Patek Philippe Grand Master Chime Overview
Complications

Patek Philippe Grand Master Chime Overview

By ThomasM · Oct 13, 2014 · 12 replies
ThomasM
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Patek Philippe Grand Master Chime hyper complication wristwatch - the most complicated wristwatch ever created. When I saw the mode selector switch in the presentation video, I almost lost it - FINALLY! After nearly 10 years of dreaming; pleading; fantasizing...a sonnerie en passant!!! Hence my earl

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Patek Philippe Grand Master Chime hyper complication wristwatch - the most complicated wristwatch ever created.





When I saw the mode selector switch in the presentation video, I almost lost it - 
FINALLY! After nearly 10 years of dreaming; pleading; fantasizing...a sonnerie en passant!!!

Hence my earlier text only post, from the floor of the party reception area, in what is normally the main entranceway with the
massive sculpture that pays homage to the spiral...





This entrance was covered and turned into an indoor space for the party...


(Event venue picture here)

Ok, Patek fans, some qualifiers first:

This is a prototype - the case is definitely not the production case, and the movement, while functioning, is still in prototype stage. It is not even pre-production...

The environment was crowded and noisy and not ideal for critically evaluating sound quality - tonality; resonance; clarity, purity, volume; signal to noise...

But having said that, I got to listen to two caliber samples - one prototype complete and cased, one in movement holder, without QP plates.
And, I had a known baseline with me for comparison - ceteris paribus, same time, same ears, same environment - I brought my own petite grande sonnerie with me, one I have known intimately for many many years and well known to longtime PuristS as well.

I'll leave the more detailed commentary to our beloved moderator, Oliver aka small-luxury-world, but some quick notes for now:

The gongs are soldered to the block. I couldn't just let this go, as classically, most striking watch specialists believe a solid one piece gong and block to be best for
sound quality and volume. The reply was precise and without hesitation: the soldered gong and block sounds "plus chaud" - warmer...

And indeed, the tonality, purity, sonority, and warmth were there, in classic Patek repeater fashion.  Regardless of theory, PuristS do not argue with reality. 
Bravo.

The volume cased vs in movement holder was slightly less, but not very much less. This tells me there is great care in design and execution of the case and movement integration. Bravo!

Volume of both were comparable to my Ti cased Grande Sonnerie, which was totally unexpected. Bravo!

There is a date repeater function sur demande - how cool is that? On demand, the watch will strike the tens and units of the current date.
Super kool!

But wait a minute...if the racks for a decimal system are there, could the time repeater be a decimal system as well, versus the classical quarter system?!?

No, there are two separate rack systems and the minute repeater racks adhere to the traditional quarter system, "for tradition and classicism."

The date repeater, minute repeater, and alarm share the same sonnerie mainspring barrel, and 
HOLY MOTHER OF MERCY, HAS A GRANDE SONNERIE POWER RESERVE OF 30 HOURS! Folks, believe when I say this, THIS IS HUGE!!!
BRAVO!!!

The regulateur is the well known Patek centrifugal type, very quiet and stable (we can have separate discussions about the pros and cons of the two main regulator types)

There will be 6 production Anniversary Grand Master Chime (ahem...maybe a less hip hop (cough cough) model name is in order for such a classical timeless game changer...so says O.Pl Flava Flav...) produced, for commercial sale, and one for the museum.

BUT...once the seven Anniversary pieces are done, the caliber and basic reference will continue, albeit with different case and dial.

Yay!

This O.P. (Original Purist) is happy...make mine in basic classic case, please, ideally in a more basic petite et grande sonnerie only evolution...

Pretty please?

I'll be dreaming in dings and dongs tonight...

Thank you, Patek Philippe and Mr. Philippe and Thierry Stern!








About the F.P. Journe Chronomètre à Résonance Ref. resonance

The Chronomètre à Résonance represents F.P. Journe's entry in the Souveraine collection, distinguished by its resonance complication. This reference utilizes the principle of resonance between two independent escapements to enhance chronometric precision.

The 40mm case is crafted in 18k rose gold with a fixed bezel and sapphire crystal. The silver dial houses the manual-winding caliber 1499 movement, offering a 42-hour power reserve. Water resistance is rated to 30 meters, and the watch is completed with a leather strap.

This reference appeals to collectors focused on haute horlogerie complications and independent watchmaking. The resonance mechanism positions this piece as a technical showcase within F.P. Journe's manual-winding offerings. Production began in 2000, establishing this as part of the brand's contemporary catalog for collectors seeking advanced chronometric functions.

Specifications

Caliber
1499
Case
18k Rose Gold
Diameter
40 mm
Dial
Silver
Water Resist.
30m
Crystal
Sapphire
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The Discussion
MA
Mark in Paris
Oct 14, 2014
It seems Patek has again reached a peak

and hence proven its mastery. Thank you Thomas for sharing your thoughts, the sonnerie/MR watches are so rare we are not used to reading much about them. I see you're having a nice time! Cheers, Mark

DE
Dennis K.
Oct 14, 2014
I know who commissioned ref. 5175!

The Only One supposed to wear This Particular Watch is very famous and (I hope) many of us believe in His existence. Taking into account size, technical complications, design and craftmanship this Watch is a tool watch for everyday use by Santa Claus (Saint Nicolas etc.). Congratulations, Patek Philippe, on your 175th Anniversary you became Official Santa Claus Supplier! Ref. 5175 - The First Santa's Watch ever produced by Man! Some of Elves became jobless ;)

DR
dr.kol
Oct 14, 2014
What are you speaking?

Don't you know that Santa Claus lives in Korvatunturi fell in eastern Finnish Lapland? If Santa would like to get a high end watch, he would speak with Kari Voutilainen. I think that even I do not deeply love the design, 5175 is a most remarkable watch. At least technically speaking. Best, Kari, a part time residence of Lapland

DE
Dennis K.
Oct 14, 2014
You are right...

the Watch is really quintessential for technical reasons, for engraving craftmanship etc. To be clear, I do state that the Watch is Superb and it will take some time to understand its importance for modern horology. But wrist watch is invented for practical use by person, so I can't imagine any real life person using it without being kitch. For me 5175 stands in one line with 5002 (also not very usable), but at the moment, association with Christmas Seasons is the only way for me to accept its o

DR
dr.kol
Oct 14, 2014
I do not judge anybody

but just defend Santa. He's my neighbor. Best, Kari

DE
Dennis K.
Oct 14, 2014
Defend?! From what?

I think if Santa were not unique, Sterns had to cast lots to chose the one, whose wish to fulfill on Christmas Night. ;) Best wishes, Dennis

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