PATEK PHILIPPE. AN IMPRESSIVE AND RARE 18K WHITE GOLD AUTOMATIC WRISTWATCH WITH CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL DIAL DEPICTING AN ARCTIC TERN
PATEK PHILIPPE. AN IMPRESSIVE AND RARE 18K WHITE GOLD AUTOMATIC WRISTWATCH WITH CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL DIAL DEPICTING AN ARCTIC TERN
PATEK PHILIPPE. AN IMPRESSIVE AND RARE 18K WHITE GOLD AUTOMATIC WRISTWATCH WITH CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL DIAL DEPICTING AN ARCTIC TERN
PATEK PHILIPPE. AN IMPRESSIVE AND RARE 18K WHITE GOLD AUTOMATIC WRISTWATCH WITH CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL DIAL DEPICTING AN ARCTIC TERN
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> Some watches are pictured with straps made of en… Read more
PATEK PHILIPPE. AN IMPRESSIVE AND RARE 18K WHITE GOLD AUTOMATIC WRISTWATCH WITH CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL DIAL DEPICTING AN ARCTIC TERN

REF. 5089G-047, CIRCA 2016

Details
PATEK PHILIPPE. AN IMPRESSIVE AND RARE 18K WHITE GOLD AUTOMATIC WRISTWATCH WITH CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL DIAL DEPICTING AN ARCTIC TERN
REF. 5089G-047, CIRCA 2016
Movement: Automatic
Dial: Cloisonné enamel
Case: 38.5 mm., with hinged case back
With: 18k white gold Patek Philippe buckle, Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, sales tag, product literature, leather holder, presentation box and outer packaging
Remark: In unworn condition, fresh to the market, full set, to the best of our knowledge approximately 10 pieces made
Special notice
> Some watches are pictured with straps made of endangered or protected animal materials such as alligator or crocodile. These endangered species straps are shown for display purposes only and are not for sale. Christie’s will remove and retain the strap prior to shipment from the sale site. At some sale sites, Christie’s may, at its discretion, make the displayed endangered species strap available to the buyer of the lot free of charge if collected in person from the sale site within 1 year of the date of the sale. Please check with the department for details on a particular lot. > Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory, tortoiseshell and crocodile. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

Brought to you by

Alexandre Bigler
Alexandre Bigler SVP, Head of Watches, Asia Pacific

Lot Essay

Only two examples of this dramatic and exquisite 18K white gold rare handicrafts reference 5089G-047 depicting the majestic ‘Arctic Tern’ are thought to have been made. To the best of our knowledge, the present watch is the first of its kind to be offered at auction.
As one of the wonderful rarities of the Champion Collection, it is offered in pristine like new condition and is accompanied by the full set of accessories.

The chief glory of the timepiece is the magnificent hand-made cloisonné enamel dial by Patek Philippe’s rare handicrafts division. Paying tribute to the excellence of Patek Philippe’s world-class enamellists, the wonderful tonal shades of blue and white used by the artist in creating this masterpiece accurately capture the beauty of the mountain shoreline.
This reference 5089G-047 is further distinguished by its hinged back protecting a sapphire display back through which Patek Philippe’s famous automatic calibre 240 movement can be admired.

The Arctic Tern, with its long tail streamers and general shape is sometimes known by its local name of 'sea swallow'. Appearing white with a black cap, it is largely coastal although it can be seen inland on migration. Arctic terns are the ultimate long distance migrants - summer visitors to Europe and winter visitors to the Antarctic.

Each year Patek Philippe produces around 40 one-of-a-kind pieces of rare handcraftsmanship that don’t appear in the stores or the current collections catalogue. The regular collection is also enriched annually with new models decorated by artisans at the top of their game.
Patek Philippe’s rare handicrafts division is dedicated to the preservation of the eclectic artisanal skills that have been associated with horology for over 400 years. The continuing use of these precious techniques in modern watchmaking contributes to their survival whilst at the same time delighting and impressing collectors and connoisseurs. The resplendent watch offered here pays tribute to Patek Philippe’s devotion to keeping these ancient crafts alive and demonstrates the mastery of techniques and subjects that enhance and enrich Patek Philippe’s enduring appeal and reputation for excellence in all aspects of watchmaking.
The wristwatches with rare handicrafts cloisonné enamel dials, always made in very small editions are now eagerly awaited as iconic and highly collectable horological works of art.
This specific reference 5077 is illustrated in the 'Blue Book 5', 2021 edition by Eric Tortella, p. 296.

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