Dje's 2011 post highlights the Patek Philippe 5153G as his favorite new release from Baselworld, praising its black dial and white gold case. This article revisits a key moment for Patek Philippe collectors, showcasing the enduring appeal of a classic Calatrava with modern refinements.
I've given my opinion about the watch I see as the most important new watch for the Patek Philippe range at Baselworld 2011, namely the 5270G.
I'll give ASAP some information about the Patek Philippe 5208 as it is a premiere for Patek Philippe and a watch that will stand among few others at the top of the (wristwatch) horological summit.
But I can't wait more to post here the only pic I have of my favourite new watch in the Patek Philippe range for 2011.
In the past the 5053G has long been my (most affordable) dream Patek Philippe, even if the date integration always annoyed me slightly (all dates generally annoy me, at least slightly).
Two years ago the launch of the 5153J was a good surprise, even if the watch was a J. I guess a Patek Philippe would have to be at least a 5170 or a 5970 to tempt me in J. But it was sure that there would be other colours someday. That's the way things go.
I had hoped again recently for a white gold 5153.
I got it. I got even more of it as it is appearing with an unexpected black dial.
A white gold Calatrava with a black dial, and one without a single diamond!
Patek Philippe 5153G
Honestly I had not even dreamed of a black dial version. A white face would have been enough but I happily receive the black one.
I even more happily receive it as it is even showing a white date on a black background.
I can just say I love everything about this watch.
The two part dial with hand-guilloched center seems gorgeous.
The hands are seemingly perfectly readable.
The case size is my kind of size.
I even love the strap style!
In fact this watch could easily challenge the 5711/1A for begin my first Patek Philippe, if any of them was in my reach. They are two different ways of enjoying the same calibre.
After all The 5153G is water resistant at 30 meters and white gold can't rust!
I hope to see one soon, even if I fear it may fastly be a best seller in the Calatrava range.
I urge all Baselworld visitors who can share pics to do so. Thank you by advance.
Cheers
Dje
This message has been edited by Dje on 2011-03-27 05:26:18 This message has been edited by Dje on 2011-03-27 21:37:44
About the Patek Philippe Chronograph Ref. 5170
The Chronograph reference 5170, introduced in 2010, marked a significant development for Patek Philippe as it was the first serially produced chronograph to feature a fully in-house manufactured movement. This reference succeeded the reference 5070, transitioning from a Lemania-based caliber to a proprietary design, underscoring the brand's commitment to integrated manufacturing for its complications. It represents a modern interpretation of a classic chronograph layout within the Patek Philippe catalog.
The reference 5170 features a case measuring 39.4 mm in diameter and 10.9 mm in thickness, available in 18k white, rose, or yellow gold. It is equipped with the manual-winding caliber CH 29-535 PS, which offers a power reserve of 65 hours. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal and is water-resistant to 30 meters. The movement is visible through a sapphire case back, showcasing its intricate finishing.
This reference appeals to collectors seeking a contemporary Patek Philippe chronograph with an in-house movement. Early variants, such as the yellow gold reference 5170J-001, featured a pulsometer scale, which was later replaced by a minute track on subsequent iterations. The various metal options and dial configurations provide distinct aesthetic choices for collectors, reflecting different periods of its production run.
Specifications
- Caliber
- CH 29-535 PS
- Case
- 18k White Gold, Rose Gold, or Yellow Gold
- Diameter
- 39.4 mm
- Dial
- Silver, Black, or Opaline
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Patek Philippe Ref. 5208
The Patek Philippe reference 5208 is a grand complication that combines a minute repeater, an instantaneous perpetual calendar, and a monopusher chronograph. Introduced at BaselWorld in 2010, this reference showcases Patek Philippe's mastery in integrating multiple complex mechanisms into a single timepiece, distinguishing it as a significant offering within their high-complication portfolio. Its design emphasizes technical sophistication and horological innovation, particularly with the instantaneous jumping perpetual calendar function.
The watch typically features a platinum case, measuring 42mm in diameter, housing the self-winding Caliber R CH 27 PS QI movement. This intricate movement provides a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. The crystal is sapphire, offering clear visibility of the dial and, often, the finely finished movement through a sapphire case back. The construction reflects a commitment to traditional haute horlogerie standards in both materials and finishing.
For collectors, the 5208 represents a pinnacle of Patek Philippe's technical prowess, appealing to those who seek a watch with multiple grand complications. Its combination of a minute repeater, perpetual calendar, and monopusher chronograph places it in an exclusive category. The reference is notable for its technical complexity and the precision required for its instantaneous calendar function, making it a highly regarded piece among connoisseurs of complicated watchmaking.
Specifications
- Caliber
- R CH 27 PS QI
- Case
- Platinum
- Diameter
- 42mm
- Dial
- Black
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Ref. 5270
The Patek Philippe Grand Complications reference 5270 is a perpetual calendar chronograph, succeeding the highly regarded reference 5970. It represents a significant evolution in Patek Philippe's grand complications lineup, being the first perpetual calendar chronograph to feature an in-house developed movement. This transition from a modified Nouvelle Lemania base caliber to a fully integrated Patek Philippe movement marks a notable advancement in the brand's technical independence and horological prowess. The 5270 maintains the classic aesthetic of its predecessors while introducing subtle design refinements.
The reference 5270 is housed in a 41 mm case, available in 18k white gold, rose gold, or yellow gold. The case design is characterized by a concave bezel and two-tier lugs, contributing to its distinctive profile. It is powered by the manual-winding caliber CH 29-535 PS Q, an integrated chronograph movement with a perpetual calendar mechanism. This movement offers a power reserve of approximately 55 hours and is protected by a sapphire crystal, ensuring water resistance up to 30 meters.
This reference appeals to collectors seeking a modern interpretation of a classic grand complication from Patek Philippe. Its in-house movement and refined case details distinguish it within the brand's offerings. Multiple dial variants have been produced, including silver, blue, and opaline, providing collectors with a range of aesthetic choices. The 5270 continues the tradition of Patek Philippe's perpetual calendar chronographs, offering a blend of technical sophistication and traditional design.
Specifications
- Caliber
- CH 29-535 PS Q
- Case
- 18k White Gold, Rose Gold, or Yellow Gold
- Diameter
- 41 mm
- Dial
- Multiple variants available
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire