The Reference 5208 Triple Complication Wristwatch Sold for CHF 6.2 Million at Only Watch 2017
The Patek Philippe Titanium ref. 5208T-010
The Patek Philippe reference 5208 triple complication is a true representation of Patek’s mastery in grand complication watches. The Grand Complication Reference 5208T-010 is a self-winding minute repeater, monopusher chronograph and instantaneous perpetual calendar. The hand finished movement consists of an astonishing 719 individual parts, and the dial is a fully customized blue checkerboard ‘carbon’ pattern.
The Reference 5208T-010 was created specifically for Only Watch 2017. It stands out as the first and only version of this timepiece ever produced in titanium, a metal rarely used for a Patek Philippe.
Patek Philippe Cal. R CH 27 PS QI
The caliber R CH 27 PS QI movement, visible through a sapphire-crystal display back, is completely black rhodium-plated. The platinum micro-rotor is hand-guilloché with the same decoration as the dial, which makes the watch the only timepiece in Patek’s archives with a modified movement. While it's complicated on the inside, the watch's aesthetic has a clarity and readability that is extremely modern.
The Patek Philippe Titanium ref. 5208T-010 / Credit: Hodinkee
The Patek Philippe Ref. 5208T-010 (Lot 9) was sold for CHF 6.2 million, fetching the highest price in the 2017 auction. At the same time, it was the second-highest successful bid since the Only Watch auction series was launched in 2005. As part of the deal, the winning bidder also won a tour of Patek's watchmaking workshops, museum and a private lunch with its president, Thierry Stern.
Only Watch is a biennial auction of unique luxury timepieces, made specifically by brands, with proceeds going to research for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
By: Eric Mulder