Launched in 2011, reference 5216 is the successor to reference 5016 (at the time of launch in 1993, the most complicated wristwatch serially made by Patek Philippe). It incorporates a perpetual calendar with retrograde date, a minute repeating mechanism, moonphases and a tourbillon regulator, making this timepiece a true watchmaking powerhouse. One of the most notable features of the watch is that despite the enormous intricacy of the movement, Patek Philippe managed to maintain the specifically developed in-house caliber RTO 27 PS QR (replacing the earlier Nouvelle Lemania based movement) to a very diminutive 28mm size. The 39.5mm size of the watch implies the presence of a relatively large resonant cavity within the case, allowing for remarkably loud and clear chiming.

Under an aesthetic point of view, the watch is inspired by one of the most distinguished case designs in the long and rich Patek Philippe heritage: the connoisseur will immediately identify the simple and elegant lines of early Calatrava timepieces such as ref. 96, of course reinterpreted to a larger, more modern size and adapted for the additional coplications. The black lacquered dial offers remarkable contrast with the platinum case, the gloss finish adding a further layer of elegance and the white gold markers like radiant pebbles in a pool of darkest ink.