Patek Philippe

The blue dialed is stunningly beautiful. The white dialed is also readable...

Best, Kari

Grand complications represent the paragon of horology and Patek Philippe is known for them. As already mentioned above this year it was not about new movements – inner values. Was it less impressive? Well, have a look and judge yourself.

 

Ref. 5539G

The Ref. 5339 is the predecessor of the new Ref. 5539. What do they share? The inner values (a gorgeous movement) and a classy look, even when they are quite different.

37mm of pure beauty. Anything to change? No!

But there is bad news as well. I couldn´t handle it and the only “real” picture I could do, was like windows shopping :-(

Will have to work on that!

Ref. 5160R

There have been versions in G and J before, but that R works very well. For connoisseurs who are interested in craftsmanship and especially in engraving, this could be the pinnacle they are looking for. Just for completion, the case diameter is 38mm and the movement is the cal. 324 S QR.

Live pictures :

Ref. 5216P

 

The P version is a nice addition to the R version and well done from my point of view.

Ref. 5307P

A bezel with 40 baguette diamonds and a black dial, come with the new version.

Timekeeping instruments that provide functions beyond indicating the time and date are called complicated watches. Some are useful, some are romantic … and some are just beautiful – noting more, nothing less.

 

Ref. 5960P

There have been several versions before and even the black dial was introduced with an R case before. Nonetheless the P version with black dial is very addictive.

 

Live/wrist pictures :

The latest version is probably the most wearable one, especially when you have a smaller wrist and you are based in the western part of the world. The black dial makes it look smaller and the white metal fits just perfect. I can imagine quite a few people will fall for it

Ref. 5170G

There already have been quite a few discussions around the 5170 in general and I trust all of you know the "technical" details.

Nothing new on the back side and the side view looks familiar as well.

It gets different when we look at the dial.

For some the Breguet numerals have been a big surprise, but they fit quite well when we look at the history of chronographs from Patek Philippe. Like the J version it looks a bit cold on the first view and has to be seen in detail.

You still think it is cold? I think it is very classy and beautiful. Understated comes to my mind.

Sure it is not the best what PP is able to do (just think about the outstanding 5950), but in that price range it is sublime.

Please, may I ask for a favor : no additional price discussions and glories for the 5070.
There already have been a lot and can be found by search function, if needed. Thanks!

 

On the wrist :

Well, judge by yourself. Just make sure that you saw it in metal before your final judgment. You will be surprised about the details you don´t see on pictures, even on macro´s. For me it is a real beauty for what it is and I could (probably) live with it forever.

 

Ref. 5146/1R-001

New version - nothing more, nothing less.

Ref. 5205R

When the G versions have been introduced in 2010, it was like a (little) shock for some of the very conservative Patek collectors. Especially those kinds of lugs (side view) have been discussed or shall we say ignored by some. Nonetheless, today I think there is a quite a big “fan group” for that watches and I can see why – easily. Me, I liked it from day one – especially the side view

This year it was introduced in rose gold and with two different dials.

Can you imagine it was not available like this before? Very classy, isn´t it?

 

On the wrist :

Looking at the wrist shots I can see that I had an unsteady hand. Why? Well, it´s up to you. But if you guess, it was just too tempting. It´s not that wrong …

Just took pictures on the wrist from the black dial version, but this is not meant as a ranking.

 

Conclusion :

 

Both new versions are very beautiful and a very nice addition to the collection. Only bad news, it will be even more difficult for “fan´s” of the 5205 to choose.

 

Ref. 5396/1R-010 and /1G-010

Two new classy versions of something we have seen before.

Ref 5130J

“Just” one more version in J or a new trend back to yellow gold?

 

Live pictures :

Ref. 7134G

I have a weakness for the Calatrava Travel Time in general, but to make it short: I am not a big fan of this version. Without the signature on the dial it could be from so many other brands. Maybe it is just me.

 

Ref. 7130R

Live pictures :

Last year I attended a Patek Philippe owner´s dinner and the ladies on my table had a strong weakness for the G version and I can´t blame them for their taste. Think they would love the new R version as well. Especially because of the hands I like it a lot.

Ref. 7121J

Didn´t take pictures of it, but think it is a very nice and classy watch. Only the officer´s-style case is seductive for its own, but the tone-in-tone moon-phase adds also some kind of romantic. On a dark brown strap it should be even nicer. By the way, I love that buckle

2013 was not the year of BIG novelties. It was more about additions, adaptations, evolutions and one new movement.

Nothing is wrong with that if you look at their already very strong and wide collection. There was simply no need for any kind of “rocket science” to proof how strong they are.

Even today availability is not a strong point for Patek Philippe, because of the strong demand.

The pieces I had the pleasure to admire in Basel won´t help to improve the availability

In the beginning I asked the question :

Can the terms “complication” and “grand complication” apply to external features as well?

 

What do you think? Did they do a good job? Is there room for improvement or did they already master it?

Looking forward to read your impressions, observations …!

 

Oliver

PS: Will be travelling for the next week and therefore I will have limited access to the internet. Don´t burn the house

your report was outstanding.

Even I spent one full day in Patek's booth, some issues I could see clearer after reading your report.

Outstanding job!

Best, Kari

Buy your tickets early!

Best,

Tim

As already mentioned,its the best one that I have read to date.

For me the 5227 is a lovely addition and is a good replacement for the 5127

I shall be keen to see for myself both the 59060P (Black dial) and the R/G 5205.

And though for me the 5170J was not that attractive, I very much like the dial of the W/G. 

I have always appreciated either a Breguet/Arabic or baton marker dials.

I hope to see some of these new additions, when I attend the Patek event next month.

As for next year, well what can I say but.......................................