There's unfortunately no 5496 available in France for me to try one on.

Hand-engraved madness: yes or no?

By: quattro : December 6th, 2025-13:32

I find the Patek Philippe officer-style, hunter caseback, Retrograde Perpetual Calendars ref. 5160/500 and ref. 5160 quite fascinating . But I sometimes wonder if this hand-engraved madness isn't a bit too much . What do you think ? They all measure 38 x ...

Patek Philippe

Hand-engraved madness: yes or no?

G r o s s

Does it mean that you like it or not ?

Informal meaning of gross: inspiring disgust or distaste

Thank you, it's what I thought, but wasn't sure.

Certainly not for me…

And what about the non-engraved ref. 5159?

Yes it does but call me old fashioned

I must say that I love the 5050 too, Dirk!

+1!

Great looking watch, if you can find one not polished to death.

Good point

5050 is a beauty...

Not for me! Others may like them and that's ok! To each his own.

I can understand that. Does the non-engraved ref. 5159 appeal more to you?

Not really. I don't care for the wide bezel. Other than that, the watch is very nice.

Ok, so definitely not for you!

Works of art.

Yes, I think I'll ask to see the 5160/500R during my next visit to the PP Salon.

See above.

It's a polarising and divisive aesthetic, for sure.

I certainly appreciate them, I’m however thinking about the scratches and dents due to regular wear, so much wasted time on engraving.

I don't think a regular wear would bring that much scratches and dents,

You definitely are;)

I prefer not to think about how it would look, then ! ;-)

;))))

They are probably an acquired taste…

I understand this feeling perfectly. Do you prefer the non-engraved ref. 5159 ?

Much more to my taste, yes 👍🏻

👌🏼

I happen to like them

And would you choose the regular 5159G (Roman numerals) or the London edition with Breguet numerals?

Can't i have them both?!

You describe the difference very well, and I would also choose the Roman variant.

I had never seen the Breguet number version...

Yes, the Roman looks better, imo.

You asked about the engraving because you're too afraid to ask about the leap year window, right? :)

Aha! I like your humour!

I find it to be very beautiful!

Quite fascinating, yes.

Each is a work of art and therefore subject to ones own interpretation.

Yes, I understand your point of view.

Well they say, and I would argue, madness and genius are synonymous!

Nicely said! I like your enthusiasm.

Honestly? Not working for me.

Your point of view is very interesting.

Hi Emmanuel, this style is

I like craftsmanship very much too!

This sort of engraving is definitely not for me.

I understand. This aesthetic is definitely very polarising.

I think these are wonderfully done.

Really wonderful!

I think you'll like it.

I think so too!

I like the engravings better than the overall base watch layout

Oh, fingers crossed for this allocation, then!

Yes, this one, dear Emmanuel! I am not too optimistic

Let's hope they will give it to you! It would be really wonderful!

I tried one on years ago in Seattle...

I can understand that.

I am big fan of engraved watches and these show why .

Oh, yes it does, definitely!

I like and admire this watch.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

I personally love the engraved pieces.

I completely agree with you concerning the retrograde complication.

Too ornate and elaborate for my taste

Your 5153 is very nice! Thanks for sharing !

Stunning

It's what I read on Collectability...

Impressive but slightly over the top

I didn't know LF had such a high appreciation of the 5159!

I think the 5160G is a fantastic watch in every way. It is a watch I would be thrilled to wear, although it is not a watch I expect to buy. If I were to head in that direction

Dear Patekova,

Dear Emmanuel, Thank you for the nice things you say about my 5496. Neither 5159 nor 5496 as reflected by market prices are very popular.

There's unfortunately no 5496 available in France for me to try one on.