Few references in modern watchmaking history embody the quiet grandeur of Patek Philippe as fully as the ref. 5016. Produced between 1993 and 2011, it was, at the time of its introduction, the most complicated wristwatch ever created by the esteemed manufacturer. For nearly two decades, it stood as the pinnacle of Geneva’s horological artistry, uniting three of the most demanding complications—a minute repeater, a perpetual calendar, and a tourbillon regulator—with the added refinement of moon phases and a retrograde date. This singular combination remained unrivalled until the debut of the Sky Moon Tourbillon ref. 5002 (Lot 828) in 2001.

One of the hallmarks of the ref. 5016 is its retrograde date mechanism. The retrograde date, though visually simple, is among the most mechanically elegant solutions to calendar display, and in the ref. 5016 it harmonises beautifully with the perpetual calendar indications and moon phase aperture. The 37mm case is deceptively modest. Its arched lugs extend gracefully, giving the watch a presence on the wrist beyond its dimensions, yet never straying into ostentation. Offered in all four precious metals—yellow, rose, white gold, and platinum—the platinum versions are particularly celebrated, with only around 90 pieces in platinum believed to have been made. Its proportions draw inspiration from the legendary ref. 2499, embodying restrained elegance and perfect balance.

Dials were offered in silvered (present example) or black, with approximately 16 examples in platinum with a silver dial to have appeared on the market so far, each discreetly inscribed with the individual movement number beneath the moon phase aperture, echoing the observatory‑grade pocket watches of Patek Philippe’s early 20th‑century tradition. Through the sapphire back, the tourbillon reveals its artistry, distinguished by a uniquely shaped wheel reminiscent of a watchmaker’s tool. Bearing movement number 1’950’032, the present ref. 5016 is the 33rd example produced by the manufacturer, as the production of this reference began with movement number 1’950’000.

Equally important is the case maker of the present example. Among Patek Philippe’s minute repeaters, none are more coveted than those signed with the “JHP” hallmark of the late Jean‑Pierre Hagmann, the celebrated Geneva case maker renowned for the unparalleled acoustic quality of his creations. Subtly stamped beneath the lower right lug, this mark assures collectors of the sublime, crystalline chime that only a Hagmann case can deliver. Notably, Hagmann cases were employed only for the earliest productions of the ref. 5016, and in platinum they are of the utmost rarity. According to research, only a handful of platinum ref. 5016 with Hagmann cases have ever appeared at auction.

What’s more remarkable is the state of preservation of the present example, kept in well-preserved condition from the original owner, this ref. 5016 is simply astonishing. “Fresh-to-the-market” and accompanied by its full set of accessories, this is an exceptionally rare opportunity for collectors to acquire a landmark reference from Patek Philippe in its most original state of preservation that stands as one of the most remarkable wristwatches ever made.