Comments:
Another gem of a watch
The other magical encounter among the watches I was able to try on in Paris last week was this Patek Philippe Chronometro Gondolo ref. 5098R-001.
ON THE WRIST
THE OPENED CASE
credit: @watch_jae
Finally, to end this post and make it complete, let me add the original example from the Patek Philippe Museum (inventory no. P-1322, window 33, object 25) and the dedicated article from the Patek Philippe Magazine (Volume II, Number 9), that was very kindly posted for me by Bruckner4 (here).
credit: @jamieadamward
credit: Patek Philippe Magazine
I asked to try it on because I really love the "Gondolo & Labouriau" part of Patek Philippe's history, but I didn't expect to be so overwhelmed.
Dated? Old-fashioned and baroque? To be honest, this is how, judging only from photos, I was afraid it would feel. But in the metal, it's a completely different story.
In real life, the hand-made guilloché dial is simply mind-blowing (it's arguably the best I've ever seen) and the two curved cartouches with the brand name and model designation are delightful.
The arched tonneau case with welded screw-set flat lugs is delicate and sits perfectly on the wrist.
And the 25-21 REC caliber, made specifically for this reference and never used in another one is a wonderful mix of traditional aesthetic (I love the S-shaped center-wheel bridge) and modern components and accuracy (Gyromax, 4Hz).
IN THE HAND
IN A MIRROR
THE OPENED CASE
credit: Swiss Watch Expo
I liked this watch so much that I'm seriously considering to acquire it.
But, even if I love this rose gold variant, with its brown gilt hour scale, brown painted Breguet numerals and brown-colored gold pear-shaped hands, I would like to be able to see the platinum variant before making up my mind completely.
The platinum variant, ref. 5098P-001 was launched in 2007 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the last Gondolo & Labouriau watch sold in 1927 and most examples bear the Geneva seal, whereas almost all the rose gold variants, introduced two years later in 2009, bear the Patek Philippe seal, which feels less attractive to me.
Here are a few photos of the platinum variant.
PLATINUM VARIANT
credit: @watch_jae
credit: Swiss Watch Expo
Finally, to end this post and make it complete, let me add the original example from the Patek Philippe Museum (inventory no. P-1322, window 33, object 25) and the dedicated article from the Patek Philippe Magazine (Volume II, Number 9), that was very kindly posted for me by Bruckner4 (here).
credit: @jamieadamward
credit: Patek Philippe Magazine
I find this reference absolutely charming, but for me, the platinum is my favorite. Timeless.
And the Geneva seal makes it very appealing too.
But would I like the black & white color scheme as much as I do the brown & rose gold one? That's my dilemma...
The epitome of a dandy watch.
Tried it on in rose gold, some 13 years ago I think, and loved it a lot!
"Is this something for you?" the AD asked.
The trouble was, I bought the 3738 Ellipse some month before from him ....
"Is this something for you?" the AD asked.
The trouble was, I bought the 3738 Ellipse some month before from him ....
"Dandy watch", I know you don't mean it negatively,
but for me this expression doesn't do the watch justice because it emphasises what is generally perceived as old-fashioned preciosity.
But this watch is so much more than that. It's one of PP's most historically significant or meaningful wristwatch reference and very few other ones have as much craftsmanship involved in every aspect of the watch: dial, case, lugs, crystal, movement.
Anyway, I agree that the 3738 is another wonderful gem!
Best, Emmanuel
But this watch is so much more than that. It's one of PP's most historically significant or meaningful wristwatch reference and very few other ones have as much craftsmanship involved in every aspect of the watch: dial, case, lugs, crystal, movement.
Anyway, I agree that the 3738 is another wonderful gem!
Best, Emmanuel
Yes, I’m also very much attracted to the 5100…
Future will tell if I end up buying one and which of these two references !
Best, Emmanuel
Best, Emmanuel
I think that for me it’s a tier.
5098 is incomparable as far as historical significance and incredible dial is concerned (just my feeling of course). It’s also smaller and an overall slightly better fit for my wrist. But of course 5100 is more modern looking (nobody would call it a “dandy watch” as Count de Monet said for the 5098) and has a unique manta ray case shape. The movement is larger too (the 10-days is a technical prowess, but I don’t care too much about this aspect because I like to wind a watch daily). And both share the same drawback, even if it’s for slightly different reasons: the winding experience isn’t delightful, which I regret (compared to the pleasure of winding the Cornes de Vache, it’s simply not on par, unfortunately).
Really like the 5098P
Completely under the radar, guilloche dial, nice movement and a bargain compared to steel PP, what's not to like!
I couldn't agree more: what's not to like!
Such a significant reference too.
Best, Emmanuel
Best, Emmanuel
The platinum version is a heater.
I love the shape and numerals just jump out of the watch. It’s a beauty.
I feel like you, Gary.
Unfortunately, I haven't seen the pt variant yet.
Hopefully in the not too distant future.
Best, Emmanuel
Hopefully in the not too distant future.
Best, Emmanuel
For me
I am always drawn to the bullseye color scheme but in this case, the platinum version showcase the guilloche better, which is the star of this show.
I haven't seen the pt variant yet, unfortunately.
I didn't think I would like the rose gold variant so much, but I did...
Funnily, the original piece is a "mix of both worlds": yellow gold case, but full silver dial.
Best, Emmanuel
Funnily, the original piece is a "mix of both worlds": yellow gold case, but full silver dial.
Best, Emmanuel
I can relate to your experience!
Which is exactly how I ended up with mine. Not a watch I ever thought I would be attracted to, but I was blown away when I saw it in person for the first time.
Hope you can find one to call your own.
Hope you can find one to call your own.
I have seen your photos
and found them fantastic, Jassewasee: I might walk in your footsteps, because this reference feels absolutely special to me and so meaningful.
My next goal is to be able to see the pt version in real life to be able to decide which variant is for me (I've enjoyed the rose gold very much).
Best, Emmanuel
My next goal is to be able to see the pt version in real life to be able to decide which variant is for me (I've enjoyed the rose gold very much).
Best, Emmanuel
What a reference, quattro!
And I'm attracted to tonneau/square/cushion-shaped references. The broader watch collecting public not so much (excepting Cartier?), so "bargains" can be found out there. And the guilloche...oh la la! Best of luck on the hunt...
Thank you, Bruckner!
This reference felt like a piece of history on the wrist. So significant and beautiful.
And the guilloché is really mind-blowing. A true marvel.
Thanks again for the PP Magazine article!
Best, Emmanuel
And the guilloché is really mind-blowing. A true marvel.
Thanks again for the PP Magazine article!
Best, Emmanuel