Patek Philippe

• cal. R TO 27PS QR movement, 28 jewels, stamped with the Seal of Geneva, one minute tourbillon, minute repeating on two gongs • black dial, applied pink gold Breguet numerals, arch sector for retrograde date, 3 apertures for day, month and leap year indication, subsidiary dial with aperture for moon phases • 18k pink gold case, convex bezel, with minute repeating slide to the band, sapphire crystal case snap on case back • case, dial, and movement signed • with 18k pink gold Patek Philippe folding clasp

Movement running at the time of cataloging however it has not been tested for accuracy and may need service at the buyer's discretion and expense. All functions work correctly, chiming is in phase. Case with minor wear to the edges. Dial in excellent condition. Movement in very good condition. Please note the present lot is not accompanied by the solid case back and therefore can not be issued an Extract from the Archives. The present lot contains endangered species which is subject to restrictions upon international export. Accordingly, the strap will be removed prior to shipment outside the United States.
"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."

Consisting of more than 500 minuscule parts, Patek Philippe's Ref. 5016 is a marvelous work of art in modern Haute Horlogerie.  By combining the most highly prized functions including tourbillon, minute repeater, perpetual calendar with retrograde date hand and moon-phases display in a Calatrava case, the model once held the title of the most complicated Patek Philippe wristwatch ever produced.  It was only surpassed by the Ref. 5002 Sky Moon Tourbillon in 2001, followed by Ref. 5207 in 2008.  

Within the heart of this masterpiece is calibre R TO 27 PS QR, a hand-wound movement with tourbillon regulator which rotates on the same axis as the balance and fourth wheel.  This complicated configuration is situated at the back in order to minimize the exposure from daylight and therefore extends the longevity of the movement and oil.

In addition to the complicated movement, Ref 5016 houses a striking mechanism that consists of superb craftsmanship to produce the chiming of the hours, quarters and minutes with incomparable sound quality.

The case is marked 'JPH' on the bottom lug, the signature of renowned case maker Jean-Pierre Hagmann who made cases for Patek Philippe for many of their celebrated references.

The present example has never been offered in any auction.