Anaroku shares a personal journey through Patek Philippe's black dial models, detailing acquisitions and the evolving appreciation for legibility and aesthetic balance. The author's quest for the 'ultimate' Patek black dial culminates in the Ref. 5370P, offering insights into the nuances of collecting these prestigious timepieces.
*thanks for many photo from the Net
The first black dial model I bought was an #5140p-013. I was captivated by the gorgeousness and bought it on a loan. The fact that I had a special party nearby also pushed my back.
Until then, I had seen #5227black and #5170black(breguet), but unlike the commerecial photo, the real models were difficult to see the time (irregible) and I was hesitant to buy.So you can see how #5140p, who got the power of diamond, killed me instantly? However, it was too gorgeous for everyday use and ended up playing well in just one party night.
After that, when I let go of #5140, it was hard to part from Patek Black and I bought #5107p. I felt that its dauphine hand was larger and easier to see than #5227 or #5170.
Passion for the Black grew steadily, and finally #5370p was obtained through #5960p-016 . In a sense, #5370 is Patek's ultimate goal model.It has a lot of charm, but Breguet index & lum leaf hands combination also plays a big role.I am afraid actually, that specification (LUM) is also a cause of impairing nobility.
But I like this combination. I know that #5396G-012Tiffany has such a condition, but it is a limited model and it is too expensive. Does anyone else know of this combination model? (black leaf bregue)
About the Patek Philippe Calatrava Officer's Case Ref. 5107
The Patek Philippe Calatrava Reference 5107 represents the Officer's Case variant within the Calatrava collection, distinguished by its hinged dust cover design. This reference was produced from 2006 to 2010, offering collectors a traditional officer's watch configuration in the classic Calatrava format.
The 5107 features a 36mm case available in 18k yellow gold or 18k white gold, fitted with a smooth bezel and sapphire crystal. The manual-wind Caliber 215 PS movement provides 44 hours of power reserve. Dial options include ivory, silver, or black finishes, paired with a leather strap. Water resistance is rated to 30 meters.
This reference appeals to collectors seeking a traditional officer's case configuration with the protective hinged dust cover. The 36mm sizing and manual movement positioning make it suitable for those preferring classic proportions and traditional winding mechanisms. The limited four-year production window and multiple material options provide collecting depth within this specific Calatrava variant.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 215 PS
- Case
- 18k Yellow Gold or 18k White Gold
- Diameter
- 36 mm
- Dial
- Ivory, Silver, or Black
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Ref. 5140
The Patek Philippe Reference 5140 is a perpetual calendar wristwatch, succeeding the highly regarded Reference 3940. It maintains the classic Patek Philippe perpetual calendar layout, featuring day, date, month, leap year, and moon phase indications. The 5140 was introduced with a slightly larger case diameter than its predecessor, reflecting contemporary preferences while retaining a traditional aesthetic.
This reference is powered by the ultra-thin self-winding Caliber 240 Q, known for its micro-rotor construction which allows for a slender case profile. The movement provides a power reserve of 48 hours. The watch is presented in 18k white gold, rose gold, or yellow gold cases, measuring 39 mm in diameter, and is fitted with a sapphire crystal. It offers water resistance to 30 meters.
The 5140 appeals to collectors seeking a modern perpetual calendar with a direct lineage to Patek Philippe's established complications. Its production run from 2006 to 2019 saw various dial configurations, including opaline and silvery finishes. The watch is typically paired with a leather strap and a deployant clasp, consistent with Patek Philippe's classic offerings.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 240 Q
- Case
- 18k White Gold, Rose Gold, or Yellow Gold
- Diameter
- 39 mm
- Dial
- Opaline, Silvery
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Patek Philippe Chronograph Ref. 5170
The Chronograph reference 5170, introduced in 2010, marked a significant development for Patek Philippe as it was the first serially produced chronograph to feature a fully in-house manufactured movement. This reference succeeded the reference 5070, transitioning from a Lemania-based caliber to a proprietary design, underscoring the brand's commitment to integrated manufacturing for its complications. It represents a modern interpretation of a classic chronograph layout within the Patek Philippe catalog.
The reference 5170 features a case measuring 39.4 mm in diameter and 10.9 mm in thickness, available in 18k white, rose, or yellow gold. It is equipped with the manual-winding caliber CH 29-535 PS, which offers a power reserve of 65 hours. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal and is water-resistant to 30 meters. The movement is visible through a sapphire case back, showcasing its intricate finishing.
This reference appeals to collectors seeking a contemporary Patek Philippe chronograph with an in-house movement. Early variants, such as the yellow gold reference 5170J-001, featured a pulsometer scale, which was later replaced by a minute track on subsequent iterations. The various metal options and dial configurations provide distinct aesthetic choices for collectors, reflecting different periods of its production run.
Specifications
- Caliber
- CH 29-535 PS
- Case
- 18k White Gold, Rose Gold, or Yellow Gold
- Diameter
- 39.4 mm
- Dial
- Silver, Black, or Opaline
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Patek Philippe Ref. 5227
The Patek Philippe Reference 5227, introduced in 2013, is characterized by its officer's style case with an invisibly-hinged dust cover, a feature that distinguishes it within the brand's Calatrava collection. This design element provides a protective cover for the sapphire case back, offering a blend of traditional watchmaking aesthetics and modern functionality. The reference maintains a classic Patek Philippe design language, appealing to collectors who appreciate understated elegance and technical refinement without overt display.
The watch features a 39 mm case with scalloped lugs, housing the automatic caliber 26-330 S C, which provides central seconds and a date display. The movement is visible through a sapphire crystal case back, which is protected by the aforementioned hinged dust cover. The case thickness is 9.24 mm. The power reserve for this caliber is between 35 and 45 hours. The reference has been produced in various precious metals, including white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold.
Reference 5227 appeals to collectors seeking a discreet yet technically accomplished timepiece. Its design lineage connects it to other significant Patek Philippe models, such as the Perpetual Calendar Reference 5327, through shared case characteristics. The white gold variant, Reference 5227G-001, was discontinued in 2019, while other metal versions remain in the current catalog, indicating its continued relevance and appeal within the brand's offerings.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 26-330 S C
- Case
- White gold, Yellow gold, Rose gold
- Diameter
- 39 mm
- Dial
- Ivory lacquered, Black lacquered, Brown lacquered
- Water Resist.
- 30 m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Patek Philippe Split-Seconds Chronograph Ref. 5370
The Patek Philippe Reference 5370 is a split-seconds chronograph, a complication highly regarded in horology. It stands out in the Patek Philippe collection for its focus on a technically demanding chronograph mechanism without additional complications, presented in a classic and refined aesthetic. This reference appeals to collectors who prioritize mechanical complexity and traditional watchmaking.
The watch features a 41 mm case, available in either 18k white gold or 18k rose gold, with a polished bezel. It is equipped with the manual-winding caliber CHR 29-535 PS, a movement known for its innovative split-seconds mechanism and column-wheel control. The power reserve is approximately 65 hours. A sapphire crystal protects the dial and offers a view of the movement through the case back. Water resistance is rated at 30 meters.
This reference is notable for its enamel dial, offered in black or white, which provides a depth and finish characteristic of high-end watchmaking. The 5370 appeals to collectors seeking a pure expression of a grand complication chronograph from Patek Philippe, valuing its technical execution and understated design. It represents a significant offering within the brand's complicated watch lineup.
Specifications
- Caliber
- CHR 29-535 PS
- Case
- 18k White Gold or 18k Rose Gold
- Diameter
- 41 mm
- Dial
- White or Black
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire