The art of engraving requires extreme precision and finesse. To bring an engraving to life, the artist first sketches his vision on thin paper, then delicately carves the contours and lines on precious metal using a burin. At the same time, he or she carefully balances and rotates the object to ensure the engraving is done perfectly. While spirals and scrolls are usually the artisan’s pattern of choice, leaves and flowers are also popular motifs.

It is to no surprise that Patek Philippe is often the name that appears whenever the term craftsmanship is mentioned. Reminiscent of their 20th century works of time, the ref. 5160 is the firm’s answer to keeping their traditional roots in hand featuring a fully hand-engraved case with a classic “officers”-style case equipped with a hinged back. An exquisite timepiece, the ref. 5160 features a perpetual calendar interpreted in regulator style. Replacing the ref. 5159 in 2013, the ref. 5160 was first released in pink gold with roman numerals. It was then replaced by the ref. 5160 in white gold featuring Breguet numerals.

The present example Patek Philippe ref. 5160R-001 from circa 2014 belongs to the early edition of the reference. Well-preserved and accompanied by its original certificate and presentation box, this is arguably one of the most underrated complicated Patek Philippe models.