With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1993 and its subsequent sale on November 26th of the same year. Further accompanied by a Patek Philippe wooden presentation box, 18k gold setting pin, leather envelope, product literature and outer packaging
The present watch, movement number 1905001 was made for sale in 1993 and represents the first of the reference 5016 to be made for commercial distribution. The only previous example, with movement number 1905000, is confirmed in the Patek Philippe Museum.
Patek Philippe introduced the reference 5016 in 1993 and has produced approximately only 200 pieces to date of which only 9 pieces are known to have reappeared on to the market.
This model represents a milestone in horological prowess by uniting the most coveted complications of a tourbillon, minute repeater, perpetual calendar with retrograde date and moon phase display. It is the second most complicated wristwatch ever produced by the firm and is surpassed only by the Sky Moon Tourbillon, the reference 5002. The two references are the only tourbillon wristwatches with both the Geneva Seal Hallmark and C.O.S.C certificate. Of particular note is the position of the tourbillon escapement, which is placed on the same rotational axis as the balance and fourth wheel, an extremely difficult configuration that gives the best result from the tourbillon principle. And like all Patek Philippe minute repeaters, the reference 5016 is distinguished by the unrivalled clarity and purity of its chimes.