Throughout its long and prestigious history, Patek Philippe has been associated with quality workmanship and innovative movements. Their early pocket watches were often engraved with intricate designs adding elegance and grace, occupying the highest echelons in terms of quality. While the craftsman capable of such intricate work are slowly disappearing, Patek Philippe continues to employ skilled artisans keeping the tradition alive. The reference 5160 is a modern perpetual calendar wristwatch steeped in the firm’s past. An heir to ref 5159, it maintains the “Officier”-style case of its predecessor, reminiscent of watches from the early 20th century with its hinged back, and ups the ante with an incredibly artful hand-engraved arabesque motif reminiscent of Belle Époque style.

Released in 2010 and produced in yellow, pink and white gold - with the white gold version being the only one today still present in the catalogue - the enormous amount of work demanded by the case, furthermore doable only by a handful of skilled artisans, necessarily commands and extremely low output for the model. The white gold version exemplified by the present piece - offered with all its accessories and in superb condition - features an additional detail compared to the yellow and pink ones. The grooves of the engraving are filled with oxidised silver powder, which gives them the dark effect immediately noticeable to the naked eye, increasing the contrast of the engraved elements. Such a finish is by tradition reserved usually to white metal engravings.