New Release
GLau presents an exclusive look at the limited edition Patek Philippe watches released to commemorate the brand's 10th anniversary in the China market. The author details the unique design modifications for both men's and ladies' references, noting the aesthetic improvements over their standard counterparts and inviting community discussion on their global availability and appeal.
Dear All,
To commemorate the 10th Anniversary of Patek entering the China market, limited edition pieces are being offered. According to Patek in China, this time the significant difference is that, in addition to men’s, limited edition pieces are made especially for ladies. Whether this statement applies to markets outside of China I do not know and hope that PuristS can chime in.
Based on photos only, I find that the modified dials are attractive for both the 4897 (10 pieces of white gold and 10 pieces of rose gold) and 6000 (25 pieces of white gold and 25 pieces of rose gold). Each has an engraved map of China as a back cover. Ladies’ have hinged covers whereas men’s have hard back covers.
IMO, for both references, the modifications are well designed and are improvements to their original dials and overall looks. For me, the regular 6000 has a dial that is too busy with two sets of numbers that make me somewhat dizzy looking at it. Replacing the hour markers with batons makes the dial cleaner & more stylish, and this watch seems to me almost like a different reference. For the 4897, the regular reference is already a great watch with much style. IMO, now with the sunburst guilloche, shorter baton hour markers and Arabic numerals, the watch has evolved into an elegant one with much class. My wife thought highly of the 4897 as soon as I showed her the photos.
With the lower overall production number for the 4897, an interesting sales & marketing strategy has been utilized in that each 4897 is only sold with a 6000 as a pair. Hence, 20 fortunate couples will be enjoying his and hers. Each pair will come in a specially made watch box for it. Another interesting point is that a collector does not need to get the same metal for the 4897 and 6000 as a pair. Would you get a different metal than your wife’s in this pairing situation? Which metal do you think makes a better pair ?
Naturally, limited edition enamel pieces are also made for both the female and male collectors. 5 pieces of 5977/100 are made for ladies and 10 pieces of 5089 are made for men. Same as the concept mentioned above, each 5977 is sold with 5089 as a pair.
Heard that all these pieces are going fast.
Along with previously produced enamel dome clocks (owners kindly allowing the Maison to display their unique pieces), these commemorative pieces are currently on display in the Shanghai Maison till November 10th or 11th . Thereafter, they (without the dome clocks) will be displayed in the Beijing Maison.
What do you guys think of these pieces and the sales & marketing strategy ?
Cheers,
Gordon
The Patek Philippe reference 6000 was introduced in 2005 as a distinctive Calatrava model. It features an off-center dial layout and a date indication around the periphery, setting it apart from more traditional Calatrava designs. This reference offered a contemporary interpretation of a classic dress watch, appealing to collectors seeking a Patek Philippe with a unique aesthetic while retaining the brand's horological standards.
This reference is housed in a 37 mm case, available in 18k white gold or 18k rose gold. It is fitted with a sapphire crystal and is water-resistant to 25 meters. The watch is powered by the self-winding caliber 240 PS C, which provides a power reserve of 48 hours. The movement is visible through a sapphire case back.
The 6000 series appeals to collectors interested in Patek Philippe's modern production that deviates from conventional layouts. Its design, with the off-center time display and pointer date, offers a different character compared to other Calatrava models. The reference was produced until 2009, making it a relatively short-lived model within the brand's catalog.
They're all good looking watches. I personally prefer the original 6000G with its black and white dial and the grey dial over these dials; but my opinion may change when I see the new 6000 model with these dials in person.
I personally like the 6000 in white gold. I also want a watch with a second hand. Makes the watch alive , as you see it ticking. The cloissone dials are also very nicely done. Thanks for sharing Gordon. Best Geross.
...especially as they are beautiful and in such a very limited number. It is such a low number than we would never have heard of it otherwise. I'm certain that tasteful collectors will recognize its rarety and beauty. because whether it is pretty or not is what matters . I like the 4897G and the 6000R (even if for the 6000 we only can judge from official catalogue pictures). The 4897 is an unkown reference and the dial work is trully goregous. When limited edition are such nicely worked it is mu
I understand what amanico means. But the 6000G is very nice, even if I would not buy it. Best Tempus
as long as there is a reason to release the same and the editions are worth releasing. I.e. the 175 Anniversary watches were new releases and surely made many collectors happy and left many unhappy. There has been a lot of discussion about the London Editions and again, I find those absolutely okay because those watches, especially 5070, were such many collectors still wanted to get. Now I feel like a lottery winner: these new Chinese limited editions are not such that I would "need" to get one
Does the aesthetical choices (or technical) make it worth launching. I have my clear answer when I compare to the current collection. Hence, asking myself would I buy one if I was looking for something similar. My answer is definitely yes, these 6000 or this very elegant and classic 4897 (even better looking than some lady's watches from the current line-up imho) are watches I would like or prefer if I was going for a woman's watch or a 6000. I think they maybe shouldn't have communicated on thi
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