quattro
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20197
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.
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
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 . I asked to try it on because I really love the " Gondolo & Labouriau " part of Patek Philippe's history, but...
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 ....
"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 refere...
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
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 “dand...
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
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
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
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. ...
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...
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
That's a lovely reference.
In a addition to 5196-P, I'm strongly considering 5098-P as well. Would love to have an chance to try one on first though. Hopefully that opportunity will present itself soon.
"Lovely", yes, and so much more than that, for me.
It's a piece of some of the most significant part of Patek's history on the wrist. Now, I'm chasing a 5098P too: I really want to see it in real life before making up my mind and choosing between R and P. Hopefully, I'm not chasing the same example as you...
My wrist is 6.75" (about 17cm)...
5098 is listed as 45.5mm lug-tip to lug-tip....so it *should* fit me fine. Hope to stumble upon one soon so i can try it on.
My favorite PT reference, bar none.
My personal preference id for the aesthetics of the rose gold version, and I've never regretted the purchase. The cartouches you admire "pop" for me more effectively in the gold, and I appreciate the warmth of the coloring in the context of the retro desi...
I think I might prefer the rose gold variant too.
Hopefully, I will be able to see a pt version soon. I assume your rose gold example has the PP seal instead of Geneva seal. I’ve seen only one rose gold example online with the Geneva seal: assuming it was an authentic one, I would think that there are ve...
Well said: deliciously retro.
And hugely significant from a historical standpoint (an important point for me).
5089R has a lot of
vintage charm ! Love the guilloche and Brequet numerals ! I see you have many Patek pieces you want to pursue. Please remember 5131/5231. Best of luck with your hunt !
I'm glad you like this vintage charm too, Gordon.
I'm definitely all over the place with Patek Philippe watches... In fact, the more I dig into this brand's history and references, the more I discover references that I truly love. But the paradox is that I still own no PP watch and that I'll be able to a...
Definitely a very beautiful Gondolo…
And it fits you very well… But you know my point of view, for this reference I much prefer the platinum version that I highly recommend you to consider 🤩🤩🤩, that is the one you need I know it 😉 ...
Great shot, Mike!
Thank you for your great advice (which I will definitely follow😉) and very kind support! 🙏🏼🌼🙏🏼