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Lot Essay
The aesthetic impact of the platinum case on the present timepiece combined with a silvered dial and elegant Breguet numerals deserves particular attention. This elegant combination elevates the watch to the status of a genuine world-class trophy from Patek Philippe and is considered by many to be one of the most exquisite and sought-after configurations of reference 5016. The remarkable rarity of the present timepiece is highlighted by the estimated 25 platinum examples of the model that have appeared in public to date.
Dials for the reference were offered either in silvered, as seen on the present piece, or in black. Similar to the observatory-grade pocket watches made by Patek Philippe in the early 20th century, each was subtly engraved with the unique movement number beneath the moon-phase aperture. The tourbillon's remarkable craftsmanship is revealed through the sapphire caseback, which is characterized by a specially shaped wheel that resembles a watchmaker's tool. The present wristwatch, which has movement number 1'950'007, is the seventh one made, as the series began with movement number 1'950'000.
Equally significant is the maker of the case. Among Patek Philippe minute repeaters, none are more sought after than those bearing the hallmark ‘JHP’ of the celebrated Geneva casemaker Jean-Pierre Hagmann. This mark, which is subtly stamped beneath the lower right lug, promises collectors of the exceptional acoustic quality that Hagmann cases are known for. His creations are renowned for producing a chime that is exceptionally pure and crystalline. Notably, Hagmann cases were used only for the earliest productions of reference 5016, and examples in platinum are of exceptional rarity.
Reference 5016
Reference 5016 ranks among the most intricate wristwatches ever created by Patek Philippe. It combines a tourbillon, a retrograde perpetual calendar with moon phases, and a minute repeater, some of the most sought-after complications in traditional horology. The tourbillon carriage is not visible through the dial in accordance with Patek Philippe's long-standing philosophy of avoiding exposing the mechanism to light, which could eventually deteriorate the lubricating oils. The word 'tourbillon' on the dial, which subtly suggests the existence of one of the most intricate mechanisms in watchmaking, is the only indication of its presence.
Prior to the release of the Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillon 5002 in 2001, the reference 5016, which debuted in 1994, was the most complicated watch in the company's lineup. Together with references 5050, 5059, and later 5159, it forms a small group of models sharing the distinctive dial layout combining a retrograde date, triple calendar apertures, moon phases, and subsidiary seconds.
Reference 5016 is part of the lineage of classical masterpieces that includes fabled references such as the 2497 and 2499, and collectors frequently view it as belonging to the 'old school' era of Patek Philippe production. Its case design, which is distinguished by sculpted lugs, is a direct descendant of these legendary predecessors.
The model was produced until 2010, when reference 5216 took its place. It was available in platinum and three gold colors, with silvered or black dials that matched the case metal. Only about 200 reference 5016 examples are thought to have ever been made, solidifying its status as one of the most sought-after grand complications in contemporary horology.
Dials for the reference were offered either in silvered, as seen on the present piece, or in black. Similar to the observatory-grade pocket watches made by Patek Philippe in the early 20th century, each was subtly engraved with the unique movement number beneath the moon-phase aperture. The tourbillon's remarkable craftsmanship is revealed through the sapphire caseback, which is characterized by a specially shaped wheel that resembles a watchmaker's tool. The present wristwatch, which has movement number 1'950'007, is the seventh one made, as the series began with movement number 1'950'000.
Equally significant is the maker of the case. Among Patek Philippe minute repeaters, none are more sought after than those bearing the hallmark ‘JHP’ of the celebrated Geneva casemaker Jean-Pierre Hagmann. This mark, which is subtly stamped beneath the lower right lug, promises collectors of the exceptional acoustic quality that Hagmann cases are known for. His creations are renowned for producing a chime that is exceptionally pure and crystalline. Notably, Hagmann cases were used only for the earliest productions of reference 5016, and examples in platinum are of exceptional rarity.
Reference 5016
Reference 5016 ranks among the most intricate wristwatches ever created by Patek Philippe. It combines a tourbillon, a retrograde perpetual calendar with moon phases, and a minute repeater, some of the most sought-after complications in traditional horology. The tourbillon carriage is not visible through the dial in accordance with Patek Philippe's long-standing philosophy of avoiding exposing the mechanism to light, which could eventually deteriorate the lubricating oils. The word 'tourbillon' on the dial, which subtly suggests the existence of one of the most intricate mechanisms in watchmaking, is the only indication of its presence.
Prior to the release of the Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillon 5002 in 2001, the reference 5016, which debuted in 1994, was the most complicated watch in the company's lineup. Together with references 5050, 5059, and later 5159, it forms a small group of models sharing the distinctive dial layout combining a retrograde date, triple calendar apertures, moon phases, and subsidiary seconds.
Reference 5016 is part of the lineage of classical masterpieces that includes fabled references such as the 2497 and 2499, and collectors frequently view it as belonging to the 'old school' era of Patek Philippe production. Its case design, which is distinguished by sculpted lugs, is a direct descendant of these legendary predecessors.
The model was produced until 2010, when reference 5216 took its place. It was available in platinum and three gold colors, with silvered or black dials that matched the case metal. Only about 200 reference 5016 examples are thought to have ever been made, solidifying its status as one of the most sought-after grand complications in contemporary horology.