Manufacture
Baselworld 2013 marked a significant moment for Patek Philippe, not just for its novelties but also for the fair's new Herzog & de Meuron building. small-luxury-world provides an exclusive look into Patek Philippe's booth, capturing the essence of their 2013 collection through a series of candid photographs taken from outside the typically closed exhibit. This article offers a unique perspective on how the brand presented its latest evolutions, setting the stage for its 175th Anniversary the following year.
Pre-Baselworld, everybody is waiting impatiently to see the novelties of the year. This year it was the first show inside the new building from Herzog & de Meuron (world famous architects from Basel) and that was a “novelty” on top.
The Patek Philippe booth is still in the main hall, but lots of things (brands, places …) have changed and most of the brands had a new (even more impressive than ever before) booth. Patek decided to stay with the “old” booth and will have something new for their 175 Anniversary, next year.
For most of the people visiting the fair, the door inside “the holy booth” is closed. To see the novelties from Patek Philippe (& more), they (only) have the possibility to do some kind of “window shopping”.
This year it was allowed to take pictures from outside and I
think it was much more relaxed for the security people 
With your eyes, camera, iPhone … you could catch pictures like this:
I didn´t take pictures of everything, but wanted to show some pieces that caught my attention. The well balanced collection shown is impressive, like it was in the years before.
"Mr. & Mrs. Smith", that´s all you will see. (Just kidding )
For all the PuristS which never get enough, we will have a look more in detail - several parts.
In the past there was a lot of talk about new grand complications, new movements, new technologies … or to make it short – inner values.
For 2013 Patek Philippe decided to focus on different professions. Outstanding artisanal skills are needed to elevate the inimitable aesthetic grace of Patek Philippe watches to the highest levels of perfection.
Exclusive cases, elaborate dials and opulently fashioned clasps are in focus this year. But of course PP would not be PP if there wouldn´t be at least one new movement and that is shown in the Ref. 5200 - more on this later.
The Patek Philippe Complications Reference 5200G-001, known as the Gondolo 8 Days, Day & Night Indicator, represents a significant offering within the brand's rectangular-cased Gondolo collection. This reference stands out for its sophisticated rectangular form factor and the integration of multiple practical complications, distinguishing it from simpler time-only models and more complex grand complications. It was introduced as a notable addition to Patek Philippe's lineup of shaped watches, emphasizing technical innovation within a classic design language.
This timepiece features an 18k white gold case, measuring 32.4 mm x 46.9 mm, with a case thickness of 10.4 mm. The watch is powered by the manual-wind caliber 28-20 REC 8J PS IRM C J, a movement specifically designed for this rectangular case, offering an impressive power reserve of 8 days (192 hours). The dial is protected by a sapphire crystal, and the watch is water-resistant to 30 meters. The movement is visible through a sapphire crystal case back.
For collectors, the Reference 5200G-001 appeals to those who appreciate Patek Philippe's commitment to traditional watchmaking and the development of shaped movements. Its long power reserve and day/night indicator, combined with the distinctive Gondolo case, position it as a compelling choice for enthusiasts seeking a blend of technical prowess and refined aesthetics outside of the more common round-cased watches. The reference was produced from 2013 to 2019.
It is known as the signature collection and was launched in 1932. For some it represents the epitome of a round wristwatch. Each member of the collection is elegant in its simplicity and classically understated. Each change or new addition is observed by the critical eyes of connoisseurs. Probably it would be much easier to present something totally new, instead of the smart evolutions Patek is known for. Ref. 5227 Patek Philippe merged the key external elements of the Calatrava collection and i
Rigorous geometry and pure lines of modernism, characteristic design features of the Art Deco movement, are recognizable in the Gondolo collection, inspired by classic models from the 1930s. Ref. 5200G 8 Days, Day & Date Indication and a manual winding movement. Nice features for the connoisseur, but there is more. For this model, the Genevan workshops developed a new caliber that in many respects is reminiscent of the Ref. 5100 “10-Day”, presented 13 years ago to welcome the new millennium.
With Patek Philippe´s first sports watch, the company introduced a timepiece that was both rugged and streamlined. The current Nautilus collection is a result of the subtle evolution of the original Ref. 3700 from the 1970s. Still today it will be hard to find something more sophisticated, when we talk about “sports” watches and especially the case and the bracelet are outstanding. Ref. 5980/1AR and 5980/1R The Nautilus chronograph is available since a few years and we already have seen some dif
As I contemplate with Nautilus to obtain for my wife, I am increasingly drawn to either the self-winding movements like the 7008 or perhaps some of the newly introduced references. However, she DOES like wearing slightly larger cases (her daily wearer is the Aquanaut 5066/1A, which measures about 34-36mm). I do not think the men's jumbo size is for her. But I am strongly considering the discontinued midsized Nautilus 5800/1A. But with these pictures you have once again tempted me into looking mo
This is something quite new to me but, as I saw the RO in full RG or the pictures of this 5980 full RG, I wonder if I'm not evolving positively. I leave in France and in this side of the world the full gold watches (with bracelet) or mixed Steel+Gold watches are not soemthing considered very classy nor elegant: rather more qualified as "bad taste". But, however, since several months only, I start to feel I could wear such watches (the full Gold, not the mix SS+Gold). The Rose Gold metal in itsel
.... all those that saw the bi-color told me it was the nicest. Apparently the dial is stunning in the metal. If only we could swap dials :)
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