Sotheby's to Auction Patek Philippe 5104P in Hong Kong

Photo Credit: Sothebys.com

Sotheby’s timepiece auctions are always one to note in your diary and the Hong Kong Important Watch Auction is no different, especially with special pieces ranging from Girard Perregaux to Richard Mille; yet one brand always stands out of the lot.

This time it’s the Patek Philippe platinum and rose gold automatic perpetual calendar wristwatch, model 5104P. The public first laid its eyes on this stunning timepiece in Basel, home of the eponymous Baselworld Watch Fair, in 2006 and made waves across the watch industry due to its step away from the traditional style Patek Philippe are synonymous with. Instead, the timepiece has a skeleton dial and exhibition back which allows us to view the incredible grande complication movement.

The movement is encased in a 43mm case and powers the many functions it houses. With features such as a retrograde date, moonphase and leap-year indicators, it’s no wonder that Patek Philippe wanted to show off the complexity of the mechanics- showcased in sapphire glass. With parts fashioned from rose gold, the skeleton dial becomes even more impressive as it distinguishes against the other components and complements against the platinum case.

Ultimately replaced in 2014 by the model 5304, the legend of the 5104 still lives on and will soon be loved by a new owner when it is auctioned in the Sotheby’s Hong Kong Important Watch Auction on 7th April 2015.