Dial: chocolate Calibre: cal. CHR 27-70/150 mechanical, 28 jewels Movement number: 3'275'422 Case: platinum, screw-down case back Case number: 4'508'125 Closure: brown Patek Philippe alligator strap and platinum folding clasp  Size: 36.5 mm diameter Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, additional sapphire screw-down display back, setting pin, instruction manual and presentation box.

The movement is in working condition at the time of cataloguing. The split-second chronograph and perpetual calendar function is working properly. The dial is in excellent overall condition. What is so beautiful of this dial is the different shades of brown it takes on when light hits it. Confirmed by the Certificate of Origin, the dial is potentially unique and has never appeared on the market before. The case is in excellent overall condition with very strong fluted lugs and very crisp platinum marks. The case is unpolished and has been worn just a handful of times. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"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."

The reference 5004 was first launched in 1996 and then later discontinued and replaced by its successor, reference 5204 in March 2012 at the Basel Fair. Reference 5004 was originally inspired by the profound reference 3970 perpetual chronograph, hence the physical resemblance of both references. That said, the reference 5004 consists of a very difficult split-second chronograph function which made the manufacturing process incredibly challenging. Due to that,  Patek Philippe was only able to  produce 12 of such references per year. Unlike any previous reference 5004 with "special dials" that has appeared in the market before, the present watch is consigned by an extremely important and prominent collector who displays a well-demonstrated and sophisticated taste when selecting watches for his collection.

Presented in an undoubtedly superb condition, this watch embodies Patek Philippe's design and legacy. It is arguably one of the most important 5004s to have appeared in an auction in recent years.