Patek Philippe

Baron - Mr Red
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Patek Philippe 5131P - The "Ice King" is born

The 5131P marks the conclusion of the four metal assemblage. Over the last 8-9 years we have seen white, yellow and rose gold. Basel saw the release of the platinum version.


Enamel dial world times are very special pieces for Patek Philippe. They have a rich history in this area. Many consider that Patek Philippe world time watches to be the epitome of the genre. It is certainly true that this forum has a very wide ownership of various world time watches. So, for the release of the 5131P there was a great deal of hope and expectation.


The watch was released on a platinum bracelet that cannot be interchanged with a leather strap. The initial reaction that I heard from many seasoned collectors was somewhat negative. In fact, for many, the bracelet was seen as preventing further consideration of the watch. I have not made a comment yet as I wanted to spend some time actually thinking about the watch before taking a view. I have now considered it a lot. I have tried to actually really understand the watch. And from that basis, my thinking is as follows.


The 5131P has all the ingredients to become a total classic.  This is why I think it is the star of the Basel fair……


First things first. The 5131 as a reference is all about the dial. How does the enamel sit relative to the dial colour. Up until now, I think all 5131s have worked beautifully. The nature of the contrast between enamel and case metal is what makes this reference so special. It is what stands it apart from other world time watches both inside Patek Philippe and against other manufacturers. Yes, the rose, yellow and white gold versions had some wonderful contrasts between enamel and metal. We all have our particular favourite, but they are all very beautiful.


But the 5131P is something else. To me, it is about understanding what the watch is trying to do. The focus on the dial is the North Pole. The North Pole sits at the top of the world. It is one of the coldest places on Earth. That North Pole enamel dial is set in the context of the purity of the white metal platinum.  Platinum, as a noble metal, is one the least reactive metals on the planet. It is one of the densest metals on the planet. I see a lot of extremes in this combination. Edges are being pushed.


To my mind, the dial, enamel and case material give the watch a much cooler image than the other metals. When i use the term “cooler”, I mean that in a temperature sense. It has a coldness. White snow. North Pole. Lots of blue ocean. White metal. Purity of platinum. Whereas the gold versions have that warmth in the contrast, the platinum version is actually making a distinct point of playing on its lack of warmth.


And that is why I think the platinum bracelet is exactly the right approach. Patek Philippe have taken a theme and they have pushed it…….and then pushed it even further. The use of a platinum bracelet takes this watch and shifts it from being cold to being super-cool. It is a fitting tribute to a watch that I believe will become a classic. To those that say the bracelet is not “right”, I disagree. To my mind, one needs to look at the bracelet in the context of what the watch is. In that sense, the platinum bracelet is not just right, it elevates the watch into a totally different sphere. It is taking an edge and pushing it.


Bravo. The Ice King is born.

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