What new Patek Philippe for 2008?
Some weeks ago
I asked "why Patek Philippe?"
Even if I don't
have the pleasure to own a Patek Philippe yet I've been looking and learning as
much as I could about them for 20 years. So I'll let you all happy owners share
your owner's point of view but I've spent enough time thinking about them to
know what I like about Patek Philippe and which models could do it for me.
The spring
shows are now less than two months away. I'm sure we'll discover new objects of
desire, no doubt. The questions about the potential replacement of the
5070/5970 are at least good reasons to hope for extraordinary pieces but I'm
sure we'll get much more than that.
Although I'd be
very happy to see a new chronograph in that range I'd be more interested to see
a simple hand wound calibre of no less than 12 or even 13 lines, with classical
chronometer features like a Breguet spring (already found on the Lemania hand
wound chrono calibres, the automatic chrono calibre and some tourbillon models)
and let's say why not a power reserve indicator on the back side. It should
come without date, in a 38mm case. Of course it is just a dream, not a
scoop! 
In fact I'd be
already happy with very simpler offers, like a more affordable Gondolo with the
form calibre 25-21 REC launched in 2007 in the 5098. Even if this calibre doesn't
add much technically speaking to the well known 215, I have to say that form
calibres have a taste that I appreciate. I would be surprised to see such
calibre reserved for only one reference so let's hope.
Of course my
hope for a simpler watch is in no way meant to criticize the 5098 that I fell
in love with immediately, but a 25-21 REC PS would be great too and to be
honest a 5109 with this calibre and a see-through back would have been perfect!
It is not just
an historical model, it makes me hysterical! Form case, form calibre, and a
potential promise for many resurrections from the great past of Patek Philippe
to write some new pages!
Who will be the
first here to get his 5098?
The 5105 was a
prior demonstration that simple lines have an irresistible power of seduction!
The 5105 back
was already showing a form calibre that may have had its role in initiating the
shape of the 25-21 REC?
The 5109 was
(already was, what a pity) a very beautiful re-interpretation of a design from
the past! This watch is my favourite recent design for a simple watch, like the
perfect first Patek Philippe for my taste. I really appreciate the 5196 as a
very appealing simple classical Patek Philippe too, but my heart is still more
appealed by this 5109! A matter of personal choice.
Moving upward
from the first simple beater, the obvious choice would be to get an automatic
watch. We have appreciated the first "silicium" watches in the last years, and
will certainly appreciate some more soon! My hope is to see the new features
become the standard features. I'd love in that regard to know the owners'
opinions about the 28800 vph calibre 324, especially from those who already
know well the 21600 vph calibre 315! Is it a better beater?
You have to
adapt yourself to manual wind calibres. You have to comply to their rhythm.
Once it's time to wind you have to wind. Automatic calibres don't ask that.
They adapt themselves to your rhythm or they die! We don't feel them as much as
their manual wind brothers, at least at the beginning. In the long run we may
discover their presence and finally appreciate their company.
The annual
calendar version of the 324 below gives its greatness to the 5396! This once a
year to settle watch may well be not perpetual, not a single watch is, or will
be, as long as watches will have to be serviced! So this annual calendar seems
to be a very realistic approach to perpetuity! This annual calendar
presentation through the 5396 is also a very legible and obvious choice of
display. I see it as a silent partner for years of everyday time. It could be
mine, for my pleasure!
Those pictures
don't do justice to this watch! Only your wrist can do justice!
We did not talk
about the moon phase. Well you need it if you want to know Easter day! It can
also be helpful if you live on the seaside, or…. In fact it is the romantic
side of the watch!
Then we can go
in the opposite direction. After the perfect functionality and usefulness we
can go towards the complexity for the sake of it! Patek Philippe is also
looked after for its ultimate chronographs. The ultimate of the current Patek
Philippe chronographs is probably the smallest ever made! Looking at this
picture below you could think of a large pocket watch. What it brings from the
large pocket watches of the past is the finish and tradition.
The split
seconds chronograph reference 5959 is the ultimate complication for the simple
ultra thin watch fanatics. The most understated complexity!
It will never
be fashionable like the other so appealing chronograph references, 3970, 5004,
5070, 5960, 5970 and the vintage options, but it is IMO the supreme art!
The future
seems to be writing itself already and in two months' time it will be part of
the past already. We don't care as we live in all times. We just hope for the
music of a repeater to remind us the time!
Dje
Super article :-)
Thank you Jerome. It is such interesteing read and to know your sensitive thoughts.
You have impeccable taste. I also start to love form watches. 5101 is GORGEOUS , I WANT but sooooooooo expensive :-(
5098 is lovely lovely but it seems kinda big for me....would need to try it on.
As for 5109, I love the dial but not crazy about its round movement.
One watch that's still very special to me till date is the 10 days power reserve rectangular watch (suddenly forgot the reference).
It is so simple and yet so divine.
I too hope for an interesting Patek collection in 2 months time.
