[Baselworld 2017] The Patek Philippe 2017 novelties

 

Dear all,

Patek Philippe has just unveiled the new 2017 collection!

As usual, we’ll all discover what we might have expected or sometimes be surprised by unplanned models. This will be the appetizers before we can handle them and make our final opinion.

The brand has shown a nice balance between classical, casual, small, bigger and more or less complicated models. Those 24 new references are taking place in a period where it is important to remain curious and daring, especially for us who have a lot of expectations every time something new is coming out and especially as far as Patek Philippe is concerned.

I’m glad to see that the case shape diversity and complexity are still as enjoyable and make Patek Philippe to be in that position that not many brands can promote. The tempered evolution of the collections, year after year, is an exercise where the brand has a strong experience, bringing touches of modernity while remaining a deeply traditional brand, in line with its legacy.

Clothing style, how we live today, what kind of watches we need, what kind of philosophy we wish to be in line with, all these elements evolve and have to be taken into account when considering a new collection. Some may be tempted to like it remaining indefinitely as it was in the past, others wish to bring too much popular ingredients but that’s not how to be successful on the long run and how to participate to evolutions.

On the contrary to what people may think, the DNA evolves slightly decades after decades by small touches and enables the brand to remain in the coveted position where it is today.

This collection is definitely in line with this philosophy, being traditional with a touch of contemporary.

 

So, let’s now discover the new 2017 collection.



 

The 5078G and 5178G

The famous Minute-Repeater reference in two different sizes (38 and 40mm), white gold and a nice old charm with these Breguet numerals and hands and the cream enamel dial.

The 5078 has a Chime complication with two gongs while the 5178 has a Chime with two "cathedral" gongs (thanks Alphabet for noticing). The "cathedral" gongs differ from classic gongs from their length (nearly as twice as long). This results in a richer tone and a longer sound.





The 5316P

A beautiful Grande Complication (in 40.2mm) with Minute-Repeater, Perpetual Calendar (with retrograde date) and Tourbillon. Another very significant work from the brand's watchmakers.
It has a black enamel dial which the brand masters perfectly.




The 5131P World Time with enamel dial

Here it is, the 5131 in Platinum showing the North Pole. This time with a bracelet.


MSRP (CHF): 115 000


The 5320G Perpetual Calendar

It is the new Perpetual Calendar reference from the brand, next to the 5327 with a totally different dial, case and movement. The dial is inspired by the 1526 reference.


MSRP (CHF): 73 000


The 5168G Aquanaut

In the context of its 20th anniversary, the Aquanaut is presented this year with a blue dial matching the blue strap, with a bigger white gold 42mm case. As explained when I made the review of the 2016 rose gold version of the 5164 (www.watchprosite.com), I think that gold has totally its place in the Aquanaut family. I must say this colour and material combination looks very promising.


MSRP (CHF): 34 000

However, the main news from the 20th anniversary celebration of the Aquanaut will be the presentation of the new 5650G Aquanaut Travel Time "Patek Philippe Advanced Research". Finally a new model after the last 5550P launched a few years ago.





The 5170P

The Manual wound chronograph is presented in Platinum and I must say it looks gorgeous. The dial has diamond markers.


MSRP (CHF): 85 000


The 5372P

It is the new reference from the 5370's case family. It comes in two dial versions. A very complicated watch in a 38.3mm case!
It is a Split-Second monopusher chronograph (60 minute counter) with a Perpetual Calendar.







The 5396R

The 38.5mm watch looks very different that way and the colour combination is very nice (blue sunburst dial). The watch comes in two versions: diamond or gold markers.


MSRP (CHF): 42 300




The 5940R

A new gold colour for this beautiful Perpetual Calendar.


MSRP (CHF): 77 000


The 5960G and 5960/1A with black dial

The 5960/1A now comes with a black dial but the big surprise is also the fact it is unveiled this year in white gold with a strap. The first time that the sportier steel dial decoration comes with a gold case. You may also notice the "1463 chronograph" pushers' style.


MSRP (CHF): 58 000


The 5960 is a fantastic reference, aesthetically and mechanically. With the steel version, the brand has provided a very sporty model, like it never did before. This new dial layout is very appealing on pictures and I think that it will be even more so in the metal.


MSRP (CHF): 51 000


The 6006G

The new 6006G comes in 39mm with come changes compared to the previous generation. A very nice casual modern Calatrava.


MSRP (CHF): 25 000

The 5320R



The Ladies Collection


The 4899/900G 





The 4947G





The 5062R





The 5072R





The Nautilus 7118/1A

Two new dial colors for this reference.







The ladies’ 7130G World Time

This 36mm diamond-set bezel and pin buckle reference, already available in rose gold (silver dial) and white gold (silver and chocolate dial), is now unveiled in a beautiful light blue version.




The 7140G



 

As last year, I will present the main novelties with further details and my first thoughts in separate dedicated threads in the following months.


You'll find a few pictures Magnus could take at Basel, here:  www.watchprosite.com and here  www.watchprosite.com

And more on the collection on Patek Philippe's website, here: http://www.patek.com/en/collection/new-models-2017


Please feel free to share you first thoughts and your favorite!

Best, Mark


And here is the official video (if it doesn't work, just click on the message on the movie to be redirected to the video on Youtube):







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