117 Patek Philippe Very Well Preserved, Rare and Attractive, 10 Days Tourbillon, Rectangular Shape Wristwatch in Pink Gold, With Breguet Numerals, Reference 5101R, Certificate of Origin
Estimate: €120,000 – 240,000
Sold (Premium)€156,000
Model: Tourbillon Chronomètre
Reference: 5101R-001
Case Material: Pink Gold
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 2010
Movement: Manual
Caliber: TO 28-20 REC 10J PS IRM
Case N°: 4508571
Movement N°: 5250028
Dimensions: 51.5 × 30 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement
Accessories: Certificate of Origin
It takes much more than a cursory glance to realize that reference 5101 is a highly complicated wristwatch. With an impressive, angular, and lavishly designed rectangular shape, the reference 5101 stands out not only with its case architecture, but in its remarkable mechanical prowess. Launched in 2003, it is the first timepiece that combines two complications which are very difficult to accommodate in the confined space of a rectangular movement: two tandem mainspring barrels with 240 hours of energy storage capacity and a tourbillon precision regulator composed of 72 individual parts. Later that year, the 5101 won the “Aiguille d’Or”, or Golden Hand, prize at the Grand Prix d’Horologerie de Genève — the Grand Prix’s highest honor. The unusual case with triple-stepped sides and a long, curved rectangular silhouette, owes direct homage to the Art Deco era of design. Understated elegance has always been a hallmark of Patek Philippe but the tourbillon cage is in fact concealed for a very practical reason: the oil used to lubricate the mechanism is sensitive to ultraviolet rays and will decompose when exposed to daylight, thus losing its beneficial tribological properties. The two-tone dial of this particular reference 5101 is remarkably clean and attractive, with two sub dials, one indicating the power reserve, the other the subsidiary seconds with the word “Tourbillon” and the movement number discreetly printed within. Offered here in exceptional condition with also its certificate of origin, the present 5101R is a rare opportunity to obtain one of Patek Philippe’s modern masterpieces.