Patek Philippe

cal.RTO 27 PS-QR damascened nickel lever movement stamped with the Geneva seal, 28 jewels, Gyromax balance, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions, one minute tourbillon carriage, revolving governor with pierced and engraved bridge in the form of a Calatrava cross, minute repeating on steel gongs using two polished hammers • black matt dial with applied Breguet numerals and hands, pearled minute track, apertures for day, month, phases of the moon combined with seconds and leap year indicator, retrograde date indicator • platinum case, stepped down-turned lugs and bezel, minute repeating slide in the band, sapphire crystal display back • case, dial and movement signed • with a platinum Patek Philippe buckle

This watch is offered in its sealed Patek Philippe plastic bag, as a consequence, it has not been possible to test the movement or repetition, however, since the watch was sold at the end of last year, it is visibly in unused condition. Please note that since the strap is crocodile/alligator, it would need to be removed prior to shipment outside the European Union - as such, clearly the watch would need to be removed from its sealed bag - however, the watch will, upon request by the successful purchaser, be given to Patek Philippe in London for the removal of the strap.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Accompanied by a spare solid platinum case back, Certificate of Origin, platinum mounted setting pin, leather folder with instructions and outer card box, a wooden presentation case with its key and outer card box, and a numbered Patek swing tag.

The present lot offers a rare opportunity to own one of the rarest complication wristwatches made by Patek Philippe. In unused condition, the watch is sold in its Patek Philippe sealed plastic bag and is together with all its original accompaniments.   

Patek Philippe No.1905129 Ref.5016P-018

Reference 5016 is one of the most important complication wristwatches ever manufactured. Launched in 1993, it is the second most complicated wristwatch ever produced by Patek Philippe; the only wristwatch made by Patek Philippe with more complications is the Sky Moon Tourbillon, ref.5002. According to our research, this is the first time the model has appeared at auction with a black dial. The combination of perpetual calendar, minute repetition and tourbillon escapement is one of the most appealing to collectors and watch enthusiasts. The extraordinary complexity of the movement of the 5016 is perfectly matched by the classic and harmonious design of the circular case with its graceful down-turned stepped lugs. Black dials have always been greatly prized by collectors and the addition of Breguet numerals enhances this wristwatch's exceptional design. By using a retrograde sector towards the centre of the dial, rather than an outer or subsidiary circular track, the date is given prominence thereby increasing its legibility.

The minute repetition mechanism will chime, on demand, first the hours, then the quarters and finally the minutes. Using two polished steel hammers on two gongs, the watch is able to chime both a high and low pitch to facilitate the audible sound indication. As an example, 12 hours and 59 minutes is struck as follows: 12 low chimes, 3 high/low chimes (on both gongs) and 14 high chimes. Meanwhile, the tourbillon acts to overcome rate deviations caused by the effects of gravity and the changing position of the watch when worn. The perpetual calendar mechanism indicates the day, date, month and leap year and will automatically adjust to the correct date even in a leap year (so long as the watch is in daily use). Indeed, if the watch were in continuous use, the calendar would not need to be adjusted until February 28th, 2100, since in that year the Gregorian calendar omits February 29th.

In the words of Patek Philippe's own literature: "A true masterpiece, the Ref.5016 unites in the case of a wristwatch all the features that quicken the pulse of people who admire beautiful complications: a tourbillon, a minute repeater, a perpetual calendar, and a moon-phase display".