Patek Philippe Neptune Reference 4881/1J-012
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1996
Maker / issuer
Patek PhilippeThis 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.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Sports watch
- Maker
- Patek Philippe
- Crystal
- Sapphire
- Movement
- Quartz E19C
- Reference
- 4881/1J-012
- Case diameter
- 27mm
- Case material
- 18K yellow gold
- Introduction year
- 1996
- Maker / attribution
- Patek Philippe
Design
- 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.
- Visible features
- • 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
- 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.
- 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.
Identification
- Reference
- 4881/1J-012
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Movement performance is not independently verified
- Research required: Exact production year is not specified beyond its 1996 debut