Collection
Miranda delves into the Patek Philippe Ref. 5200, tracing its lineage back to the Ref. 5100 and its groundbreaking 10-day power reserve movement. This article highlights Patek Philippe's commitment to technical innovation within a shaped case design, showcasing how the brand pushed horological boundaries at the turn of the millennium. Miranda's detailed exploration provides context for the evolution of Patek Philippe's long power reserve timepieces.
Introduction
It is 1999, the eve of a new millennium. The year 2000 is less than 12 months away. According to Space 1999 we should have colonised the moon already. It was a great time to be in IT. The millennium bug was more dangerous than the cold war.
You see as the date went from 99 to 00, it was envisaged that there would be a global melt down, as computers would reset. It was assumed that an IT accident would launch nukes and all the world’s data would crash.
BUT, at Patek Philippe, there was something far more serious to think about, how do you cram 10 days power reserve in to a movement, a shaped movement at that. Can you imagine how tense it was in Geneva?
Well at Baselworld 2000, Patek unleashed to the world the ref.5100. It was an eclectic mix of vintage inspiration with modern technology. The new debutant featured a case with flared wings, inspired from the famed “Manta Ray” ref 2554. Its heart was a 10 days power reserve, shaped rectangular movement. Three years in the making, it was in 2000, revolutionary. The dawn of the Patek Power Rangers had arrived.
The new movement was 28mm x 20mm with a height of just 5.05mm. It comprised 175 parts and boasted a guaranteed power reserve of 240 hours. The 29-jewel movement was regulated at 21,600 v/h, with a free sprung Gyromax balance.
This astonishing accomplishment was realised by using a novel ‘double’ barrel mechanism, comprising of two uneven sized barrels that acted instantaneously with each other.
When wound, the ratchet engages the barrel arbor, which winds the spring. As this happens, simultaneously the teeth of the first barrel wind the spring of the second barrel.
A slipping spring incorporated to the arbor of the winding mechanism is utilised to avert over-winding by blocking the winding. It also acts to prevent excessive torque being stored, as when fully wound, the mechanism has 1 kg of torque within the movement. It takes 100 turns to fully wind the movement.
Finished to Geneva seal standards it was also submitted to COSC was testing. It is one of the very few watches with both Geneva seal and COSC joint certification.
Ref.5101: The “Whirlwind” Power Ranger
Following in the footsteps from the ref.5100, in 2003 Patek stunned again with the debut of the ref.5101p. Patek dared to do the unthinkable, combining a ten days power reserve with a tourbillon- in a rectangular movement-a world debut for such a combination.
The tourbillon rotates about its own axis once a minute. The ref 5101 once again aesthetically drew inspiration from its illustrious vintage lineages. You can see the inspiration from the reference 514, with its triple step sided curved case.
The new movement, Cal. 28-20/222, took three years to develop. The tourbillon necessitated moving the gear train to the dial side, so that the tourbillon was visible from the back. (Patek chose not to display the tourbillon dial side because the sun/heat can dry up the oils).
As per all Patek tourbillons, a specialist “regleur” regulated 5101’s, over a period of seven days to provide the ultimate in accuracy. This was further testified by submitting to COSC.
The vintage inspiration for the ref. 5101, in steel, the ref 514
The reference 5200: Powering the days and the date
The latest addition to the Power Rangers is the astonishing ref 5200. Combining an eight-daypower reserve it also adds the complications of day and date display. Both day and date change instantaneously.
The movement is a further development of the ref 28-20/220. The additional functions use up two days of energy hence why it is an eight-dayreserve.
The new movement, cal. 28/20 REC 8J PS IRM C J, also benefits from the introduction of Advanced Research technologies in the form of Silinver parts. It features a Spiromax balance spring with Pulsomax escapement. It is also the first Patek 4Hz movement with these Silinver modifications. The use of Silinver is not just for anti-magnetic purposes; the lack of need for lubrication and the lighter weight when compared with steel actually helps in the conservation of energy, contributing in the eight-day power reserve.
The case in white gold also draws vintage art deco inspiration. On the wrist it looks stunning, with a choice of silvery white or blue dials. The curved case makes for a very comfortable fit. - It also has a cambered sapphire crystal case back. It has good presence on the wrist with a case size of 32.4 x 46.9mm and is a mere 11.63mm in height.
The ref 5200 inherits the true spirit of the ref.5100, combining vintage DNA in its aesthetics with all the advances in modern movement technology.
The Laurent Ferrier Grand Complications reference 5101 is a notable example of the brand's early commitment to traditional watchmaking with a focus on refined finishing and understated design. This reference represents a period where Laurent Ferrier established its distinct aesthetic, combining classical proportions with a high level of horological craftsmanship. It is recognized for its adherence to a more traditional watch size, appealing to collectors who value subtlety and historical precedent in their timepieces.
This particular reference features an 18k white gold case measuring 36 mm in diameter, housing the manual-wind caliber 25-21 REC PS. The movement provides a power reserve of 44 hours. A sapphire crystal protects the black dial, ensuring clarity and scratch resistance. The watch is rated water resistant to 25 meters, suitable for everyday wear but not for immersion.
The Grand Complications 5101 appeals to collectors seeking a discreet yet highly finished independent watchmaking piece. Its production run from 2003 to 2012 places it within the brand's foundational years, making it a point of interest for those tracing the evolution of Laurent Ferrier's catalog. The combination of precious metal, a finely finished manual movement, and a classic dial configuration positions it as a sophisticated choice for connoisseurs.
Another astonishing post...one can learn from you something daily...1kg of torque in such small space...crazy... As you started 2018 will be amazing year on PP forum! Cheers D
.......firstly, thank you for the time and trouble that you have taken to research and review this reference. It is fantastic work. I have wanted to own one of these watches for years. I think it is a modern marvel and a classic in the making. Regrettably, the size and shape of the case makes it very tricky for me to consider it....but I have really tried! I think presenting these reviews in teh way that you have allows members to get a glimpse of watches that not only are exceptional in their o
For me, at least, the 5100 is the true star. Especially the G version with its blue dial. The 5200 is wiser. Good or bad, that's the question! Best, Imran, and thanks for this stellar review. Nicolas
My favourite is: Best, Kari
Is fantastic! Thank you for another beautiful post! Best Blomman
Where do you get the time? I have never seen any of these in the flesh but my issue with the 5200 is that it " jumped the shark" Too much going on I like the purity of the 5100 or the subtlety of the 5101 Here is my original manta
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