Description

The Patek Philippe reference 5316 brings together minute repeater, tourbillon, and perpetual calendar complications, reflecting a mastery in traditional watchmaking and fine finishing amid an era obsessed with audacious complications and movement aesthetics. The calibre R TO 27 PS QR, first showcased in 1993 within reference 5016, symbolizes Patek Philippe’s historic journey over three decades, with its debut model being the most complicated watch until it was superseded by subsequent models like reference 5216 and the iconic 5002 Sky Moon Tourbillon. Reference 5016 was renowned for its multi-complication calibre within a compact 36.8 mm case and numerous design features that paid homage to earlier models from the 1950s, while its successor, the 5216, opted for a more modern 39.5mm diameter and a different aesthetic inspired more directly from Calatrava references such as the ref. 96 and ref. 570

The 5216 had a significantly shorter production run, lasting only six years, but paved the way for reference 5316, which married the best of the two previous iterations by adopting the 5016’s case style but with an enhanced diameter of 40.2mm. Initially offered in platinum with a contrasting black enamel dial, the 5316 embodied both wearability and an improved acoustic environment for the repeater gongs.

The revered R TO 27 PS QR calibre invites owners to admire its exquisite movement and classical Geneva finishing, including elegant radial striping, contrasting perlage, and meticulous anglage, all while maintaining Patek Philippe’s reputation for the remarkable sonic quality of their chiming watches. Not to mention the gold third wheel. For collectors, Patek Philippe’s incorporation of these complications not only represents a horological masterpiece but also serves as a discreet emblem of distinguished watchmaking connoisseurship.

The impressive manual winding Calibre R TO 27 PS QR, assembles a myriad of sought-after complications : a minute-repeater with 2 classic gongs, a perpetual calendar with retrograde date hand, a tourbillon escapement and moon phase indication.

An astonishing 506 parts have been used to compose this movement, engraved with the Patek Philippe Seal as a testament to the Geneva Maison’s mastery. Covering this mechanical marvel, the elegant black enamel dial with a gradient rim is decorated with hands and indexes applied in white gold, perpetual calendar and moonphase apertures, as well as the retrogade circle arc.

To stay consistent with the greatness demonstrated through this Grand Complications, the 40.2mm case is made of Platinum 950 – as indicated by the diamond inserted at 6 o’clock between the lugs. The watch comes strapped on a hand-stitched black shiny alligator strap to match with the solid black dial.

Now discontinued, this model took its last resting place at the “Hall of Fame” of highly collectible Patek Philippe Grand Complications, this application piece is available today with K2 Luxury.

Patek Philippe – Bio

Patek Philippe & Co. was founded in 1839, located in Geneva and the Vallée de Joux. It designs and manufactures timepieces and movements, including some of the most complicated mechanical watches. It is considered by many experts and aficionados to be one of the most prestigious watch manufacturers.
In 1868, Patek Philippe made their first wristwatch, which was sold on November 13, 1876 to the Hungarian Countess.
It is the last independent, family-owned Genevan watch manufacture with uninterrupted operating history spanning nearly 180 years.