PATEK PHILIPPE | A FINE AND RARE WHITE GOLD AUTOMATIC PERPETUAL CALENDAR WRISTWATCH WITH RETROGRADE DATE, MOON PHASES AND LEAP YEAR INDICATIONREF 5160G MVT 5548883 CASE 4501124 CIRCA 2010

• cal. 324/336 automatic movement stamped with PP seal, 30 jewels • silvered dial with hand-engraved centerfield, Roman numerals, apertures for day, month, leap year and moon-phases, retrograde date • finely hand-engraved 18k white gold case, snap-on sapphire crystal display back, hinged and engraved dust cover • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k white gold hand-engraved Patek Philippe folding clasp

The movement in working condition at the time of cataloguing, the calendar functions are working properly. The dial is in excellent overall condition however the hour, minute and retrograde date hands has been completely oxidized. The case has oxidized beautifully and evenly over the years. This oxidation can easily be cleaned. However, we have left it as it is because it gives the watch a lot of character. The case back is only partly oxidized. The folding clasp has also been oxidized with a uniform color. Overall, the watch is in excellent condition and is ever seldom has been worn. * Please note that the movement has not tested for the accuracy of time and may need service at the buyer's expense. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement. **Please be advised that the bands on this watch are made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species, please refer to important notices for further information. *Please note that the watch needs to be taken to boutique for proper adjustment of perpetual calendar to the correct dates
"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."

Accompanied by a Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, instruction manual, setting pin, travelling pouch and presentation box. Conscious of its 179 years of history, Patek Philippe’s designers and watchmakers work for months on a new watch, defining the tiniest details of its dials, hands, cases or bracelet, trying out the effect of new technologies and experimenting with the subtleties of different materials. At the same time, Patek Philippe strives to serve as the guardian of Swiss watchmaking traditions, dedicated to preserve the artisanal skills that have been associated with horology for many years. By merging manual dexterity and contemporary technologies, Patek Philippe contributes to the survival of rare skills such as engraving, enamelling, gem setting and marquetry. This exalted commitment has been perpetuated many of its extraordinary creations – be it pocket watches, dome clocks and wristwatches preventing many precious techniques from extinction. 

Among all traditional techniques, engraving is particularly intriguing – it gives free reins to their engravers by playing with spaces and tools to create different motifs and patterns. With one hand, the engravers can carve lifelike scenes into a dial; skeletonize bridges and plates to highlight the functional beauty of the mechanism, and bevel the case which brings elegant relief that reflect full sparkle of light. According to Patek Philippe’s rare handcrafts manuscript, there were nearly two hundred engravers registered in Geneva in 1789. To date, the roster has downsized to a dozen experts only. Hence, these handcrafted marvels which embody artistic mastery will only continue in becoming exceptionally rare.

This Spring, Sotheby’s is thrilled to present two impressive timepieces that perfectly blend modern technologies with traditional handcraft technique by Patek Philippe, references 5160G and 5101R.

Accompanied by a Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, instruction manual, setting pin, traveling pouch and presentation box.

Patek Philippe introduced the novelty reference 5160 in 2010 first in yellow gold then white gold and finally in pink gold in 2013. This model is based on the reference 5159 perpetual calendar with retrograde date wristwatch but with a case entirely engraved by hand, including the lugs, bezel and hinged back, and a discreetly decorated hand-guillochéd dial. This combination makes the reference a magnificent example of both the engraver and guillocheur’s arts.