Patek Philippe 5226G, 5326G Novelties Hands-On
New Release

Patek Philippe 5226G, 5326G Novelties Hands-On

By joenghenry · Apr 22, 2022 · 40 replies
joenghenry
WPS member · Patek Philippe forum
40 replies11418 views5 photos
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In this insightful hands-on preview, joenghenry offers an early look at Patek Philippe's 2022 novelties, the Calatrava Ref. 5226G and Ref. 5326G. His detailed observations highlight key design innovations and aesthetic choices, providing invaluable first impressions for collectors considering these new references. joenghenry's analysis focuses on the unique case construction, dial texture, and movement details, setting the stage for a deeper community discussion.

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Dear All,
Invited by AD to attend preview of 2022 novelties and saw this two new calatrava in metal today.

My impressions/ observations are as follows:

1. The construction of lugs is new and hasn’t appeared in other references before. The lugs are connected to the bottom plate only, and not attached to the middle case or bezel. As shown by the brown arrows, there’s a fine gap between lug and bezel. As a result, the rows of hobnails run continuously around the whole circumference of middle case without disruption.

2. The granular vulcanite like dial has a rich texture and also colour gradient with a darker periphery. Being a Leica fans as well, I like this dial very much!

3. The dessert brown/ creamy fluorescent hands and applied numeral indices give the watch a rugged and sporty look.

4. Though we all don’t quite like date window, the dark background/ brown numbers date wheel on 5226G certainly helps maintain the homogeneity of dial.

5. 5226G wears thin on wrist. Even the 5326G isn’t too thick and should have no problem in sliding it under the sleeve.

6. The 260 caliber of 5326G is the same as 5236P and GORGEOUS!!!!! Although it doesn't have inward angle bevels, the three bridges construction is traditional and beautiful. The solid platinum micro rotor is also one of a kind.

Regrettably the watches for preview have their movements locked and I can’t try the new complication combo of travel time plus annual calendar of 5326G.

The ambient lighting casted shadow easily, hence couldn’t take good end on view photos 😅.

Cheers, Henry




















About the Patek Philippe Complications Ref. 5236

The Complications reference 5236P-001, introduced in 2021, is notable for its in-line perpetual calendar display. This configuration presents all calendar indications – day, date, month, and leap year – in a single, elongated aperture below 12 o'clock. This design choice offers a distinct aesthetic and legibility compared to traditional perpetual calendars with multiple subdials or apertures. The reference was a significant addition to Patek Philippe's Complications collection, showcasing a novel approach to a classic grand complication. Its platinum case and blue dial further underscore its position within the brand's high-end offerings.

The watch is housed in a platinum case measuring 41.3mm in diameter, with a thickness of 11.07mm. It is powered by the self-winding caliber 31-260 PS QL, a movement specifically developed for this in-line perpetual calendar display. This movement incorporates several technical advancements to achieve its unique calendar presentation and offers a power reserve of 38 to 48 hours. The watch features a sapphire crystal on both the front and the case back, allowing for a view of the meticulously finished movement.

As a relatively recent introduction that was subsequently discontinued, the 5236P-001 holds particular interest for collectors who appreciate innovative calendar displays and limited production periods. Its technical sophistication and unique aesthetic appeal to those seeking a distinct perpetual calendar from Patek Philippe. The discontinuation of a model introduced in 2021, while not uncommon for certain high-end references, adds to its potential collectibility, distinguishing it from longer-running production pieces.

Specifications

Caliber
Caliber 31-260 PS QL
Case
Platinum
Diameter
41.3mm
Dial
Blue
Water Resist.
30m
Crystal
Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
MR
mrds
Apr 22, 2022

Quite difficult to judge the dial from pics, I‘m curious to see how it changes in different light conditions. From the two, I prefer the 5226, by a small margin. Which one do you like more?

VI
VinnieD
Apr 22, 2022

Dial texture, hobnail on the side, hands, movement: it all looks nice. The one thing I do not understand at all: I hope they provide a toothpick to clean the gap between the lugs and the case. What is the point of this design feature? If it has any reason for being there, they should explain it...

JL
jlux
Apr 22, 2022

However not really for my taste,especially the graining of the dial and the faux lumina.

PA
Patekfinity
Apr 22, 2022

Great review and observations on these new references. I’ve given my interest for the 5326G to my AD and hopefully will have an allocation. Love the fact that the lugs are connected to the case via bottom plate only and hence the Clous de Paris hobnail guilloched pattern runs through the middle of the case!

FA
FabR
Apr 22, 2022

…while the dial texture was an idea of Mr. Sterm himself, and as you pointed out, it does take inspiration from the world of vintage cameras!👍 Despite their relatively entry-level status (and appearance in precious metal), as you can imagine the demand for both of these gorgeous references is already very high…hope you can receive an allocation from your AD if interested!😄 Thanks again for sharing your detailed thoughts with the forum!👍🥂 Cheers.

KC
KCLQMULKU
Apr 22, 2022

I really like seeing how PP's style is evolving! The case's hobnail sides are beautifully crafted, and it appears the case to be fashioned from two separate parts (?). Quite outstanding!

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