Patek Philippe – Simply the Finest Watch Money Can Buy
Even today, Patek Philippe’s extraordinary care and commitment towards perfection means it takes almost year to manufacture even its simplest watch movement.
Significant moments in watchmaking since 1839 …
– 1839 Antoine Patek began producing about 200 high-quality pocket watches per year
– 1845 Patek & Co. Partnership founded in Geneva with Jean Adrien Philippe, Technical Director
– 1846 Tiffany & Co. New York, Tiffany appoints Patek Philippe as its principal supplier of pocket watches
– 1857 Universal Exposition, London, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert buy a timepiece, shooting Patek to international fame.
– 1867 the company produces the world’s first wristwatch
– 1927 the company produces the world’s first perpetual calendar wristwatch
– 1941 the company produces the world’s first perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch
– 1962 the company produces the world’s first automatic, perpetual calendar wristwatch
It is said that fewer than 1 million Patek Philippe watches have been made since the first watch was completed in 1839. This is fewer than some high-end Swiss manufacturers, notably Rolex, produce in one year. In fact, the company limits itself to producing less than 50,000 watches per year, even though it’s estimated by many watch market analysts, it could sell ten times this number. Patek production is so meticulous it takes almost a year to complete its most basic watch, and more than two years to produce many of its more complicated pieces.
Patek’s vintage complications hold more world record prices at auction than any other brand. Landmark models include the model ref. 1518, the world’s first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, and its successor, the model ref. 2499. Other famous models include perpetual calendars such as refs. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450.
We, of course, associate Patek Philippe with the very best, but more particularly, the understated elegance, craftsmanship, heritage, exquisite design, perfection and total confidence and commitment in everything it does.
Description
We have always felt there is a very special beauty and simplicity in the well-made thing. It is part of the fascination of watches, and some are so well made, they appear to have a form closer to nature, evolution and art, than to manufacture. This is one such example.
Model reference 5012/3 is an exclusive example of one of Patek’s finest contemporary dress watches, carrying the extraordinary Calibre 315 SC automatic movement. Not only does this watch have this incredible movement, but it also carries an outstanding 18ct yellow gold case and an original, unrestored and untouched ivory-white dial.
Although originally sold as a gent’s watch, this could be considered equally suitable for a lady to wear today, given contemporary trends for ladies to wear gent’s watches. However, it is certain, that whoever is fortunate enough to wear this watch will look fabulous in any event.
The Dial
The original unrestored and untouched ivory-white dial features outstanding yellow gold ‘baton’ hour indices which are swept by the original stick hands. Add a date window at 3 and there you are! Perfection.
We notice that Patek even leaves off the usual ‘Automatic’ nomenclature, which is found on almost every other automatic watch. It is simply signed ‘Patek Philippe’ and ‘Geneve’, with ‘Swiss’ at the very bottom.
Usually, we restore the dials of the watches we offer here. However in this instance, we decided that due to its exceptional condition and to retain its originality and charm for the many collectors who prefer this, we would leave it untouched. It also helps to offer a contrast with most of the other watches you see on our website, which have their dials restored.
Please note, studio lights, professional-grade digital cameras, and macro lenses can be very unkind to an unrestored vintage watch dial. Also the dial here measures less than 1.25 inches across, so the image you’re seeing may be between 5 – 25 times larger than the watch itself. Therefore please keep in mind you are seeing many tiny flaws which cannot be seen, or will be very hard to see with the naked eye, even under close examination. Suffice to say, on the wrist, in natural light, this dial looks much better and carries a great deal more charm than the photographs portray.
Movement
The watch contains the original Patek Philippe Cal.315 SC, 29 jewel automatic movement, which is in outstanding condition.
The movement has been fully overhauled and serviced by a Master Watchmaker. This means dismantling the movement to each of its component parts, careful inspection under high magnification, replacement where necessary with only genuine parts, then careful reassembly and adjustment, before final calibration in 5 positions. The movement winds sets and runs accurately and reliably and at final testing and calibration, it was running within +11 seconds per day, averaged over 5 positions. This is outstanding for any watch of this age. We are therefore highly confident in offering our 12-month warranty* with this watch.
The movement is all correctly signed, ‘Patek Philippe & Co.’, ‘Geneve’ and ‘Swiss’, with the Calibre number 315 SC and the movement serial number 1.914.196 which dates this watch to 1994.
*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the full list price is paid.
The Case
The 18ct yellow gold case measures 33mm, excluding the correct original signed Patek winding crown. This is a good-sized watch for the period, being slightly larger then the more typical 32mm, which was the average size for a gent’s Patek Philippe in 1990. The case features a beautiful plain bezel which frames the dial beautifully.
The condition is outstanding, indicating the watch has seen only very light use and proper care. It is as sturdy and tight as the day it was made, with all parts pressing together with a very firm ‘pop’. There are no scratches, other marks, or signs of wear visible to the naked eye.
Inside the case, the case-back all is signed correctly and as expected: ‘Patek Philippe’, ‘Geneve’ and ‘Swiss’, with Swiss 18ct hallmarks, the case serial number 2.959.588 and the Patek Philippe Model Reference number 5012/3.
Please note – as ever, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Bracelet
The original full-size heavy woven 18ct yellow gold bracelet completes the watch beautifully. It is a work of art in itself and feels wonderful both on and off the wrist. The bracelet is almost as thick as the watch case and looks and feels as though formed as one. Some things are so well designed and so well made, they appear to have a form closer to nature, evolution and art, than to manufacture and this bracelet and case are one.
The Box and Papers
This watch is complete with the original Extract from the Archives that dates this watch correctly at 1994.
Detailed particulars will be included with our purchase receipt for your interest and security. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this watch will be provided at the time of sale along with our unique ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If this watch proves to be anything less than 100% genuine, authentic and original, a full refund will be given at any time”.
This watch comes complete with its original inner and outer Patek Philippe presentation boxes.
Payment and Delivery
If you would like to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to assist you with this. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or Bank Wire Transfer we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.
Please check the import duties and any taxes your government may apply, these are different for each country and, unfortunately, out of our control.
We understand there may be some ‘loopholes’ that may help you avoid these charges; however, attempting to use these could impact our ongoing ability to serve our growing international customer base.
For those who happen to visit London on occasion, we are, of course, more than happy to store your watch until we can meet you in our offices in Kensington, London, and hand your watch directly to you there.
As with all our watches, this watch will be sold under our 14 days no-quibble sale or return policy.
In Conclusion
Here we have a truly desirable vintage gold dress watch from one of horology’s most revered names which is truly a thing of beauty – to wear, use, treasure and enjoy. It will also make an excellent investment and family heirloom piece. Even though Patek prices continue to rise, we still feel outstanding examples such as this remain undervalued, particularly compared to the price of a new Patek Philippe.
A word on our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before restoring them to the highest possible standards. We then offer these at the fairest prices we can, taking into account our pre and post-sales care and service. This approach means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are some well-known stores in West London which are highly successful charging between two to three times the price you see here. We, therefore, consider our prices to be fair, given the quality of watches we have to offer.
Please note, we also welcome part exchanges. If you have a watch or a small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss this.
We will also be happy to Service your watch, Repair your watch or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.
If you have any questions please call us on 020 7727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.
Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.
Thank you.
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
