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Lot Essay
With Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin stamped by Milan retailer Orologeria Pisa and dated 12 November 2010, leather pouch, product literature, fitted wooden presentation box and outer packaging.
Offered in virtually as-new condition by its original owner, who purchased it at revered Milan retailer Orologeria Pisa, the present watch is the first example of reference 5160 in white gold to appear on the auction market.
When, in 2007, Patek Philippe launched the new officier-style retrograde perpetual calendar reference 5159, the ancient and revered art of engraving was used to decorate the dial. However, one day a special order was granted for a 5159 with engraved case as well (sold by Christie's in Shanghai on 26 September 2013, lot 16). Patek Philippe was so pleased by the aesthetic impact of this special order piece, that they decided to release reference 5160 in 2010 in an extremely small number of pieces. So far made in the three gold colors, it is speculated that no more of two or three dozen pieces will be made for each color.
The fact that since its launch five years ago only one example in yellow gold appeared on the auction market - and realized twice its minimum estimate - is quite the indicator of the rarity of this reference.
The piece is a remarkable combination of heritage techniques and modern horology. The movement is of course among the best center 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 is a boost to such vintage vibe, also thanks to the floral motif so typical of the Belle Epoque. It is interesting to note that, in the case of white gold 5160 but not in the case of yellow gold examples, the grooves of the engraving are blackened with silver powder in order to highlight the design. This detail proves the near maniacal attention to detail Patek Philippe bestows onto its design and manufacturing processes. What is truly noteworthy is that the overall look of the watch, possibly also thanks to the more understated white gold case, doesn't feel excessive. Rather it truly feels like an extremely balanced and attractive compendium of the best decorative techniques and design canons of pre-war horology.
Offered in virtually as-new condition by its original owner, who purchased it at revered Milan retailer Orologeria Pisa, the present watch is the first example of reference 5160 in white gold to appear on the auction market.
When, in 2007, Patek Philippe launched the new officier-style retrograde perpetual calendar reference 5159, the ancient and revered art of engraving was used to decorate the dial. However, one day a special order was granted for a 5159 with engraved case as well (sold by Christie's in Shanghai on 26 September 2013, lot 16). Patek Philippe was so pleased by the aesthetic impact of this special order piece, that they decided to release reference 5160 in 2010 in an extremely small number of pieces. So far made in the three gold colors, it is speculated that no more of two or three dozen pieces will be made for each color.
The fact that since its launch five years ago only one example in yellow gold appeared on the auction market - and realized twice its minimum estimate - is quite the indicator of the rarity of this reference.
The piece is a remarkable combination of heritage techniques and modern horology. The movement is of course among the best center 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 is a boost to such vintage vibe, also thanks to the floral motif so typical of the Belle Epoque. It is interesting to note that, in the case of white gold 5160 but not in the case of yellow gold examples, the grooves of the engraving are blackened with silver powder in order to highlight the design. This detail proves the near maniacal attention to detail Patek Philippe bestows onto its design and manufacturing processes. What is truly noteworthy is that the overall look of the watch, possibly also thanks to the more understated white gold case, doesn't feel excessive. Rather it truly feels like an extremely balanced and attractive compendium of the best decorative techniques and design canons of pre-war horology.