Typically, the only place to see watches such as these – you know, the famous reference 1518 perpetual calendar chronograph (the first of its kind), the later 2499 (a case for which could be made as the most perfectly balanced watch ever made), the neo-classic 3970, and the ultimate modern watch, the 5970 – would be at auction. Sotheby’s, Christie’s, Antiquorum, and Bonhams all do battle with one another every season to secure as many of these rare Pateks as possible – but rarely do they amass more than a handful at a time.