1997 Pagoda Ref. 5500 Limited Edition

A wonderfully sculptural Patek Philippe Pagoda Ref. 5500 in 18k yellow gold, produced in 1997 to commemorate the inauguration of Patek Philippe's new manufacture in Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva. The yellow gold version was produced as a limited edition of 1,100 pieces. Its distinctive case, inspired by the tiered silhouette of a pagoda, has often drawn comparisons to the graceful taper of the Eiffel Tower, making it one of the brand's most recognizable modern dress watches.

The warm champagne dial features applied gold Roman numerals, slender blued leaf-shaped hands, and a subsidiary seconds register framed by a geometric railway track at 6 o'clock. Powered by the manually wound caliber 215 PS, it is fitted with a navy Saffiano leather strap and secured by a Patek Philippe 18k yellow gold tang buckle.

A watch whose architectural design wears every bit as impressively on the wrist as it does in hand. An Extract from the Archives is included.