Patek Philippe Saatchi, 5059G-018, White Gold

The Patek Philippe Reference 5059 was first introduced in 1998 and produced through to 2006. It featured a perpetual calendar with a centrally mounted retrograde date display and was powered by the self-winding calibre 315 S QR.  
 
For its 2015 Grand Exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery in London, Patek Philippe presented a series of discontinued references, utilising unused movements and cases from series production. They came with dial variations not seen in the original collection and were produced in very limited numbers. Besides references such as the 5070J-012, the 3940G-029, the brand released a redesigned iteration of the Reference 5059 with an updated calibre.
 
Called the Reference 5059G-018, it featured a rose dial with a simplified layout over the original reference. It has a 36mm white gold case that is 13.5mm tall, owing mostly to the officer-style hinged caseback. The wide bezel is domed, with this rounded form repeated in the midcase and the curvature of the hinged caseback. The thin lugs are wide in profile and curve down dramatically. They are 20mm apart and feature pins that are screwed in. The watch comes fitted with a fresh alligator grained leather strap secured by a signed white gold deployant clasp.
 
The rose dial features silvered minute plots on the outer reaches followed by an applied chapter of thin, elongated Roman hours. The lack of delineated sectors, like on the original reference 5059, makes for a cleaner appearance. The hour chapter encloses the arc of the retrograde pointer date display. This chapter is printed in black and is plied by an arrow-tipped hand that has been black polished. This visually distinguishes it from the rounded form of the feuille-style hours and minutes indicator as well as the thin seconds hand. Located 9 and 3 o’clock are the day and month indictors while the leap year window is located at 12 o’clock and contained within the arc of the date display. The moonphase display lies at 6 o’clock. The four correctors for the perpetual calendar display are located between the lugs, with one positioned just under the knurled crown.
 
To accommodate the hinged caseback, the part of the case surrounding the crown has been lent additional body. This acts almost as a crown guard. The caseback features a raised lip that aids its opening. The brand mark, logo, precious metal hallmarks and case numbers are etched on the inside of this caseback. It attaches to the raised lip of the display caseback securely.
 
Visible through the sapphire crystal is the self-winding calibre 324 S QR, an update on the 315 S QR previously paired to the 5059. It beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour offers 45 hours of reserve and is adjusted to six positions. The baseplate is adorned with perlage while the bridges feature uniform striping. The engravings on the bridges are done in gold. The movement is topped with a full-size golden rotor with Côtes de Genève and an engraved Calatrava cross. It wears the ‘PP’ seal that is found on calibres created after 2009.  
 
The set includes the box and paperwork the watch retailed with as well as the pusher for the calendar correctors. It represents a thoroughly modern interpretation of a classic Patek Philippe perpetual calendar with a hinged caseback. Its limited series makes it all the more precious.

If sold within the United Kingdom, this Patek Philippe Saatchi will be subject to 20% VAT

Closer look

Condition

This Patek Philippe Saatchi 5059G-018 is in excellent overall condition. The case and lugs show virtually no signs of wear, consistent with minimal use over time, if at all. The gold dial, hands, and movement are free from any signs of imperfections and have been well preserved. Behind the hunter caseback and on the buckle, the hallmarks and engravings are crisp and well defined.

Warranty

The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.