 3979 with white porcelain white dial with box and papers. The watch was originally sold on March 30, 1992. This reference was launched in 1989 to commemorate Patek Philippe's 150th anniversary, discontinued only nine years later and replaced by ref. 5078. Hammer Price $292,789.

18. Patek Philippe Platinum Flared Sides ref. 2442 with diamond-set dial manufactured in 1949 and originally sold on February 11, 1950. This watch is powered by a rare rectangular movement with only 150 watches ever made of which only three examples of the platinum model are known to exist. Hammer Price $292,789.

19. Patek Philippe 18K Gold Openface Keyless Lever Tourbillon Pocket Watch with Breguet numerals and Bulletin d'Observatoire manufactured in 1930, encased in 1951 and originally sold on December 21, 1951. This watch comes with a certificate from the Geneva Observatory attesting that the pocket watch participated in a timing contest in 1946 obtaining the third prize. for Hammer Price $266,667.

20. Patek Philippe 18K Gold Openface Minute Repeater Perpetual Calendar Split Seconds Chronograph ref. 658 Keyless Lever Pocket Watch with Moon Phases and box manufactured in 1931, encased in 1955 and originally sold on July 18, 1955. This watch is known to be one of only five examples of this reference. Hammer Price $253,605.

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As expected from such an array of exceptional timepieces, the prices went up through the roof. Congratulations to all the collectors that added this amazing creations to their vaults.

For more info on Christie's click here and for Patek Philippe here.

News: Patek Philippe ref. 2499 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph with Moon Phases Fetches Over $2 Million Dollars at Christie's Important Watches Auction in Geneva.

Today, November 11, 2013, another historical day is setting records in Geneva at the Christie's Important Watches Auction. This time the auction comprising 406 lots overall, is led by an exceptionally rare 18K pink gold Patek Philippe perpetual calendar chronograph with moon phases, ref. 2499, manufactured in 1951 and encased in 1957 with an original estimate between $1,101,301-1,651,951 USD, that has fetched the incredible amount of $2,186,081 —inclusive of buyer's premium.

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The Important Watches auction is still in progress and during intermission at this time. The auction will resume at 3pm —Geneva time— for the lots 194-406. We will be reporting the results upon completion of the auction as there are other very rare and important timepieces being auctioned today. Stay tuned!

For more info on Christie's click here.

Posted on November 11, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Patek Philippe, Watch Auctions and tagged Patek Philippe ref. 2499 Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph with Moon Phases Christie's Important Watches Auction Geneva 2013.

Baselworld: New Patek Philippe Nautilus 5980 in Stainless Steel and Rose Gold. The Return of a Two-Tone.

Patek Philippe relaunched the discontinued two-tone Nautilus. However, this time the two-tone refers to ref. 5980 in Stainless Steel and Rose Gold. This new model marks a come back for the two-tone models within Patek Philippe. Will other Haute Horlogerie brands follow this move? Only time will tell.

For now, enjoy this beauty!

For more info click here.

Posted on April 25, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld, Patek Philippe and tagged Patek Philippe Nautilus Two-Tone Nautilus Patek Philippe 5980 Nautilus ref. 5980 Stainless Steel and Rose Gold.

Insider: Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 5980. The Most Elegant Chronograph.

Here we are reviewing another iconic Nautilus reference. This time, is the turn for one of the most elegant chronographs out there. This elegant piece available in stainless steel or rose gold, offers a wide variety of dial colors in order to please even the most demanding watch lifestylers. The rose gold version is fitted with a black-brown dial and an alligator strap with rectangular scales and a deployant buckle that is very comfortable and easy to operate.

Classy, modern, timeless and functional, the Nautilus chronograph includes the best of both worlds. With a sporty look but a dressy character, it's a timepiece that commands attention and outstanding wrist presence. Its black-brown dial looks either milk chocolate brown or black depending on the lighting conditions. The chronograph pushers are subtly disguised with the overall design and construction of the case and they are very easy to use.

Fitted with caliber CH 28-520 C, this elegant chronograph registers hours and minutes for up to 12 hours with a single counter at 6 o'clock and a date aperture at 3. The movement, with a power reserve of up to 55 hours is very nicely decorated with the traditional Côtes de Genève finish prevalent on other Patek Philippe movements. Its large case with a diameter of 40.5mm is solid, masculine and very comfortable. The case sits very nicely on top of the wrist if you have a flatter shaped wrist. The strap is perfectly finished and the hand stitching in light brown creates the perfect symphony of accents and contrast.

This watch is a must have in any watch collection where class, perfection and character happen to be the common denominators. Sticker price on this beauty only $64,000.

Posted on April 9, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Patek Philippe and tagged Patek Philippe New Models Baselworld 2013 Patek Nautilus 2013.

Insider: Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 5711. A Genta Icon.

Another one of Gerald Genta's iconic creations. The Patek Philippe Nautilus was conceived using the universal shape of a porthole found on most maritime vessels and released just four years after the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak was launched in 1972.

Just like on the rest of Genta's creations, the alternating brushed and polished areas on the bezel as well as the flat top cases are part of the design. Patek Philippe commissioned monsieur Genta to come up with a design that would compete with the Royal Oak and that would stand the test of time. The end result, the iconic Nautilus. With its unmistakeable black-blue dial this timepiece was released in 1976 as ref. 3700/1 in stainless steel and with the name Nautilus 'Jumbo' due to its large—40mm— case diameter at the time. Since then, the Nautilus has established itself as a classic, elegant sports watch from one of the top Haute Horlogerie houses.

The black-blue dial on the Nautilus often looks either chocolate brown or black depending on the lighting conditions. This watch comes with a 45-hour power reserve thanks to its self-winding caliber 324 S C, screw-down crown, sapphire crystal case back and a stainless steel bracelet. The watch is very comfortable and the bracelet somewhat light for our taste. The watch has a strong presence on the wrist and extremely accurate timekeeping with +1 seconds a day.

The Nautilus is definitely a piece that needs to be part of any collection looking to honor monsieur Genta's creations or any power collection. Now, if you already own a Royal Oak, an IWC Ingenieur SL and a Vacheron Constantin Overseas, it is very likely that you will end up adding a Nautilus to complete your poker of aces. Probably in due time and time is already ticking.

Sticker Price $29,800. For more info on this watch click here.

Posted on April 6, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Patek Philippe and tagged Patek Philippe Nautilus Nautilus Patek 5711 Gerald Genta 2013.

Watch Goodies: Patek Philippe Limoges Limited Edition Bonbonniere

Not very long ago, we came across this beautiful limited edition Patek Philippe box made out of Limoges porcelain from the 2000 collection. The box features a Patek Philippe pocket watch from 1928 that is currently situated at the Patek Philippe Museum collection. The pocket watch is made out of 18 carat yellow gold and is finely decorated with roses and other motifs.