And I thank you for being our moderator.
Lovesss*CL
Thank you so much
Hi,
Thank you so much for your support !
It is in fact not so hard to show an
impeccable taste when you choose between Patek Philippe beauties. :-)
I understand your love for the 5101. I could
have added it and the 3939 and 5078 as well, but the 5959 is enough for a life
of dream already.
I can't try the 5098 for you but if I
can help. Here are two pics of two watches on the same wrist (mine, lucky me)!
You'll recognize the 5098 and the 34mm
Master Ultra Thin from Jaeger-LeCoultre. I'm sure you'll realize
that the 5098 is not a large watch on the wrist. It is often the case with this
"tonneau" form, adopted also by Richard Mille. These forms have a
large surface but are not large on the wrist!
I won't
add pictures of the 5100 and its ten days power reserve, probably the nicest of
recent form watches by Patek Philippe. Allen offered gorgeous pics recently but
you've suffered enough!
Let me please
thank you for being your moderator.
Best regards
Dje
I hope your wrist is....
as small as mine.
The 5098 looks elegantly smashing on your wrist
Love the picture.
Lovesss*CL
thank you for the beautiful article,quality of the words and references' choice.
I hope I have some merit...
But I even more hope I'll have more for our common pleasure!
Thank you very much for your support. It is a very enjoyable place to be in thanks to you all.
Cheers
Dje
If you were a lady........
your name would be Delilah and your alter ego would be 'The Temptress' !
As you are not (thank goodness) and you are protected by moderator immunity, I suffer such wonderful reference postings, to dream of....perchance to sleep...that Sweet Rest from fitful musings about the perfection that is the Ref 5959.............aarrrghhhh!
Thanks dje......I think.....thanks are in order.
MTF
If I were a lady....
No seriously Melvyn, I was cool, only one vintage, nearly nothing! It's just the beginning!
Beware the watch!
Dje
Great Wrist Shot, Jerome! LOL
But 1st of all, greatissime work with this post, my friend!
I had a lot of pleasure reading it, and wondering myself what should be the Patek I'm waiting for, in 2008.
For me it's simple to think, and difficult to get...LOL
1/ A beautiful cloissoné dial on a all new and not too big World Time, as I love this complication.
2/ An Inhouse manual Chrono, in no more than 42mm size, and affordable, please!
3/ A batch of ten Days, like bthe ref 5100.
And I'd be the happiest collector of the world...
Best, and thanks again for this post!
Nicolas
I have no clue....
But hopefully you'll find your way, one you were looking for or one you would not have expected!
Thanks for your comments.
Dje
You're so right, jerome
It's often like that that it works with watches...Watches that you gave up hunting, which suddenly appear, and generally at the worst moment...A great classic! LOL
Best, my friend.
Nicolas
Thanks Jerome ( and thanks for using my photo on the masthead)
I never show the masthead and it was a pleasant surorise to see MM there.
As for your choice of 5098-spot on. Although my taste in vitage would naturally favour this.
Also I am still wishing for a 5105- not much luck on that front.
I am not a fan of modern PP but can see the famous PP marque on some of their recent pieces.
Many thanks for the great article
Julian
Thanks Julian...
Thank you for your comments!
I change the header pic quite often but I come back each time to your Marilyn! !
Yes I too find some recent new models quite inspired. I hope to be astonished soon.
Cheers
Dje
LOL-you know a little bit more than your letting on........ [nt]
No message body This message has been edited by imran in london on 2008-02-20 12:42:22
Are you testing me?
If I know something about Patek Philippe, that's about their past, nothing about their future, if that's your point!
Nice watch by the way, very nice watch! Not a reference I know!
Coming from the thirties? Can we see and know more?
Thanks a lot
Dje
yes it is.....
sorry I could not get back to you earlier,
re: your first, all I can tell you is that , read what you wrote, and you will be in for a very special surprise in April!
All the best,
Imran
ps the clue is in the watch LOL
Thank you for this mysterious answer...
So your watch turns 60 this year! So does the reference 530 too, that would make a nice new "simple" chronograph base! But we are all waiting for new chronographs so that's nothing special!
You watch is a form watch! May I hope for my 5109 or close with a 25-21 REC PS? I would bet on this one.
The potential new round simple beater would be great too but I see no clue for this one in your pic.
Cheers
Dje
ps: you know more than you want to say!
LOL....and I agree with everything you say..
It would amazing if Patek did make a simple mechanical with a movement to die for, but I really doubt if we will see a 3/4 plate extravaganza in a Patek, with micrometer swan neck regulation, shame really.
As for form watches , I adore them, for me like you, if you want a simple mech time only, then there really is nothing that comes close to wrist art!
For me, my drean is if Patek remake the "Banana" with their new movement in platinum, this is the absolute reference in case art. those wonderful lugs, the domed glass and the curvature of the case, devine. I pray for this watch, if I was ever forced to own just one watch, it would be this.
regards,
Imran