When you’re talking fine watchmakers, the name Patek Philippe will invariably get thrown around. The heritage brand is one of the oldest and most prestigious still in production today, boasting a collection of complex, traditional and undeniably expensive timepieces.
The more popular Patek lines, such as the Nautilus, Aquanaut and Calatrava routinely retail for around AUD$30,000 for entry-level models, with the price rising depending on age and circulation. In fact, the manufacturer currently holds the record for the most expensive watch sold at auction – a one-off Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010 that was sold at a charity event last year for a whopping USD$31 million (AUD$44 million). True to form, however, a hidden gem Patek Philippe has appeared online, sporting a price tag that could fund a small island nation.
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Appearing on watch marketplace Chrono24, the rare Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime 5175R-001 is now up for grabs. Released in 2014 for the brand’s 175th anniversary, the timepiece has two dials and twenty complications to go along with its four different chiming mechanisms and swiveling case. One of only seven ever made, the stunning piece is among the most coveted in the Patek portfolio, a fact that is reflected in its pricing. According to the listing, you can pick up this cool number for a cheeky USD$50 million (AUD$72 million).
There’s no denying that’s a solid chunk of money, but considering the rarity of the piece, which originally retailed for 2.5 million CHF (AUD$3.8 million), it’s unlikely we’ll see another Grandmaster Chime 5175R-001 up for grabs any time soon. These investment pieces are generally held onto and passed down through generations, however, it appears the Shanghai-based owner of this specific watch is willing to part with it early.
If you’ve got a spare few million lying around, this one might be worth the investment.
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General FAQ
The Patek Philippe Grandmaster chime originally retailed for AUD $3.8 million.
The cheaper, entry-level Patek Phillipe models such as the Calatrava, Nautilus, and Aquanaut families range from US$19,000 to US$30,000.
