Comments:
5131J versus 5231J - Which do you prefer? And how do you feel about both having maps (versus eg the 5231 having a scene), and maps that are virtually identical?
There are many rather obvious differences: case size (5131 is larger) and case style, different font (more traditional font on 5231), Patek Philippe on dial (5231) rather than engraved on the bezel (5131), different minute hand ...
But in the most important feature, the maps are basically the same (at least in terms of continents/countries). Yes, the map on the 5231 appears more detailed and colorful. This can be very deceptive because a publicity image from Patek's website may not be entirely accurate especially in terms of actual colors.
So which do I prefer? Initially I preferred the 5231 - more traditional case and font, Patek Philippe on the dial and beautiful map. But my view may be changing. I think there is a lot to appreciate about 5131: the non faceted case keeps the focus on the dial; the map is not cluttered(?) by "Patek Philippe"; related, the 5131 engraved bezel has its own unique charm; and also has the more interesting and unusual font. For me the only way to know for sure which I prefer, is to see a 5231J in the metal.
Bottom line - I love both!
But, I have one major disappointment regarding 5231J. It is not with the watch, which on its own, is stunningly beautiful and a watch I would be thrilled to own!
My disappointment is with the company. Couldn't they have done something other than basically recreating the exact map of 5131J? How about a scene (city, jungle, lighthouse, anything - or if a map at least something different, eg a map of just the Americas. All these images have historical antecedents in Patek's cloissone history. To just do the same basic map IMHO shows a lack of creativity and daring and is disappointing. So, yes, I would love to own the 5231J, but it could have been unique and visionary. It is an incredible watch and beautiful, but it could have been even more special.
Best, patekova
with the new 5231J
No one near you can miss the BIG logo: "PATEK PHILIPPE GENEVE".
A new style ;-((
Which are the same for almost 100% of PP watches.
I like the new stile and have ordered one. It’s different from 5131J but i would say it’s an upgrade due to the better enamel dial. But thats only my opinion.
My first reaction was indeed to wonder why the re-proposed the same enamel theme, which also makes the rest of the 5231 series very predictable...
Except for this, I've read positive reviews from nearly anyone who already had a chance to see both in the metal, because of the various improvements you mention... So I'm looking forward to seeing the 5231 too next month before arriving at a "definitive" opinion. Cheers.
5231J because of the much more accurate depiction of the world map. [nt]
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5231 in my opinion.
I have ordered one. I prefer the enamel work on the dial itself, the vintage aesthetic, the size, etc. are all more to my taste.
Lack of Imagination
These days, when I see the new releases from Patek, I feel disappointed.. Most of the designs are combinations of past features presented in different sizes, different metals, combinations of fonts and hands. The overall designs lack clarity, aesthetics and simplicity for which Patek is known for in their adaptation of Bauhaus design principles when they came up with Calatrava line and Calatrava cross for the deployant clasp. The map on these 2 world timers is so rudimentary.. it looks like some school kid has drawn it..I can go on and on.
Thanks for expressing your view point. Would make for an interesting thread. [nt]
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Everyone is entitled to their opinion
Sorry you don't like Cloisonné World Timers. I'm not sure if you've seen one live or if you've only seen them on a computer monitor, ... but in my opinion it makes a big difference. Remember, ... the art that looks rudimentary on a large monitor screen fits on a disc that's smaller than a dime in real life ... and don't forget about the skill needed to bend the gold to outline the continents. For us "lovers" ... it's really cool stuff.
A few of my thoughts on this..
I happen to prefer the case of the 513x over the 523x. Generally I not a huge fan of flat bezels and I really like how the 513x wears on my wrist. It is less in-your-face elegant in my opinion. I like to dress down mine with a calf strap and find it becomes quite casual. I also like the absence of a logo on the dial even though I am not the biggest fan of the engraved logo on the bezel (but given how discreet it is I am happy to let it pass)...
I do very much agree on the wish for something else on the enamel
dial. Same map seem a very weird thing to do by Patek... anything else has been better in my opinion...
Would I prefer one over the other? Personally I am somewhat biased but I do like the 513x a bit more overall but both are gorgeous timepieces!
I do very much agree on the wish for something else on the enamel
dial. Same map seem a very weird thing to do by Patek... anything else has been better in my opinion...
Would I prefer one over the other? Personally I am somewhat biased but I do like the 513x a bit more overall but both are gorgeous timepieces!
Thanks Keks for your interesting and well reasoned response. Also for the fantastic image! Great strap - looks perfect! [nt]
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I totally agree with your last paragraph. I would have liked a dedicated dial for the 5231. Maybe that will come with a further white metal version? So, 5131 for me, for the moment. [nt]
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Perhaps Patek will see things in a different way for the G because of viewpoints like yours. [nt]
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Definitely the 5231...
I actually was looking to get a 5131 to complement my collection but hesitated because I had some misgivings about the engraving of the brand on the bezel. It just seemed a just a slight bit tacky and if anything, given that the bezel will get scratched I was concerned about the condition in the long term after wear.
Very very happy that Patek made the improvement and put the logo back on the dial. I also quite like the particular details of the new case. I’ve stopped my search now and will be pursuing the 5231 for sure
If anything both watches will always be spectacular with their enameled dials.
Cheers,
Peter
Very very happy that Patek made the improvement and put the logo back on the dial. I also quite like the particular details of the new case. I’ve stopped my search now and will be pursuing the 5231 for sure
If anything both watches will always be spectacular with their enameled dials.
Cheers,
Peter
Just to reassure you, ...the engraving is not really visible ...
... except by the wearer. In fact, ... if you hand the watch to someone not familiar with the reference, they don't even recognize the Brand Name and Geneve until you point it out to them?
Hi there...
Good point.
I guess after collecting watches and wearing watches I’ve been more picky at the details I still have the eyesight to visualize. I’m sure all of us have been caught staring at our wrists during downtime - and for me and only me, I know a slight imperfection today will only drive me crazy in the future...
Cheers,
Peter
I guess after collecting watches and wearing watches I’ve been more picky at the details I still have the eyesight to visualize
. I’m sure all of us have been caught staring at our wrists during downtime - and for me and only me, I know a slight imperfection today will only drive me crazy in the future...Cheers,
Peter
I know exactly what you mean!
The good thing is that the Cloisonné watch is not really an everyday wear ... so not too many scratches.
Thanks for your detailed and well thought out reply.
Regarding the engraved bezel, I am not 100% sure but I think it can be removed and presumably replaced if the damage warrants it. If not, that would be a big problem.
Probably not needed ...
... because a cloisonné watch is not an everyday wear, ... but I'm sure the engraving can be fixed to near perfection. I've had a number of pretty significant "dings" on some everyday Patek's ... some of them too deep to simply polish ... but when they've come back from service I can't even tell where the work was done. Probably not a huge deal.
As we know the 5230 is available at every AD
With no waitlist and both metals. In order to use up the scores of spare cases building up in Geneva tbey dug around the warehouse...found a few dials from previous 5131 and did a quick dial replacement from.guilloche to the enamel....instant success!!! The good news is that I always loved the 5131G....at least with Patek predictability I wont have to long to wait and the 5231G will be available for me to fulfil my wish...I am a bit disappointed that they didnt find something else to enamel like 5531 etc. Pretty lazy and will affect values of 5131 series
You do realize that this one is yellow gold...
How could they just go pick up spare cases lying around since the existing 5230s are only in white or rose gold? Your thesis makes no sense.
👍👍👍 having a few dials lying around will give the
The purist a heart attack. I remember heated discussions on another forum as to how many are made a year and how few!!