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Dje's exploration of blue-dialed Patek Philippe watches delves into the aesthetic appeal and rarity of this color in haute horology. His post, ahead of Baselworld 2012, articulates a collector's desire for a blue-dialed Patek Philippe 5124G, sparking a community discussion on favorite blue Patek references.
Did you know or did you realize that the blue colour of the oceans is in fact the color of the sky reverberated on the water surface?
Out of the sky and the seas the blue colour is not so common in our mother nature. It is not so common either in watches. We have so many silver or black dials, many white ones. When you visit old churches or cathedrals you can learn that the blue pigments were the most expensive ones (before the birth of the chemical industry) and consequently the use of the blue colour was a way to show richness. Still in a watch world of excessive show off of richness blue dialled watches remain rare.
As I'm hoping the launch of a blue dialled Patek Philippe 5124G I wanted to show you some recent blue dialled Patek Philippe watches. I've searched through my collection but couldn't find any so here is what I got….
I take no risk saying that recent blue dialled Patek Philippe watches have had a great success in terms of reception on our site. You can see above pics of the 5960P, 5131G, 5140P, 5101G and 5070P. I could have added the 5711/1A of course but as I'm doing my best to forget that watch I didn't take it to the subject (I didn't look at the Ellipse d'Or either, I had enough anyway).
Of course the pictures of this subject, showing the watches pictured in catalogs won't be very efficient to convince you order yours (if that's not done already). That's not the point anyway as I'm not selling watches (I should as that seems to be a very good business). My point is just to show that blue dialled Patek Philippe watches have been received very well and that the entry level range lacks a blue dial.
To some extent I see those blue watches as younger looking than their other colour counterparts. Blue is (to me) supremely elegant but seems younger and fresher to me than pink, brown, grey, or silver, and less obvious than white or black. Maybe an easy choice, maybe not?
The 5960P may be the one that had the most controversial reception, due perhaps to the huge success that was the precedent grey version. I don't think there was any discussion for the others.
You must keep in mind (if you forgot it) that judging a watch based on pictures can be easily misleading. Judging a Patek Philippe watch on pictures can be worse as the work done on dials by Patek Philippe (remember that the Stern family was making dials before buying back Patek Philippe) is just impossible to understand if you don't have the watch on your wrist. Rarely watches seeming blank can become so appealing when strapped on. Consequently stronger choices (like blue dials) can seem doubtful as long as you don't see them for real. You know what you have to do now!
Blue dialled watches may also be seen as cold watches. But white, black, silver or grey are not warmer, no? Who wants a yellow, orange, or red dialled Patek Philippe? Don't wait for me to promote or ask these ones (although the just new red Reverso is awesome)!
Maybe my appeal for blue dials could be linked to the fact that in my country of origin blue is the royal colour? Please say us what blue means for you, in your own culture!
So will we get a blue 5124G this year or in the future? I have no idea. Reference 5101 was at the origin launched with the pink/copper dial used today in the 5124G. The current 5101G has a blue dial that is for me possibly the most beautiful current Patek Philippe dial (OK perhaps right after the 5711/1A dial, but as I don't even remember how this watch looks like….). If they have put the same dial in a 5124 and a 5101 they can do it again.
Will we get other references with blue dials? Certainly someday, maybe in two months! Those attending Baselworld will report us the answer.
If you want like I do more blue dials, and an entry level blue dialled Patek Philippe watch, please voice your opinion. Of course if you disagree or hate what I wrote voice your opinion too!
Best
Dje
The Patek Philippe reference 5070, part of the Complications collection, marked a significant return for the brand to large-format chronographs. Introduced in 1998, it was the first non-perpetual calendar chronograph produced by Patek Philippe since the reference 1463, which ceased production in the early 1960s. Its design drew inspiration from a unique Patek Philippe aviator's watch from the 1940s, characterized by its prominent case and dial layout, yet reinterpreted for a contemporary audience. This reference established a new aesthetic direction for the brand's chronographs, moving towards more substantial case dimensions.
The watch features a 42mm case, initially offered in 18k yellow gold, housing the manual-winding Caliber CH 27-70. This movement, based on a Nouvelle LĂ©mania Ă©bauche, was extensively finished and modified by Patek Philippe, meeting the brand's stringent quality standards. It provides a power reserve of approximately 55 hours. The dial, in this specific configuration, is black, protected by a sapphire crystal, and the watch is water-resistant to 30 meters. The fixed bezel frames the dial, and the watch is typically fitted with a leather strap.
Reference 5070 appeals to collectors interested in modern Patek Philippe chronographs that combine traditional movement architecture with a more contemporary case size. Its limited production run and the subsequent introduction of variants in other precious metals contribute to its collectibility. The reference represents a distinct period in Patek Philippe's chronograph history, bridging vintage inspirations with a new era of larger watch designs.
As an 80ties anniversary Calatrava. I would not mind if it would look like the current 5196 p, just with a blue sunburst dial. Or as a 5196 G. A 5124 G is not really likely to happen, I reckon. Regards Moritz
Hi Count, I would not bet more on a blue 5196 than on a blue 5124! A less iconic case allows more freedom to incorporate the blue colour IMVHO. We'll see. Best Dje
I have three blue dialed Patek's and just last week one of my dreams came true: Lange 1 WG with navy blue dial. This watch is like a dream and mine is fresh from a full service made by Lange. I got also the WG folding clasp and a new navy blue strap should arrive from Germany in a week. If I have nothing better to do after my lazy days in Miami Beach, I might try the new Leica D-Lux 5 Ti I bought just before my flight. Best, Kari
Hi Kari, A very nice watch and a very nice trip. You begin well the year. I hope you'll get a fourth blue dialed PP (I know a 5131 will be hard, but you should never give up). Wait and see. Best Dje
Blue dial.... Only if it's platinum
Hi, What about a blue dialled stainless steel watch? I know I ask too much.... Best Dje ps: oh I forgot about that 5711/A!
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