Standing tall as a testament of Patek Philippe's brand and ethos, the Grand Complications Perpetual Calendar Split-Second Chronograph ref. 5004P is a truly remarkable timepiece in just about every way possible. Released in 1996 as an updated version of the ref. 3970, the ref. 5004P introduced an incredibly complicated split-seconds chronograph function to what was already a complicated watch – a perpetual calendar chronograph. While the base movement of the ref. 5004P is a Lemania movement; it was modified by Patek's watchmakers to give it a split-seconds chronograph function. As a result of these modifications, the cal. CHR 27-70 Q movement was so challenging to make that Patek could only produce between 12 and 50 examples a year. Patek even went as far as stopping production at one point so that their watchmakers could focus on developing a separate split-seconds movement. A classically styled timepiece due to its lineage as a successor to the iconic ref. 3970, the ref. 5004P features a perfectly circular 36.7mm platinum case with long thick lugs. Sporting a prominent curve that drapes down its case, its lugs allow the 15mm tall ref. 5004P to flow around the wrist elegantly. In keeping with its detailed silver dial design, the ref. 5004P also features a complex two-tiered case design with a stepped bezel and stepped lugs which combine with the dial to provide a 3-dimensional aesthetic. Discontinued in 2012 and with a rather tiny production output, the ref. 5004P is a watch that few people will ever see in the metal, with only a few hundred units produced over the years. Considering its extreme rarity, unrivaled complexity, and beautiful design, the ref. 5004P stands as a legitimate Holy Grail for even the most seasoned collector, with few examples ever making it to market.

Watch is in overall near-mint condition. The platinum case remains very well defined with crisp hallmarks and sharp edges, showing only a few signs of careful wear, including a small nick on the back of the midcase near the winding crown. The dial and hands are like new. It is fitted with a brown leather strap and platinum deployant clasp, both in near-mint condition.

A watch that proudly stands among Patek Philippe's most impressive feats of horological engineering from the 1990s, the ref. 5004 is an extremely important watch from the brand's catalog. Combining genuine rarity with an iconic design and complicated engineering, the ref. 5004 represents everything that has earned Patek Philippe its place as one of horology's most revered watchmakers.