Patek Philippe 5213G Perpetual Calendar Minute Repeater
Review

Patek Philippe 5213G Perpetual Calendar Minute Repeater

By foversta · Jun 24, 2014 · 20 replies
foversta
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Foversta provides a detailed hands-on review of the Patek Philippe Ref. 5213G, a grand complication that combines a perpetual calendar with a minute repeater. This article explores the watch's design nuances, technical execution, and its position within Patek Philippe's esteemed lineage of complicated timepieces. Foversta's insights offer a critical perspective on what makes this reference a significant offering from the manufacture.

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The 5213G belongs to the category of watches which explain why Patek has a very special place in the top of the watchmaking hill. It gathers with a lot of elegance and without any unnecessary trick two of the favorite complications of the Manufacture: the Perpetual Calendar and the Minutes Repeater, all together inside a hinged case which is welcome in this context.

One of the main Patek Philippe assets is to be able to propose different stylistic approaches for the same complications. The 5213G could be considered as an evolution in a rond case of the 5013 (tonneau shaped case) or as a version without the tourbillon of the 5016. But that's not enough! The 5213G stands out thanks to the use of the PC module with retrograde date hand while the 5074 offers the same combination of complications but with a traditional display of the calendar data. It is difficult in these conditions not to find the watch which perfectly meets our expectations!






I have to confess that I've never been a great fan of the PC display which uses the retrograde hand. I have always had the feeling that the PC module was not in its right place in large cases and the leap year window tends to overlap a bit the date graduation scale. But this display has a strong property: it proposes a small second hand located inside the 6 o'clock subdial which animates the dial and allows to check dial side if the watch is working. On the other hand, the 5074 doesn't have any permanent second hand.

Without any doubt, the retrgrade hand brings a touch of originality in the dial lay-out, the dial itself being very legible. The days, the months, the dates, the 4 years cycle, everything is easily readable at first glance even if the two main Breguet-style hands may sometimes hide the retroagrade hand (which is by the way the case on the pictures). The dial finishings are flawless, the applied figures and indexes bring a lot of refinement but I appreciate even more the small three-dimensional marks inserted inside the peripheral graduation scale every 5 minutes.






Usually struggling in cases which have a large diameter, the Perpetual Calendar module with retrograde hand seems here, by magic, appropriate while the watch has a 40,6mm diameter which starts to be a large size. The reason behind this paradox is at the end easy to explain. The diameter is large enough to allow to locate the full applied figures and the peripheral scale. So, visually speaking, the dial seems very balanced because its data are harmoniously spread.

The white gold case also deserves  a closer observation. It is a hinged case and it opens thanks to its hinge which allows to take advantage of the show proposed by the movement, especially when the hammers are at play. The hinge is located at the level of the lugs at 12 o'clock. This very elegant solution can be explained by the presence of the slide piece of the minutes repeater on the case side. Moreover, the case needs to be as homogeneous as possible in order to define the suitable context to get the best sound quality when the slide piece is moved. Anyway, the hinged case seems to me perfect here. The watch keeps a very discreet side and only the eyes of a true connoisseur will notice the presence of the slide piece on the case side. The happy owner of the 5213G can then open the hinged dust cover like a small music box. I love this small interaction and the idea to discover behind the theatre drapes a show which is a feast for the eyes... and the ears!






The automatic caliber R 27 PS QR, which has a 3hz frequency and a power reserve of around 40 hours, is a visual marvel whose several key elements stand out very quickly:

- The micro-rotor with its precise and subtle decorations
- The gongs and the hammers ready to produce the sounds
- The Pink Gold Calatrava Cross of the flywheel bridge





This movement, despite the number of complications, remains rather thin with a height of 7,23mm which allows the 5213G to keep a slender style despite the additional dust cover. But all these considerations would be useless if the sound of the minutes repeater was disappointing. I have to state that it totally meets my expectations. I consider the 5213G as one of the most convincing watches on this topic. The sound has a constant rhythm, is pure and its volume is very satisfactory. The two notes are different enough to hear the exact time without any difficulty. The movie below tries to share with you this sound quality even if the context in which it was shot was a bit too noisy:



