A pre-owned Patek Philippe Pagoda, reference 5500,18K yellow gold vintage manual-winding wristwatch,

Model: PAGODA 5500

Year of Manufacture: 1997

Movement: Cal. 215, manual winding

Dial: Original dial

Case: 18K yellow gold, snap-on case back

PATEK PHILIPPE was founded in 1839 by Antoine Norbert de Patek and Francois Czapek.

Dedicated to developing and producing timepieces of the highest quality, the firm has consistently upheld this commitment in its watchmaking philosophy and practice. With a heritage spanning more than 180 years, Patek Philippe ranks among the world's foremost watchmaking manufactures, renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship.

The present watch is a Patek Philippe Pagoda, reference 5500, manufactured in 1997.

In 1997, Patek Philippe consolidated its workshops, previously dispersed throughout Geneva, Switzerland, at its new headquarters and manufacturing facility in Plan-les-Ouates, on the outskirts of Geneva. This model was introduced to commemorate the inauguration of the new premises.

The name "Pagoda" refers to a Buddhist tower. Viewed from the front, the case forms a curved rectangle with slightly waisted sides, while its profile, together with the crystal, describes a pronounced arch. Its tower-like silhouette is both distinctive and elegant.

The 18K yellow gold case is a particular highlight. This yellow gold version was issued in a limited edition of 1,100 examples, its flowing case lines expressing Patek Philippe's distinctive design aesthetic.

The gracefully curved sapphire crystal complements the classical, sculptural contours of the case, demonstrating the firm's exceptional craftsmanship.

The vertically arranged Roman numeral hour markers frame the prominent "PATEK PHILIPPE" signature, lending the dial an elegant character. The leaf-shaped hands combine the substantial presence and graceful lines characteristic of the firm's watches from this period.

The finely graduated movement of the subsidiary seconds hand adds to the visual appeal of the mechanical timepiece.

With its restrained dial layout, harmonious case proportions and elegant contours, this model possesses a distinctive character not readily found in other references. Its overall finish is exceptional, reflecting meticulous workmanship.

The crown is adorned with the firm's traditional Calatrava cross emblem.

The movement is decorated with fine Cotes de Geneve, while the mainplate is finished with perlage.

The watch is powered by Patek Philippe's classic manually wound Cal. 215 movement, fitted with a Gyromax balance. Highly regarded among manually wound mechanical movements, it combines ease of servicing with durability and reliability, making it one of the firm's signature calibres.

From the dial, hour markers and hands to the case, every detail embodies the authentic, refined style of vintage Patek Philippe, conveying a distinctive charm rarely replicated in modern wristwatches.

Dimensions:

Approximately 41 mm long, including lugs; approximately 26.5 mm wide, excluding crown, and 28.5 mm including crown; approximately 9.5 mm thick, including crystal. Lug width: 20 mm.

Accompaniments:

Accompanied by the illustrated Extract from the Archives issued by Patek Philippe, Switzerland, an official document recording the watch's manufacture in 1997. Fitted with the illustrated new black genuine leather strap and accompanied by a desirable original Patek Philippe 18K yellow gold buckle.

Condition:

Minor scratches are present. Overall, the watch is in good condition for a vintage timepiece of its age. The case back retains a protective sticker from Patek Philippe's International Customer Service department. The timekeeping has been adjusted to a daily deviation within approximately plus or minus 60 seconds.