Description

The reference 5101 is a striking, angular, and extravagantly designed rectangular wristwatch that is notable for both its exceptional mechanical ability and case architecture. When it was first introduced in 2003, it was the first timepiece to pair a tourbillon with a double-barrel 10-day power reserve. The 5101 later that year took home the Grand Prix d'Horologerie de Genève's highest distinction, the "Aiguille d'Or," also known as the Golden Hand prize. The triple-stepped sides and long, curving rectangular form of the casing are a clear nod to the Art Deco style of architecture.

Patek Philippe is renowned for using complications in a tastefully understated manner; they would rather keep the movement hidden behind the dial. This is done specifically to lessen the likelihood that the escapement with a tourbillon may lose oil due to exposure to UV light, but it also helps to distinguish Patek Philippe from its rivals. This specific reference 5101 has a very neat and appealing two-tone dial with two subdials that show the subsidiary seconds and power reserve, respectively