Patek Philippe

I would like to come back to to a very well-known watch, the Calatrava 5196P as it is for me an excellent demonstration of the Patek Philippe skills with its strengths ... and some weaknesses. First of all, the 5196P is a radically different watch when co...  

The missing 5% is about the material of the case. Now it's 95% platinum but I would like it made of 100% steel. Best, Kari

it would become a Patek 5565! ;) Thanks Kari for your comments! Fx ...  

And the new 5196A with basically identical dial as P. Naturally I could accept happily a new bigger movement plus a similar hinged back as in the newest Calatrava. Dream, dream, dreams. Kari

Personally, aside from the points which you have covered so well, I would like to have a little more contrast between the indices and the dial...that would add a little more to the versatility for casual occasions a little more....again, IMO. Thanks for s... 

And I think that your idea about the contrast is excellent. Fx

Thank you!

but I much prefer the 5196P for this dial lay-out... Fx

But I have to differ in a second point also: The case height / diameter ratio was not harmonious when I tried a 5196 J on. It was too thin for the size and hence it looked big on my wrist. The proportions where much, much better with the 5119, which I see... 

I tried on the 5196P and the weight feels so good and the dial is so stylish !! Brequet numerals just make this reference looks very classy yet uncluttered !! Cheers, Gordon

I tried the 5196J and agree completely with your observations. Looks great in photos, but somewhat of a disappointment on the wrist. The 5196P however has just enough added weight that it almost offsets that feeling on flatness on the wrist. Almost. Still... 

Cheers, -- Richard.

With a dial design that practically emphasises the small movement, its just like an ironic reminder on the current (still persistent) trend towards larger watches, and Patek's market position which allows them to get along with an 'old' movement: Patek's ...