Purists have always considered Patek Philippe the pinnacle of master craftsmanship and their complicated timepieces grail watches to own for an important collection. Since the early 1940s when the reference 1526 was released, there has been a long and prestigious line of watches that elicit awe and inspiration, from the 3448 perpetual calendar wristwatch, to the iconic perpetual calendar chronographs, 1518 and 2499, as well as early minute repeating models like the reference 2419. These timepieces are mechanical works of art, which have a functional purpose, and they are a joy to look at the intricacies and quality of their movements.

With the launch of the reference 5016 in the early 1990s Patek Philippe introduced its most complicated wristwatch to date, featuring a minute repeater, perpetual calendar with retrograde date and tourbillon. Reference 5016 was discontinued in 20111.

Reference 5316 was introduced in 2017 and is a wonderful successor to the 5016. Featuring, a retrograde perpetual calendar, a tourbillon and a minute repeater with an astounding seraphic chime. The 40 mm platinum case with its downturned stepped lugs is reminiscent of the gorgeous lugs of the iconic reference 2499 and 2497. The flawless black enamel dial with black calendar discs and white gold indexes gives incredible depth and charisma to this marvel of design and technique.

The present example is the very first reference 5316 to grace the auction market and has all the elements to make it into a true icon, that many will covet but few will be lucky enough to own.