Property of an Important Collector Patek PhilippeReference 5078A possibly unique platinum minute repeating wristwatch with blackened Breguet numerals and enamel dial, Circa 2011百達翡麗型號5078 應為獨一無二鉑金三問腕錶，備黑色寶璣式時標及琺瑯錶盤，約2011年製Dial: enamelCalibre: cal. R27 PS automatic, 39 jewelsMovement number: 5'000'391Case: platinum, snap on sapphire crystal display backCase number: 4'532'598Closure: black Patek Philippe alligator strap and platinum Campaign buckleSize: 38 mm diameterSigned: case, dial and movementAccessories: Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, additional case back, product literature, instruction manual, leather portfolio, winding box and presentation box附帶證書、備用錶背蓋、腕錶文獻、說明書、皮製檔案夾、自動上弦盒子及盒子品相: The movement is in working condition at the time of cataloguing. The enamel dial is nice and intact. The minute repeater is chiming in phase and with a great tone and clarity. The blackened Breguet numerals have been confirmed on the Certificate of Origin. The watch and buckle are in excellent overall condition with hardly any signs of wear. The watch is extremely attractive and in excellent overall condition.Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue. "In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."拍卖专文: The Patek Philippe reference 5078 has always been a dream for minute repeater collectors. Free from other complications, the focus of the watch is the perfect symphony by the hammers and gongs showcased on the display back. The 38 mm platinum case was flawlessly designed for the world’s most beautiful chime, simple yet elegant, it is also perfect for any wrist sizes.Apart from the painstaking manufacturing process for the movement, the enamel dial on the other hand has the same grueling procedures. Patek Philippe has the practice of using enamel dials in important references such as the current reference 5078. Extreme care and craftsmanship are needed to maintain the highest standard as they are extremely difficult to produce given there are high chances that the dial would crack during the heating process.It is always a celebration whenever a unique Grand Complication Patek Philippe comes to the market. As the earlier reference 5078 are always seen with Roman numerals, the present piece is fitted with unusual Breguet numeral indexes which were purposely blackened as mentioned in the Certificate of Origin for a striking visual sensation.Reserved for the most important clients of Patek Philippe by request, renowned collectors like Eric Clapton happened to be one of the lucky individuals to receive multiple commissioned pieces from the manufacturer. What is more important is that the present owner treated the watch as a piece of artwork and did not wear it at all except chiming the minute repeater occasionally. Remaining in supreme and like-new condition, it is an one-of-a-kind opportunity to acquire such a unique Grand Complication timepiece from Patek Philippe.