Footnotes

• Patek Philippe are renowned for presenting some of the most sublime horological masterpieces the world has ever seen. One of the most sought after of these masterpieces derives from their unrivalled, powerful lineage of minute repeating perpetual calendars - the Reference 5074.
  
  First introduced in 2001, the Ref:5074 was initially produced in just yellow gold before being followed by rose gold editions in 2005 and platinum in 2009. The current example, never before offered at auction and being sold by the original owner, derives from the rose gold epoch and dates to 2009. Only 100 examples were made in rose gold and they were available with either a silvered dial or, as with the current lot, a striking black dial. It is believed that less than 10 have since come back to the market demonstrating explicably how coveted this model is by those already in possession of one.
  
  Housed within the 5074 is the celebrated calibre R 27 Q – at just a mere 6.9mm high, 8mm across and comprising of 467 parts this calibre features a minute repeater with Cathedral gongs, perpetual calendar, moon phase, 24 hour indication and a minimum of 38 hour power reserve. This calibre was first introduced in the famed Ref:3974 in 1989 in celebration of Patek Philippes 150th Anniversary. At the time of its inception this was the most complicated calibre to be fitted to a wristwatch ever launched by the manufacture.
  
  One of the elements that makes this calibre so special is the 'Cathedral' gong repeating mechanism, consisting of a high-tone and a low-tone gong. The gongs of a 'Cathedral' repeater are longer than traditional gongs which allows for a richer and more compelling sound. To achieve this, highly skilled watchmakers must navigate fitting gongs that encircle the movement almost twice without touching other components within the case. Although Patek Philippe have produced legendary minute repeaters over the years, the difficulty involved in making Cathedral gongs means that only the most exceptional models are fitted with them and thus form the crowning glory for the manufacture. Alongside the 5074, Cathedral gongs can only be found in highly exclusive models such as the Ref: 3974, 5178, 5374 and Sky Moon 6002.
  
  The current lot offers a rare opportunity to own and enjoy one of the most luxurious and sought-after complications ever to leave the Patek Philippe workshops. With each minute repeater being personally assessed by Thierry Stern before leaving the manufacture, the quality of these timepieces is irrefutable.