Review
Dje's pictorial report from Baselworld 2012 offers a fresh, natural-light perspective on the Patek Philippe 5204P, a split-seconds perpetual calendar chronograph. This article revisits the watch after Dje's initial technical review, providing new angles and real-world wrist shots that aim to captivate readers who might have been less impressed by earlier press photos. His personal encounter at the Patek Philippe Salon in Paris highlights the watch's aesthetic appeal beyond its complex mechanics.
We recently studied the technical improvements brought by the new Patek Philippe 5204 P, a brand new split-seconds perpetual calendar manual wind chronograph.
I will not discuss these aspects again as there is obviously nothing new on this side. You can still look at it there: patek.watchprosite.com
Since my article I had the opportunity to travel to Paris and see again that watch at the Patek Philippe Salon place Vendome. Here is a pictorial report so that you can see the watch under natural light and from many angles. Enjoy it!
The watch looks perfect on my wrist don't you think?
In fact I'm totally under the charm of this watch. I sincerely hope that those who were left cold by the Basel pics will get more appeal this time, especially if they appreciated the inner works.
I feel like a perfect sense of proportions between the different elements constituting the design.
Of course this watch is somewhat thick, with all this technical content. But it is moderately thick, and not out of proportion.
Even with a platinum case the volume and weight is perfectly wearable for a medium wrist like mine.
If someone dares to write that this watch is too large, look below before !
In love you know……
And it's not that much more expensive than the Mercedes SLS I test drove two months ago…
If you find the watch too cold, maybe a brown strap would bring a touch of warmness.
In fact with this watch I would not choose a SLS. I would take a 1950s Ferrari spider!
The watch is classic, but still not vintage looking, thanks to its hands and indices.
It's just a simple round watch.
More readable than ever !
Great classics never die !
I love these lugs too.
The back side is a very very nice view too.
I'm sure you'd like to see all this working !
The advantage of a manual wind chronograph is that you can see how it works.
There are so many moving parts…
wouldn't you like to caress these angled bridges and parts ?
I like the way the light plays on these parts. It's not too colourful, but very bright.
In fact it's a toy.
I tried to see if the indices were bright in the darkness but no !
They don't seem to be luminescent in fact. Maybe it's just the proto?
The only question is if I like it more than the 5970P. Maybe yes…
So what to say ? It's a great re-interpretation of a classic!
I hope you liked it.
Best
Dje
Patek Philippe Reference 5204 Split-Seconds Chronograph Perpetual Calendar
The Reference 5204 combines split-seconds chronograph functionality with perpetual calendar complications in a 40mm case format. This reference represents Patek Philippe's approach to integrating dual chronograph timing capabilities with complete calendar functions, positioning it as a grand complication within the manufacture's lineup.
The 40mm case is available in 18k white gold or rose gold with polished bezel treatment and sapphire crystal. The manual-winding Caliber R CH 27 PS QI provides 48 hours of power reserve. Dial options include silvery-gray or silvery-opaline finishes, paired with alligator leather straps. Water resistance is rated to 30 meters.
Produced from 2012 to 2019, the 5204 appeals to collectors seeking complications beyond standard chronographs or simple perpetual calendars. The split-seconds function adds timing versatility while maintaining the traditional manual-winding operation characteristic of high-end chronograph manufacture. The reference serves collectors prioritizing mechanical complexity and dual precious metal case options.
Was the watch not wound while you were wearing it? Thanks - great photos.
nt
nicest pics i've seen of a 5204P, too bad they didn't let you out of the shop... jst to take a few shots in natural light of course :) The 1 line comment after every pics, is just the right thing, not too much text and let the pics do the talking Thanks for the great pics
Hi, They didn't let me out of the shop but I took my pics upstairs at the window so it's mainly natural light. I thought about jumping out but they know me you know! :-) Best Dje
If only there wasn't these two holes in the dial.... Between the 5970P and this 5204P, no hesitation, I prefer the less mechanically sophisticated, but aesthetically stronger 5970P. If only there wasn't these two holes... Best, Nicolas.
Hi, Both watches are perfectly complementary though, so no problem getting both! Best Dje
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