PATEK PHILIPPE, Ref. 5004A, An extremely rare, highly coveted, and complex stainless steel perpetual calendar split seconds chronograph wristwatch with moon phases, 24 hour indicator, leap year indicator, original certificate, and additional caseback, 2012
Estimate $500,000 - 1,000,000
Produced in limited examples between 1994 and 2012, the reference 5004, a perpetual calendar with split-seconds chronograph, remains one of the most technically advanced and scarce wristwatches of the Lemania ébauche-era. Accordingly, approximately 12 examples were made per year due to the difficulty in creating and assembling the movement to Patek Philippe’s standards.

To commemorate the reference’s retirement in 2012, Patek Philippe made the unexpected choice of casing very few examples in stainless steel as the reference 5004A – a choice not without precedent but of rare occurrence. Patek Philippe rarely made complicated stainless steel watches throughout its history, and have become the most sought-after examples of Patek’s horological oeuvre. Furthermore, the 5004A was only offered to the brand’s very best clients, all sold through the Geneva Salon, and the sapphire caseback and solid caseback were all engraved with the name of the original owner.

Though a rumored 50 pieces were created, only 9 examples have surfaced at auction thus far. The present example, with its original accessories and matching casebacks, is fresh to the auction market and preserved in impeccable overall condition.

PATEK PHILIPPE, Pocket Watch Chronometer, A historically important, extremely rare, and exquisitely finished pocket watch chronometer with up-and-down indication, made for Henry Graves Jr., 1913
Estimate $100,000 - 200,000
Phillips is honored to offer this wonderful, open-face pocket chronometer made for Henry Graves Jr. Widely considered one of the 20th century’s most important watch collectors, he is best remembered for his legendary competition with automobile entrepreneur James Ward Packard to commission some of the most complicated timepieces ever produced. Graves would end up the ultimate victor, having commissioned the Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication. Delivered in 1933 with 24 complications, it was the most complicated timepiece ever made, holding that distinction for over half a century.

Before Graves’ pursuit of ultimate complications, he sought the highest performing, most accurate timepieces produced by the finest watchmaking brands. Always choosing 18 karat gold or platinum, he specifically requested the #1 rated movements from annual chronometry competitions held at the Swiss Observatories – each hand-built and hand-adjusted by the brands’ best watchmakers. Equivalent to Formula 1 race cars, these “observatory chronometers” were a nod to Graves’ own pursuit of perfection and excellence. Before delivery to Graves, their cases would be engraved with his family motto, “Esse Quam Videri” - To Be Rather Than to Seem.

The present lot is certainly one such example. Delivered in October 1921, with an “Extra Special”-signed movement and case engraved with Graves’ family crest, the watch first appeared at auction in December 2010, offered by the then owner who acquired the watch from the estate of Marilyn Prescott Graves, the granddaughter of Henry Graves Jr.

Whilst the exact number of Packard and Graves-commissioned timepieces is unknown, approximately 30 have appeared on the market to date. Accordingly, any time a Packard or Graves-owned timepiece is offered, the collecting world takes notice. These timepieces, including the present lot, are, without any doubt, the apex of fine watchmaking of the 20th century – the very best watches, made by the best brands for the world’s greatest collectors.

F.P.JOURNE, Centigraphe Souverain “F”, A striking, extremely rare, and innovative platinum chronograph wristwatch with vibrant red dial, platinum bracelet, 100th of a second, 20-second, 10-minute registers, guarantee, and presentation box, 2014
Estimate: $200,000-400,000
In production between 2008 and 2017, the F.P. Journe Centigraphe Souverain “F” was available as a boutique exclusive and upon special request only. The combination of a striking red dial and yellow accented hands are daring design choices, with the dial being an exact match to Ferrari’s “rosso corsa,” or racing red. The combination of 15 years of research and testing by Journe combined with his relationship with Jean Todt, who was at the time the CEO of Ferrari, resulted in the creation of this unprecedented chronograph ideal for car racing.

Powered by the in-house cal. 1506 composed of 18K gold bridges and plates, the complex movement enables the dial to display an unconventional chronograph with 100th of a second register, 20 seconds register and a 10 minute register. Paired with a luxurious platinum five-row bracelet, the overall effect of the dial, accents, and platinum livery result in a tremendous effect.

Furthermore, the present wristwatch is accompanied by all of its original accessories. Preserved in excellent overall condition, this Centigraphe “F” is one of only approximately 20 believed made, and is considered the most coveted of all Journe Centigraphes.