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Lot Essay
Reference 5101 is an impressive rectangular wristwatch, angular and architecturally striking. It is distinguished not only by its bold Art Deco-inspired case design but also by its remarkable mechanical sophistication. Introduced in 2003, it marked an important milestone for Patek Philippe as the manufacture’s first wristwatch to combine a tourbillon with a double-barrel movement delivering an exceptional 10-day power reserve.
Later that same year, reference 5101 was awarded the prestigious 'Aiguille d'Or' at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève, recognising both its technical innovation and distinctive design. Its long, rectangular case with pleasingly curved proportions and pronounced triple-stepped flanks is an elegant homage to the architectural language of the Art Deco era.
In keeping with Patek Philippe's philosophy of discreet complication, the tourbillon remains concealed beneath the dial rather than displayed through an aperture. This deliberate choice protects the escapement from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light, helping preserve the lubricants essential to the mechanism's long-term precision.
The beautifully balanced two-tone dial features only two subsidiary indications: a power reserve display and a small seconds register bearing the discreet inscription 'Tourbillon' together with the movement number. As a result, the watch reveals its extraordinary mechanical complexity only to its owner and the most knowledgeable connoisseurs, perfectly embodying Patek Philippe's longstanding tradition of understated excellence.
Later that same year, reference 5101 was awarded the prestigious 'Aiguille d'Or' at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève, recognising both its technical innovation and distinctive design. Its long, rectangular case with pleasingly curved proportions and pronounced triple-stepped flanks is an elegant homage to the architectural language of the Art Deco era.
In keeping with Patek Philippe's philosophy of discreet complication, the tourbillon remains concealed beneath the dial rather than displayed through an aperture. This deliberate choice protects the escapement from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light, helping preserve the lubricants essential to the mechanism's long-term precision.
The beautifully balanced two-tone dial features only two subsidiary indications: a power reserve display and a small seconds register bearing the discreet inscription 'Tourbillon' together with the movement number. As a result, the watch reveals its extraordinary mechanical complexity only to its owner and the most knowledgeable connoisseurs, perfectly embodying Patek Philippe's longstanding tradition of understated excellence.