New Release
Miranda offers a comprehensive review of Patek Philippe's 2018 Baselworld novelties, highlighting key releases and design innovations. Her detailed overview, particularly of the new Aquanaut Chronograph Ref. 5968A, provides valuable insights into the brand's direction and technical advancements. This article is an essential read for collectors interested in Patek Philippe's contemporary offerings and their market reception.
Anything in steel from the manufacture is greeted with much excitement and for many it was a dream to see a new Aquanaut chronograph. This dream came true this year. The new chronograph is driven by the cal. CH 28-520C and has a continuous running seconds hand and a 60 minute counter.
The colour scheme is vibrant, with an orange seconds hand as well as minute counter. The Chronograph minutes are marked in orange too. The dial is black- but actually has tropical brown hue which matches the radiance from the orange perfectly.
The icing is that it comes with 2 straps one in orange as well as the traditional black.
Talking of the strap it feature a new deployant clasp, which utilises the advanced research technology on metallurgy seen in last year’s Aquanaut.
Next we look at the new ref 5740G perpetual Calendar Nautilus. Again a wish list piece for many, it is unveiled in a white gold case and beautiful blue iconic ribbed dial. It is powered by the revered cal.240 movement. This watch is thin, at just over 8mm, it is pretty much as thin as the original Jumbo ref.3700.
However, this is not its main innovation. If you look at the correctors on a 5140 you will see a major modification was need to re-position the correctors to fit with the architecture of the Nautilus case. A brilliantly ingenious method resolved the issue, you in effect “tunnel” through the case to the original position of the corrector and use a “lip” to allow the adjust to the movement. You can see it better described than my poor effort ion the picture.
Simple- bit technically difficult- it’s pure genius. I love this method as it keeps the aesthetics of the case clean. 
Now the Instagram stars, the- his and hers Calatrava Pilot Travel time references 7234R and 5524R. Now when say his and hers, don’t be misled into thinking one size for him and for her. The perfectly proportioned sizes of both versions will see them as perfectly interchangeable with many men preferring the 37.5mm case and many woman who prefer a larger watch wearing the 42mm case. Both sizes are unisex in my opinion.
In terms aesthetic, the rose gold case features a beautiful PVD brown dial with sunburst effect and change in hue from the centre outwards. It’s truly stunning. Technically the movement is the same as the original white gold version.
This year one of the great Patek designs the Ellipse celebrated its 50th birthday. For its 40th birthday we witnessed the launch of the jumbo (34.5mm x 39.5mm) in platinum. This year it is joined by a new rose gold version the ref. 5738R. This also features a new ebony black dial on an 18 kt gold plate with sunburst effect. Again a really beautiful watch to behold and makes for sumptuous dress watch.
Joining the ref 5738R is a limited edition rare handcrafts version ref 5738/50P-001.
This is a work of art, way beyond just pure horology. Made in a series of just100 pieces, it features an 18kt gold dial with black enamel that is then hand engraved with a decorative interlacing volute pattern. It is finished with an onyx cabochon in the crown. It really is a masterful display of fine art. It doesn’t end there though, it comes with a pair of matching cufflinks finished in the same impeccable manor, except the feature the Calatrava cross in the centre! My only criticism is that with just 100 paces a lot of collectors will be disappointed. Just as a quick note, all previous mid-size Golden Ellipse have been discontinued.
Next a stunning version of the flagship perpetual; calendar chronograph complication, the ref.5270P. The new version has a delightful salmon dial. In the past Patek have reserved salmon dials for some of their most revered pieces such as the 5970G, 5450P, 5004A. So it’s welcome to see this gorgeous dial in a regular piece. It really is quite stunning, I am glad they went for this instead of the traditional black.
Joining the 5270P in the collection is the new 5270/1R. A heavy rose gold version and exquisitely constructed metal “goute” bracelet. It has an Ebony black sunburst dial that contrast with the rose gold resplendently. I really do think rose gold and black dials is one the great combinations in the watch world.
So in summary, a year of evolution than revolution, but done amazingly well. Once again Patek triumph not just in the quality of the new collection, but in their hospitality, their customer relationship and their whole attitude to public relations. Thank you.
My top three:
1. The 5968/A- for its aesthetic, its steel and it’s a chronograph!
2. The 5738/50P-001- just incredible- it’s an art and horology fusion
3. 7150/ 250R- incredible case design and stunning visually
Thank you
Imran
The Patek Philippe reference 5004 is a highly regarded grand complication, combining a split-seconds chronograph with a perpetual calendar. This reference was a significant offering in Patek Philippe's catalog, representing a sophisticated blend of technical mastery and traditional watchmaking. It was produced in limited numbers, making it a sought-after piece among collectors of complex horology.
The watch features a 36mm platinum case with a thickness of 15mm, housing the manual-winding caliber CHR 27-70 Q. This movement provides a power reserve of 60 hours and is protected by a sapphire crystal. The dial is presented in silver opaline, offering clear legibility for its numerous indications. The case is water-resistant to 30 meters.
As a split-seconds perpetual calendar, the reference 5004 appeals to collectors who value both intricate mechanical solutions and classical design. Its production run from 1996 to 2012 saw various dial and case material iterations, though platinum was a prominent offering. The integration of two major complications in a relatively compact case underscores its appeal within the realm of high-end watch collecting.
Which now allows for lume versus older models
.....top review. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Many thanks to you for the insights.
Aquanaut chromo for me subject it does not feel too big on the wrist. Best, Kari
I am not sure if I have understood it correctly; if the watch comes with both straps, will a tool to exchange them be included? Any idea on how easy it would be to exchange between the two colours? Any information on whether the new clasp be rolled out to the other Aqua models; say for when the watch goes for its service? They did that when changing from the old style clasp for the leather straps to the round Calatrava clasp. Excellent photos and review BTW
I always look forward to reading these knowledgeable and beautifully written reviews!
I enjoyed Patek's 2018 novelties even though we did not see a major technical introduction like the 5650G last year. Okay, we have to talk about the 7150R a little bit more. I think it's place in the Patek catalogue is under appreciated because it is a women's watch. Take away the diamonds set in the bezel and it's a really cool design. It's 38mm also. Just imagine if the bezel was not diamond-set, how many guys would order this watch. Yes, it's sort of a mishmash of other Patek well-loved desig
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