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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Sports watch

Patek Philippe Neptune Reference 4881/1J-012

Partially verified

This Patek Philippe Neptune is a quartz-powered wristwatch, reference 4881/1J-012, featuring a 27mm 18K yellow gold case. Introduced by Patek Philippe in 1996, the Neptune line was designed as a sports watch alternative to the Nautilus. The construction includes a distinctive fluted bezel and integrated crown guards protecting a signed winding crown. The watch is presented on a matching 18K yellow gold multi-link bracelet that carries the fluted motif from the bezel into its link design. The dial displays an outer minute track, luminous feuille-style hands, and a date aperture located at the 3 o'clock position. The movement is a quartz caliber E19C. This specific example utilizes a sapphire crystal to protect the dial.

Front view of the Patek Philippe Neptune 4881/1J-012 in yellow gold with integrated fluted bracelet.
Front view of the Patek Philippe Neptune 4881/1J-012 in yellow gold with integrated fluted bracelet. — Analog:Shift. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
analogshift.com
Category
Wristwatch · Sports watch
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe
Reference
4881/1J-012
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1996
Source-reported place
Not established

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Bracelet Design

The watch is housed in a 27mm case crafted from 18K yellow gold. It incorporates integrated crown guards, which flank a signed crown, contributing to its aesthetic as a sports-oriented timepiece. The bezel is notably fluted, a design feature that provides a tactile and visual texture to the front of the watch.

The bracelet is also constructed from 18K yellow gold and is fully integrated into the case structure. The design of the links features a motif that extends the fluted pattern observed on the bezel, creating a unified visual language throughout the entire piece. The proportions are described as svelte, maintaining a round profile for the main case body.

Evidence for this section
  • “features a 27mm 18K yellow gold case with signature crown guards, a signed crown”
  • “stunning fluted bezel”
  • “beautiful yellow gold matching bracelet with the Neptune finishing motif carried straight through from the bezel”

Dial and Display

The dial of this reference features a clean layout intended for legibility. It includes an outer minute track positioned around the periphery of the dial. The time is indicated by a set of luminous feuille hands, which are matched by luminous hour markers applied to the dial surface.

At the 3 o'clock position, the dial features a window for the date display. The dial is protected by a sapphire crystal, ensuring visibility and scratch resistance during use. The overall composition is intended to align with the sports watch functionality introduced in the Neptune line.

Evidence for this section
  • “a date window at 3 o'clock”
  • “a luminous feuille handset, and an outer minute track”
  • “sapphire crystal”

Movement and Series Identity

The timepiece is powered by the Patek Philippe quartz caliber E19C movement.

The Neptune line was introduced in 1996 alongside the Aquanaut, serving as an alternative to the Nautilus collection. The reference 4881/1J-012 is a specific iteration within this series, characterized by its unique design language that includes the round case and integrated bracelet system.

Evidence for this section
  • “Powered by a quartz E19C movement”
  • “The Patek Philippe Neptune has long been under-appreciated since its debut in 1996”
  • “Reference 4881/1J-012”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific production date range for this 4881/1J-012 reference?
  • Are there variations in the dial color for this specific yellow gold reference?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Patek Philippe Neptune Reference 4881/1J-012
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerPatek Philippe“Patek Philippe”
Reference4881/1J-012“Reference 4881/1J-012”
Case material18K yellow gold“18K yellow gold case”
Case diameter27mm“27mm 18K yellow gold case”
MovementQuartz E19C“quartz E19C movement”
Introduction year1996“debut in 1996”
CrystalSapphire“sapphire crystal”

Visible details

  • Case includes integrated crown guards
  • Bezel features a distinct fluted texture
  • Bracelet links mirror the fluted design of the bezel
  • Dial contains a date window at the 3 o'clock position

Research qualifications

  • Movement performance is not independently verified
  • Exact production year is not specified beyond its 1996 debut

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت Patek Philippe Neptune مدل 4881/1J-012

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 3d2e73aaba

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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