By Nick A. Meijer
On September 28th, The Principality of Monaco will be hosting the fifth edition of the “Only Watch” charity watch auction benefiting research for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Recognized as the world’s first charity watch auction, Only Watch is a very special event for Watch aficionados, as every year the top brands present unique “one-off’s” specially created for the occasion. As every year, Antiquorum will conduct the sale of these watches, 38 in total this year. One of this year highlights is this unique Patek Philippe ref. 5004T split chronograph and perpetual calendar.
For this occasion, the timepiece is fitted in a titanium case, which is absolutely unique for this reference and very rare for a Patek in general, as only 3 Pateks were ever cased by titanium before.
Apart from the casing and the combined complications, the watch looks rather special. The dial is made of solid gold and has engravings showing a carbon-fiber look. This pattern is returning in the strap, giving the watch a sporty look. It is interesting that Patek apparently has decided that using a carbon-fibre would be a bridge too far.
The reference 5004T was introduced in 1996 and retired in 2011. the combination of the split-second and perpetual calendar was apparently too difficult to produce, and only about 12 pieces left the factory each year. As a farewell, Patek produced a limited series of 50 in stainless steel in 2011.
It has a 36.7mm titanium case, solid gold dial engraved with “carbon fiber” style guilloche”, carbon-fiber pattern embossed calfskin strap with titanium pin buckle.
The timepiece will surely be one of the highlights on September 28th, and the buyer will make an excellent investment. From September 6th, an international exhibit of the Only Watch collection of timepieces for men and women will travel the world: Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, New York, Geneva.
