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Lot Essay
Patek Philippe is a principal force in preserving the rare handcrafts of skills of bygone days from slipping into oblivion by nurturing an exclusive group of craftsmen in the pursuit of perfection in their art. Patek Philippe realized that its unique heritage of artistic watchmaking could only be appreciated by raising awareness of its artisanship amongst new generations. Reference 5160 is one of such efforts to spark a renaissance in the art of hand engraving.
Comprising the same complications of perpetual calendar, retrograde date and sweep centre seconds as Reference 5159, Reference 5160 has long been characterized as a highly complicated wristwatch exuding exclusivity, rarity and artistry. The difference is in the case of Ref. 5160 which boasts ornately engraved cases with arabesque motifs. No surface has been left untouched and even the crown and the lugs have been delicately engraved by hand.
Engraving, explains Patek Philippe’s Rare Handcraft website, is akin to decorating a metal canvas. Unlike paint, which can be corrected, the tiniest mistake on this surface is unmerciful, which explains the many years of training before the artisan can dominate the burin – the tool used in engraving.
Following a special order for a reference 5159 with an engraved case (Lot 16, sold by Christie’s in Shanghai on 26 September 2013, for RMB¥1,300,000), Patek Philippe was so pleased by the aesthetic impact of this customized piece, that they decided to release reference 5160 in 2010 in an extremely small production number. So far made in the three gold colours, it is speculated that no more of two or three dozen pieces will be made for each colour.
The piece is a remarkable combination of heritage techniques and modern horology. The movement is among the best centre seconds perpetual calendar automatic movements currently in production. Aesthetically, the officier-style case with screw strap bars and hinged cuvette is more than a light nod to historical watches of the early 20th century, and so is the overall dial design with radial Roman numerals and the fifth of a second and Arabic 5 minutes outer divisions. The engraved case with its arabesque motif typical of the Belle Epoque is reminiscent of the artful decorations of vintage pocket watches.
Comprising the same complications of perpetual calendar, retrograde date and sweep centre seconds as Reference 5159, Reference 5160 has long been characterized as a highly complicated wristwatch exuding exclusivity, rarity and artistry. The difference is in the case of Ref. 5160 which boasts ornately engraved cases with arabesque motifs. No surface has been left untouched and even the crown and the lugs have been delicately engraved by hand.
Engraving, explains Patek Philippe’s Rare Handcraft website, is akin to decorating a metal canvas. Unlike paint, which can be corrected, the tiniest mistake on this surface is unmerciful, which explains the many years of training before the artisan can dominate the burin – the tool used in engraving.
Following a special order for a reference 5159 with an engraved case (Lot 16, sold by Christie’s in Shanghai on 26 September 2013, for RMB¥1,300,000), Patek Philippe was so pleased by the aesthetic impact of this customized piece, that they decided to release reference 5160 in 2010 in an extremely small production number. So far made in the three gold colours, it is speculated that no more of two or three dozen pieces will be made for each colour.
The piece is a remarkable combination of heritage techniques and modern horology. The movement is among the best centre seconds perpetual calendar automatic movements currently in production. Aesthetically, the officier-style case with screw strap bars and hinged cuvette is more than a light nod to historical watches of the early 20th century, and so is the overall dial design with radial Roman numerals and the fifth of a second and Arabic 5 minutes outer divisions. The engraved case with its arabesque motif typical of the Belle Epoque is reminiscent of the artful decorations of vintage pocket watches.