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Philippe STERN became CEO of Patek Philippe in 1958 for 50 years until 2009.
Father of the Nautilus and of caliber 89 in other, the 5004 incarnates alone the presidency of this great gentleman.
In the history of these chronographs with perpetual calendar, Patek Philippe opens the ball in 1941 with the 1518. Ten years later, the 2499 succeeds for 30 years. Then comes the 3970.
But the revolution comes with the 5004 and its split-seconds.
Introduced in 1996 after years of research to develop the split-seconds that allows the chronograph to measure an intermediate time.
The principle makes a second hand superimposed on the primary second hand. These two hands rotate at the same time and when the push-button is pressed, the first hand stops while the second hand continues its way. After reading both times, the pusher is pressed and the splitting device synchronizes again with the two second hand to make only one visually and allow a new timing.
This complication was so difficult to do that Patek Philippe will interrupt the production of the 5004 during his lifetime.
The resulting movement was the CHR 27-70Q, placed in the 37 mm 5004 case.
Two apertures at 12 o'clock indicate the day and the month.
The ris also a subsidiary dial at 9 o'clock for the seconds with 24-hour indication, a 30-minute dial with leap years at 3 o'clock and a dial at 6 o'clock with moon phases and date indication.
800 pieces were made and only 130 in white gold, the smallest compared to the 250 in yellow gold, 170 in pink gold and 250 in platinum.
Produced for 15 years, it was replaced by the 5204 release in 2012 which has not anymore the so beautiful Arabic numerals which made all its charm and its balance.
The 5004 had to inspire the slogan of the family brand that has not changed since its first advertising campaign in 1996: “You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation.”
More than 20 years after its release, the 5004 remains our favorite watch at Patek Philippe.
The model for sale is just exceptional : a 5004 last generation in white gold of 2010 never worn and "double seal", that is to say never released from its original plastic.
The box and booklet with its certificate of origin completes this "full set" which will make the joy of its future owner.
