Launched at the Basel Fair in 1993, reference 5050 was the first Patek Philippe perpetual calendar wristwatch to feature a retrograde date. Discontinued in 2002, reference 5050 is today a highly sought-after modern classic and it is believed a total of 1,100 pieces were manufactured. To the best of our knowledge this watch has never before been offered in public

This model is generally divided into three series:

- 1st series: applied Roman numerals, railway minute track, moon-phase aperture

- 2nd series: applied baton hour markers, pearled minute divisions, modified moon-phase display in the form of a subdial printed 'Automatic'

- 3rd series, such as the present lot: applied Roman numerals, pearled minute divisions, moon-phase aperture

For further illustration of the reference 5050 please refer to Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, 1998 edition, pp. 296 & 297