If there is one replica watch that encapsulates the height of Patek Philippe’s ambitions under Philippe Stern, it’s the reference 5004. Launched in 1996, this Perpetual Calendar Split Seconds chronograph represented a monumental leap forward. It wasn’t just a complicated timepiece; it was a statement. With only about 12 made per year and production ending in 2012, just around 216 examples exist. This particular version in white gold with a black baton dial is among only ten known, making it an especially rare find in the collecting world.
The design of the 5004 is a masterclass in heritage blending. It borrowed the Arabic numerals from the ref. 1518, the classic pump pushers from the 2499, and the stepped case of the 3970, though its bezel curves outward to accommodate the complex movement inside. That movement is built on the Lemania 2310, heavily modified to add a rattrapante, or split-seconds, function—a serious feat given that the original base movement wasn’t designed for such complexity. Patek overcame issues like rattrapante drag with an ingenious isolator shaped like a metallic octopus, a distinctive solution sitting atop the chronograph brake. That single innovation lives within a movement composed of 407 components, all tucked into a 36.7mm case.
Where this reference truly shines is in the details. The finishing on the movement is breathtaking sharp anglage, mirror polishing, and black polishing in all the right places. This isn’t just another complicated watch; it’s a distillation of Replica Patek Philippe Watches craftsmanship at its peak. The moonphase sits correctly, unlike its successor, the 5204. Even global collectors like Ed Sheeran have embraced the reference, reinforcing its cult status among enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.
The market is taking note. As collectors recognize the lasting impact of this reference and its close relatives like the 3970 and 3940 values are climbing fast. The last known auction result for this exact configuration, the 5004G-015, reached $355,000 in 2023. It’s a serious collector’s piece, admired for both its rarity and technical mastery. This example, soon to hit the auction block, shows minimal wear, with a pristine dial and a sharp case. There may be a slight oddity in the movement photo, possibly a hint of oxidation or even a digital artifact. Either way, it’s worth inspecting closely.
In short, the 5004 isn’t just a timepiece. It’s a symbol of what made Patek Philippe untouchable in the eyes of purists. The 5004 proves that innovation and tradition can coexist in one perfect, complicated, miniature machine.
