This week on #VintageWatchFridays we have a classic timepiece that channels three generations of greatness, the Patek Philippe Ref 5059.
The Patek Philippe Ref 5059
The reason I say the Patek Philippe Ref 5059 channels three generations of greatness is because it is the direct descendant of the highly collectible Patek Philippe Ref 5050, a gorgeous perpetual calendar whose own lineage can be traced all the way back to one of Patek Philippe’s best known watches, the Ref 5016 tourbillon perpetual calendar automatic.
Given the rich blood that runs in its veins it’s not hard to see why the Patek Philippe Ref 5059 is increasingly becoming a must-have for many collectors. Add to that the fact that it is well-balanced, extremely good looking perpetual calendar and it becomes even more apparent why you need to have it in your collection.
The model we are looking at today was manufactured in 2000 and is presented in a 36mm x 12.8mm, three-part, 18k white gold Officer’s case (more on than in a minute). Admittedly it is a little on the small side – by modern day standards anyway – but the thickness more than makes up for this and it really does wear nicely on the wrist.
The porcelain white dial of the Patek Philippe Ref 5059 has something of a vintage feel to it, inspired in large part by its previously discussed heritage. Prominent roman numerals are responsible for indicating the hours, whilst the minutes and seconds tracked on the two smaller outer chapter rings. Unusually for a perpetual calendar it features a central sweep seconds hand.
The real highlight on the dial side though of course is the perpetual calendar, which indicates the date, day, month, leap year and of course phase of the moon. What makes the Patek Philippe Ref 5059 just that bit more special though is the fact that the date indicator is retrograde, which means the little hand instantly flies back to the start of its trajectory at the end of each respective month.
Beating inside is the Caliber 315/136, which has been stamped with the prestigious Geneva Seal. This same movement was also used in the Ref 5050 however unlike that model the Patek Philippe Ref 5059 is presented in an Officer’s case (also known as hunter-style) which means it features a hinged caseback. Simply use your thumb to flip it open and you can appreciate the movement, complete with gold rotor in all its glory.
Make It Yours
Presented on a black leather strap complete with matching 18k white gold Patek Philippe Co deployant clasp, this Patek Philippe Ref 5059 is available for sale now from Christie’s newly announced Watch Shop for US$56,500.
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