The discreet side of the 5213G can be appreciated once put on the wrist. It is the perfect example of the selfish watch. Behind a rather classic style, can be found a complicated watch whose most seducing complication stays hidden and which is known only by the owner of the timepiece. It is another proof of the Patek Philippe excellence on complicated watches. The finishings are flawless and we just need to observe the guillochage of the of winding rotor to understand the gap between this type of movement and a classic basic 240 caliber. The true watchmaking mastery expresses itself in the fine-tuning of the minutes repeater: when I listened each and every note, I understood the  tremendous care in this crucial step. The 5213G is really an exceptional watch worthy of the prestige of the Manufacture which created it.





Thanks to the De Greef team in Brussels.

Pros:
+ the hinged case
+ the case and movement finishings
+ the show offered by the movement when the hammers play
+ the flawless sound quality

Cons:
- I'm not a fan of this Perpetual Calendar module because the leap year window is overlapping a bit the date graduation scale
- the power reserve is a bit too short
This message has been edited by foversta on 2014-06-24 14:38:52

About the Patek Philippe Ref. 5013

The Patek Philippe Reference 5013 is a grand complication timepiece, distinguished by its combination of a minute repeater, a retrograde perpetual calendar, and a tourbillon. This reference stands apart from simpler perpetual calendar models due to its highly complex array of functions, representing a significant achievement in horological engineering and craftsmanship within Patek Philippe's lineage of complicated watches. It was produced in limited numbers, underscoring its exclusivity and technical ambition.

Crafted with a tonneau-shaped case, the 5013 typically features precious metals. The watch houses an automatic movement, specifically the Caliber R TO 27 PS QR, which integrates the minute repeater, tourbillon, and retrograde perpetual calendar functions. This intricate movement operates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour and provides a power reserve of approximately 38 to 48 hours. The dial is protected by a sapphire crystal, often showcasing a classic Patek Philippe aesthetic.

As a grand complication, the 5013 appeals to collectors seeking Patek Philippe's most technically advanced and exclusive creations. Its combination of a minute repeater, tourbillon, and retrograde perpetual calendar places it among the brand's most complex wristwatches. The reference is notable for its non-officer case design, which distinguishes it from other grand complications that may feature hinged casebacks. Its rarity and technical sophistication ensure its continued relevance in the high-end collector market.

Specifications

Caliber
R TO 27 PS QR
Case
Platinum
Diameter
36 x 46 mm
Dial
Silver
Water Resist.
30 m
Crystal
Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
PA
patrick_y
Jun 24, 2014
Another problem with the retrograde date...

The date can almost often be fully covered by the hands of the hours, making it difficult to decipher what date it actually is. Thank you for the comprehensive review and especially the video of this extraordinary new repeater from Patek Philippe!

CO
Conkers
Jun 24, 2014
Thanks!

Great review - I do like this piece, never seen one in the flesh!

FO
foversta
Jun 25, 2014
Glad to read that you liked the review! [nt]

FO
foversta
Jun 25, 2014
Thanks Patrick! [nt]

MA
Mark in Paris
Jun 25, 2014
A rare watch, nice to read and hear about

Hey Fx, It is nice to have such a comprehensive post with your thoughts on such a rare complication and beautiful watch. I haven't had the chance to hold one yet but the finishing should be really above what we are used to seeing. Even if I see those overlaping registers and scales or hands, I don't think I have a problem with it. I think a watch is not to be considered part after part but as a whole. Thanks a lot for the report and thanks for the video too ;) Cheers, Mark

FO
foversta
Jun 25, 2014
Dear Mark...

as you pointed it out, I think the different issues remain really minor ones... when we are in front a such amaziing piece, I think that we almost forget everything! Fx

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