Sotheby’s May 10 auction of fine timepieces at the Beau-Rivage Hotel in Geneva will feature treasures old and new. The star among the modern offerings is a Patek Philippe split-seconds chronograph Ref. 5959P. This piece, estimated at between $250,000 and $350,000, contains Patek’s first fully in-house chronograph calibre, CHF 27-525PS, which, at 5.25mm, is the thinnest column-wheel split-seconds chronograph ever made.
Important vintage wristwatches are well represented in this sale, and the notable models include a Patek Philippe Ref. 2499 fourth series, circa 1981, estimated at between $280,000 and $350,000.
One of the highlights of the evening will be rare and historically significant gold, enamel and diamond presentation pocket watch with matching chain and fob symbolizing the Royal Military Order of Saint George, most probably made for King Ludwig II of Bavaria circa 1880. This piece is estimated at between $27,000 and $44,000.
What did the Patek 5959 sell for?