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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Self-winding wristwatch with astronomical complications

Patek Philippe Ref. 5055J Wristwatch

Partially verified

This Patek Philippe Ref. 5055J is an 18K yellow gold self-winding wristwatch featuring astronomical and power reserve complications. The watch, manufactured in Switzerland, is equipped with the automatic Caliber 240/164, which is finished with fausses côtes decoration and includes a 22K yellow gold micro-rotor and 29 jewels. The movement is stamped with the Seal of Geneva quality mark and features a straight-line lever escapement with a Gyromax balance and a shock absorber system. The white dial displays applied yellow gold radial Arabic numerals, square indexes, and luminous dots, complemented by a subsidiary seconds dial, a date indicator, a power reserve sector, and a moon phase aperture. The watch is housed in a polished and brushed two-body 18K yellow gold case with a screwed-down transparent case back and straight lapidated lugs. It was sold in May 2005 and is accompanied by its original fitted box and Certificate of Origin.

The Patek Philippe Ref. 5055J, featuring a white dial with moon phase, power reserve, and date, shown alongside its official Certificate of Origin.
The Patek Philippe Ref. 5055J, featuring a white dial with moon phase, power reserve, and date, shown alongside its official Certificate of Origin. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Self-winding wristwatch with astronomical complications
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe
Reference
5055J
Catalogue / lot identifier
442
Source-reported date
2005
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
4074953

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 Dial

The Patek Philippe Ref. 5055J is constructed with an 18K yellow gold two-body case that measures 36 mm in diameter and 9 mm in thickness. The exterior features a combination of polished and brushed surfaces, a wide inclined bezel, and straight lapidated lugs. The watch is equipped with sapphire crystals, including a screwed-down transparent case back that provides a view of the internal mechanical movement. An 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe deployant clasp is included.

The dial is white, featuring applied radial Arabic numerals in yellow gold, square indexes, and luminous dots. It includes an outer minute track and luminous yellow gold baton hands. Complications on the dial include subsidiary dials for seconds and days of the month, a sector display for the up and down power reserve indication, and an aperture to track moon phases.

Evidence for this section
  • “Two-body, solid, polished and brushed, wide inclined bezel, straight lapidated lugs, screwed-down transparent case back, sapphire crystals.”
  • “White with applied yellow gold radial Arabic numerals and square indexes, luminous dots, outer minute track, subsidiary dials for the seconds, the days of the months, sector for the up and down power reserve indication, aperture for the moon phases.”

Movement and Escapement

The watch is powered by the self-winding Caliber 240/164 movement. This movement is rhodium-plated and incorporates fausses côtes decoration. It consists of 29 jewels and is distinguished by a 22K yellow gold micro-rotor. The caliber is built with a straight-line lever escapement and a Gyromax balance paired with a self-compensating free-sprung flat balance spring and a shock absorber.

This movement is officially stamped with the Seal of Geneva quality mark.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cal. 240/164, stamped with the Seal of Geneva quality mark, rhodium-plated, fausses côtes decoration, 29 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, Gyromax balance, shock absorber, self-compensating free-sprung flat balance spring, 22K yellow gold micro-rotor.”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Signatures and Authenticity

The watch bears the Patek Philippe signature on the dial, the movement, and the case. The movement is assigned number 3166802, while the case is marked with serial number 4074953. These identifiers confirm the specific assembly details of the timepiece as recorded at the time of its manufacture.

The lot includes the original fitted box and the Certificate of Origin, which provide additional documentation for the object. The auction records indicate that the item was originally sold on May 14, 2005. The hands are reported as being the original components associated with this watch.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial, case and movement signed.”
  • “movement No. 3166802, case No. 4074953”
  • “Accompanied by fitted box and Certificate of Origin.”
  • “HANDS Original”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific production start and end date for the Ref. 5055J model?
  • Are there variations in the dial layout or index design for this reference during its production period?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Patek Philippe Ref. 5055J Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerPatek Philippe“Patek Philippe, Genève”
Reference5055J“Ref. 5055J”
Serial Number4074953“case No. 4074953”
MovementCal. 240/164“Cal. 240/164, stamped with the Seal of Geneva quality mark”
Case Material18K yellow gold“18K yellow gold wristwatch”
Dimensions36 mm diameter, 9 mm thickness“Diam. 36 mm. Thickness 9 mm.”
Movement Decorationfausses côtes“rhodium-plated, fausses côtes decoration”
ProvenanceSold May 14, 2005“Sold on May 14th, 2005.”

Visible details

  • Applied yellow gold radial Arabic numerals
  • Subsidiary dial for seconds
  • Sector for power reserve indication
  • Moon phase aperture

Research qualifications

  • Condition report notes slight scratches on the case
  • Auction description recommends an overhaul at the buyer's expense

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

Consulted source

Patek Philippe - Ref. 5055 ' Yellow Gold Patek Philippe, Genève, movement No. 3166802, case No. 4074953, Ref. 5055J. Sold on May 14th, 2005. Very fine, astronomic, self-winding, water-resistant, 18K yellow gold wristwatch with power reserve, moon phases, date and an 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe deployant clasp. Accompanied by fitted box and Certificate of Origin.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record efdc9e9ad8

Terms in this record

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