Collection
GLau's post details the acquisition of a Patek Philippe Calatrava 4897 and 6000 set, part of the China 10th Year Anniversary Limited Editions. This article offers a rare glimpse into the challenges of allocating highly sought-after limited editions and the unique experience of acquiring a matching pair. It highlights the significance of these pieces as Patek Philippe's first female limited editions for the Chinese market.
Hi all,
Previously I wrote about the China 10th Year Anniversary Limited Editions before they were sold to collectors.
As mentioned, for the ladies’ 4897, there are only 10 pieces of white and 10 pieces of rose, and they represent the first time Patek has produced female limited pieces for in China. The marketing strategy was to sell them as sets, each with a 6000 and 4897. Apparently collectors (including yours truly) quickly put up their hands and naturally demand was greater than supply. The Maison mangers (Anna for Shanghai and Emily for Beijing) had the unenviable task of deciding who they should allocate the sets to.
After an anxious wait period, fortunately we received an allocation of our set of rose watches, just in time for a big party we went to. Below are some photo s of these watches.
The dial of the 6000R is just exquisite. Why? The date numerals are printed, most likely by the method (mentioned to me by our moderator Mark after his research with Patek) in which the dial master manually operate the press to keep making impressions on the dial so that the numerals rise above the dial to provide a 3D effect. Hopefully the macro shots can give you a sense of what they look like.
The dial of the 4897 with sunburst is also very nice. The contrast of the diamond with the rose is better than with the white gold because the contrast is stronger.
After the 20 sets of 6000 + 4897, final decision for allocating the remaining 15 pieces of 6000G and 15 pieces of 6000R has not been made. I am keeping my fingers crossed for my two friends (whom I recommended to the Maisons) for the 6000Rs to get theirs !
Hope you enjoy the photos.
Cheers,
Gordon
The Patek Philippe Calatrava Reference 4897 is a ladies' timepiece, part of a limited edition series created to commemorate the brand's 10th anniversary in China. This reference is notable as one of Patek Philippe's first female-specific limited editions for the Chinese market, often sold as a set with a matching men's Reference 6000.
This model features a rose gold case, typically adorned with diamonds on the bezel, and a dial with a distinctive sunburst guilloché pattern. It is powered by a self-winding mechanical movement, reflecting Patek Philippe's commitment to horological substance even in its ladies' jewelry watches. The dial often includes diamond hour markers and Breguet-style hands.
For collectors, the Reference 4897 holds significance due to its extreme rarity, with only 10 pieces produced in rose gold and 10 in white gold for this specific anniversary. Its limited availability and historical context within Patek Philippe's market strategy in China make it a distinctive and sought-after piece.
gave Patek a big envelope full of RMB ! So both and :-( Overall, I am very happy because my wife is happy ! Happy wife=Happy Life ! :-P Cheers, Gordon
How is this compared to the 20th Anniversary Lange 1 set? I know these are gone but do you mind sharing their price in PM? I don't have couple set watches and is still looking. Congrats again, you may get a suitcase of RMB back in future ) Rgds Raymond
This is a lovely set! Great pictures!! Feel so happy for you!! Keith
two watches ! Certificates are the regular version.
they also represent the years we spent in China!
Hope you and the Mrs. wear them in good health always. A special pair of watches without doubt. Sincerely H.
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