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. Released in 1993, the reference 5016 was the most modern complicated watch produced by the firm with a minute repeating, perpetual calendar, tourbillon movement, until Patek Philippe released the Sky Moon Tourbillon (5002) in 2001. Produced in yellow, white and rose gold, as well as platinum the watches featured silvered or black dials with numerals matching the case. It is believed that approximately 200 examples were manufactured until production ended in 2011.

The present example is fresh to the market from the original owner and in near new condition, complete with original certificate of origin, presentation box and additional hard case back. The dial features a rare retrograde date sector, which Patek Philippe featured on a few select references including 5050, 5059, 5159 and 5160. The minute repeating function has an exceptional tone and fullness. The reference 5016 is a wristwatch that embodies all the master qualities one expects from Patek Philippe, with a classic design and complicated movement, it is a legendary wristwatch that many adore, but few can own.