*  cal.240 LU CL rhodium plated lever movement stamped with the seal of Geneva, gyromax balance, 45 jewels, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions, 22k gold eccentric mini-rotor engraved with the Calatrava cross, sapphire crystal glass with silvered Roman numerals from I to XII applied to inside as well as silvered ellipse framing the visible sky (marked out with the cardinal points), planisphere of the Northern Hemisphere rotates counterclockwise above the dial, skeletonized white-lacquered gold feuille hands show the hours and minutes *  18k white gold circular case with polished bezel, case band finely decorated with halved Calatrava crosses, two crowns in the band both embossed with Calatrava cross, one at 2 o'clock to wind the movement and set the time, another one at 4 o'clock which in one direction to adjust the planisphere and in the other direction to correct the angular position and moon-phases, water-resistant type screw-down sapphire crystal case back to admire the movement *  case, sapphire crystal disc and movement signed *  with an 18k white gold PP buckle

Very rare and collectable watch. Automatic movement running while cataloguing, all functions operational. Overall in beautiful condition. The leather strap of this wristwatch is made from an endangered species, please refer to important notices for further information.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Accompanied by a Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, setting pin and a leather winding presentation case with outer card box. 

THE CELESTIAL PANORAMA

The Ref. 5102 "Celestial" astronomical wristwatch is equipped with a highly complex and sophisticated function which is extremely unusual for wristwatches. The planisphere of the Northern Hemisphere rotates counterclockwise on its dial and is enhanced by a construction of multiple stacked sapphire crystals, which move independently at different speeds creating a mesmerizing impression of depth. The celestial is meticulously mapped out on a sapphire crystal with Sirius (the brightest and first visible star) as the index, that rotates over a blue sapphire crystal dial that shows the angular progression of the stars relative to the meridian passage of Sirius.  At the same time, a small round aperture with an adjustment index also indicates the meridian passage and the progressing phases of the moon within a lunar cycle (in a wheel with 279 teeth to reproduce the orbit of the moon). For this important invention, Patek Philippe was awarded a Swiss Patent (CH 688 171 B5).

THE REF. 5102

The Ref. 5102 "Celestial" astronomical wristwatch depicts the planisphere of the northern hemisphere with an integrated moon phases display, successfully reproduces the configuration of the visible sky with the apparent movement of the Milky Way, the position of the moon, and its progressing phases within a lunar cycle. On 5th October 2000, Patek Philippe unveiled the Star Caliber 2000, one of the most complicated pocket watches in the history of horology, with a fascinating suite of astronomical indications that was awarded with six additional patent-worthy innovations. Six months later, Patek Philippe created the "Sky Moon Tourbillon" with Caliber 109 - an oversized grand complication wristwatch with a miniaturized Sky Moon mechanism based on the astronomical module developed for the Star Caliber 2000. In 2002, Patek Philippe created another important astronomical wristwatch with their celestial invention within a remarkably slim 18k white gold watchcase - Ref. 5102. Its newly developed automatic movement with the Sky Moon mechanism (Caliber 240 LU CL) composed of 301 individual parts that are meticulously hand-finished in the workshops of Patek Philippe, positively reinforced Patek Philippe's unparalleled status in technological innovation of horology. Different from the Sky Moon Tourbillon (Ref. 5002) which displays the celestial dial with sidereal time on the reverse side of the watch, this newly developed Ref. 5102 allows the user to admire the dance of the celestial bodies from its front at any time of the day.

THE MASTERPIECE OF HOROLOGY

The Ref. 5102 is an important addition to the Patek Philippe line of complicated wristwatches and its production is highly restricted in view of the movement's complexity and the effort involved in crafting, assembling and regulating this watch. It exists not only as one of the most desired masterpieces of horology for connoisseurs today, but also as a tribute to the watchmaker's effortless combination of form and function.