quattro's detailed post introduces the Patek Philippe Celestial Ref. 6105G-001, an evolution of the brand's astronomical wristwatches. The author meticulously traces the lineage of this new reference, comparing it to its predecessors and highlighting its unique sunrise and sunset complication. By contextualizing the 6105G-001 within Patek Philippe's history of grand astronomical pocket watches, quattro underscores the significance of this release for collectors and enthusiasts.
Patek Philippe just released a new Celestial watch: the ref. 6105G-001.
It is an upgraded and completely redesigned version of its two predecessors:
- ref. 5102, introduced in 2002,
- and ref. 6102, introduced in 2012.
Let's have a look!
A/ THE NEW CELESTIAL SUNRISE AND SUNSET REF. 6105G-011
Like the 2002 Celestial ref. 5102, the new ref. 6105 features, in addition to the indication of the time:
- A Northern Hemisphere sky chart as seen from Geneva
- Moon indications: angular motion of the moon + moon phases
credit: Time and WatchesAnd, like the 2012 Celestial ref. 6102, it features a radial date indicator.
But,
unlike its
predecessors, the
6105G-001 comprises a
complication only previously featured on a
few astronomical pocket watches: the indication of
sunrise and
sunset hours.
Here are the
four major pocket watches with such a
complication:
a) James Ward Packard's Astronomical Pocket Watch (1925-1927)
Personal photos from the Patek Philippe Museumb) Henry Graves Jr.'s Supercomplication (1933)
credit: Hodinkeec) The Caliber 89 - Made for the 150th Anniversary (1980-1989)NB: in French, SUNRISE=LEVER DU SOLEIL (8 o'clock sub counter) and SUNSET=COUCHER DU SOLEIL (4 o'clock sub counter)
credit: Hodinkee (1) & Personal photos from the Patek Philippe Museumd) The Star Caliber 2000 ref. 990/7 (2000)
Personal photos from the Patek Philippe Museum
Having reviewed these illustrious ancestors, I think it is clear that the new Celestial is a major release.
And I draw your attention to the fact that in order to preserve the visual harmony of the sunrise and sunset scales, the numeral 1 isn't positioned at midnight as is customary.
Indeed, the date numerals also serve as hour markers for the sunrise scale (from 5 to 11) and sunset scale (from 17 to 23) and the offset position of the “1” allows for a perfect symmetry.
How incredibly clever!
Moreover,
not only does the movement
display sunrise and
sunset time, but it is
also capable of
coping with
Daylight Saving Time (DST)...
Very ingenious
mechanisms described in the
video at the
end of this
post allow to
switch from
winter time to
summer time, and vice versa (via
correctors on the left case flank).
Aesthetically, the 6105G-001 has a very
modern look.
The
case size is a
large and
sporty 47 x
12.39 mm and the water-resistance is 30 m.
The
pattern on the case
flanks and on the solid
caseback is
inspired by the design of
space modules.
credit: Time and WatchesThe
crown at 4 o'clock enables
winding and
time setting.
The
crown at 2 o'clock allows for the
adjustment of the
astronomical functions.
The
integrated black composite strap with
X-shaped pattern comes with a patented fold-over clasp in white gold.
The
240 C LU CL LCSO caliber measures just
7.93 mm thick despite the addition of the
121 components for the
sunrise and
sunset indications and the
patented system that allows to
correct the time as well as sunrise and sunset indications during
daylight saving time changes.
Under the dial view
Rear view showing clearly how the
240 caliber serves as a
base upon which the
astronomical module is added.
Finally, here’s
what the watch looks like on the wrist: thanks to its
lugless design, it seems
easier to
wear than the official dimensions would suggest.
credit: Swisswatches Magazine & bannatynejoyeros
Now, let's just have a look at the previous versions of the Celestial.
B/ THE PREVIOUS CELESTIAL REFERENCES
1/ REF. 6102
Launched in 2012 - It features a radial date - Case: 44.2 x 10.2 x 51.8 mm - Caliber 240 LU CL C
a/ Ref. 6102P-001 
credit: Monochrome
b/ Ref. 6102R-001 
credit: The Keystone 2/ REF. 5106R - ONLY WATCH 2009
This
piece unique was sold at Only Watch 2009 by Patrizzi & Company and it was acquired by
Jean-Claude Biver:
full story here, on
Hodinkee.
Like the later ref. 6102, it features a radial date indicator.
credit: Hodinkee
3/ REF. 5102
Introduced in 2002 - Case: 43.1 x 9.9 x 52 mm - Caliber 240 LU CL
a/ Ref. 5102G-001 
Case flank engraved with half Calatrava cross motif
credit: 41 Watch & 1916 Company (two last photos)b/ Ref. 5102PR-001
c/ Ref. 5102J-001
credit: Phillips
So,
what are your
thoughts concerning the
Celestial in
general and the
new Celestial ref. 6105G in
particular?
Thanks for reading.
Best, Emmanuel
BONUS: PRESENTATION VIDEO
Official Patek Philippe in-depth presentation
About the Antoine Preziuso Concept Ref. 2000
The Patek Philippe World Time reference 2523, launched in 1953, is distinguished by its innovative two-crown system. One crown serves for winding the watch, while the second, positioned at 9 o’clock, controls the city disc. This design marked a significant development in the functionality and user experience of world time complications for the brand.
The reference 2523 was offered in two primary versions. The initial ref. 2523 featured larger lugs that extended above the bezel, with a case diameter of 35.5 mm. A subsequent variant, ref. 2523/1, presented a slightly larger diameter of 36 mm and thinner lugs that were integrated without extending above the bezel. Both versions were powered by the caliber 12-400 HU, which incorporated the world time module developed by Louis Cottier.
This reference appeals to collectors interested in Patek Philippe's historical advancements in complicated watchmaking, particularly the evolution of its World Time series. The distinct design differences between the 2523 and 2523/1, especially regarding lug integration and case dimensions, provide specific points of interest for enthusiasts tracking the model's development and variations.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 12-400 HU
- Case
- White Gold
- Diameter
- 35.5mm
- Dial
- Silver
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Patek Philippe Bubble Back Ref. 6102
The Patek Philippe Reference 6102, known as the Celestial, is a highly distinctive astronomical grand complication that displays the nocturnal sky. This reference is notable for its intricate dial, which accurately depicts the apparent motion of the stars, the phases and orbit of the moon, and the time of meridian passage of Sirius and the moon. It stands out in the Patek Philippe catalog as a sophisticated instrument for celestial observation, appealing to collectors interested in horological astronomy.
The 6102P features a platinum case, typically measuring 44 mm in diameter, which provides a substantial presence on the wrist. The watch is powered by the self-winding Caliber 240 LU CL C, a micro-rotor movement known for its slim profile and intricate finishing. This movement offers a power reserve of approximately 38 to 48 hours. The celestial display is protected by a sapphire crystal, ensuring clarity and durability.
This reference appeals to collectors seeking a Patek Philippe grand complication that combines technical mastery with poetic representation. The Celestial models are recognized for their unique visual complexity and the precision of their astronomical indications. The 6102P, specifically in platinum, represents a significant piece within the brand's contemporary grand complication offerings, often featuring a deep blue dial that enhances the celestial theme.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 240 LU CL C
- Case
- Platinum
- Diameter
- 44 mm
- Dial
- Blue
- Water Resist.
- 30 m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
