Emmanuel..I will echo the words of Mike ...thank you for sharing your amazing dedication towards Patek Philippe's heritage and history!

I too am a new addict! Just something about the history and evolution of designs from this Maison. Creates a romantic elegance on the wrist. The museum is a worthy trip for all of you if you have time in Geneva...it'll make you proud to have pieces from this brand.
As for this 5099, I was so tempted. There was one available through a trusted used watch dealer. Logic in my head felt a calatrava should be my next choice rather than another Gondolo. However, looking at the pics of this unique reference in your post Emmanuel, I'm now so confused!! Also, its a Patek within a more reasonable price range, relatively speaking!
The unusual style of time display, is so unique...the open close concept is not for everyone, but a watch no one will forget if its on your wrist at a concert/ black tie event. The salmon like hue adds to this charm...I think the older hands were more classic, but still the current case design and concept is just so....COOL...
The mirror effect on the back of the case i guess is a tribute to the original design of the watch. I like the fact that Patek paid homage in the appropriate way. I agree with you that the gem set variant was just not classy...

Thank you Emmanuel for another brilliant effort. !
i truly enjoy reading your posts...

Rishi

💰1729 Marketplace Listings for Patek Philippe›Patek Philippe Calatrava · 2 for sale · 8371 discussions›

Celebrating the “Cabriolet”

By: quattro : March 3rd, 2026-18:15

One of the timepieces on display in the Patek Philippe Museum which I find intriguing and exquisite is the “ Cabriolet ” which served as a source of inspiration for the modern ref. 5099RG . The movement (based on a 9’’’ ébauche by LeCoultre & Cie) was...

Hi Emmanuel, the cabriolet (convertible) design is a new lesson for me ! Thanks for the post !

By: GLau : March 3rd, 2026-18:57

It certainly has a vintage vibe to me and is unusually lovely 👍 Although different, the cover of the cabriolet reminds me of the “reverso” from JLC. Wonder 🤔 if Patek was also designing for polo players ?

My pleasure, Gordon.

By: quattro : March 3rd, 2026-19:54

I have seen no mention of a link with the Polo. Tania Edwards mentions “the charm of a time long gone, when etiquette demanded that a gentleman gave his companion his full attention”. I really can’t tell if this is the correct explanation. In any case, I ...

An interesting model

By: Arronax : March 3rd, 2026-19:38

I would personally have preferred a non polished top using technique such as perlage, for example, to avoid glare and complement the automotive theme.

You have a point:

By: quattro : March 3rd, 2026-19:56

I’ve never seen one in real life and in the wrist, and I think I wouldn’t like it if it acts as a mirror. Just another piece I have to look for, for a try on experience… Best, Emmanuel

I could totally see one on your wrist someday

By: watch-guy.com : March 3rd, 2026-19:47

I think I could too,

By: quattro : March 3rd, 2026-20:01

but I still have to see one in person: I would like to be sure that the watch doesn’t feel more sophisticated than classy. Have you seen one? If yes, how did you feel about it? Best, Emmanuel

Good to know that you liked it! Best, Emmanuel

Talk about stealthy : ) Love the two-tone...

By: mdg : March 3rd, 2026-20:11

I like it very much too, at least on photos.

By: quattro : March 3rd, 2026-20:55

I would like to see it in person to be sure that it isn’t more sophisticated than just classy. Best, Emmanuel

It does look like an absolute scratch magnet though : (

By: mdg : March 3rd, 2026-21:08

Oh, yes! 😱

By: quattro : March 3rd, 2026-21:33

And if the cover is as reflective as a mirror, it’s an aspect I would not be fond of. Still, a great piece of PP’s history. The example of the museum is gorgeous.

I owned one once

By: sham1 : March 3rd, 2026-20:14

but sold it due to the heft! The gold lid added to the weight of the watch.

Yes, I mentioned you in my post and even added the link

By: quattro : March 3rd, 2026-20:58

to your acquisition post. It’s interesting to know that you ended up selling it. I can imagine the heft but wonder how much more it is compared to my platinum 5098. In any case, congratulations for having owned this beautiful and audacious timepiece. Best...

Thank you Emmanuel for talking about this interesting and unusual watch

By: Mike H : March 3rd, 2026-21:14

I had a chance to try a 5099R on very long ago (probably about 20 years ago) and to be honest I cannot say that I found it really classy or sophisticated but more charming and unusual. It was in a second hand watch boutique that doesn't exist anymore and ...

I might feel just like you when I get the chance

By: quattro : March 3rd, 2026-21:29

to see one in real life! I’m fully aware of that. But I still find this model very special and it was a pleasure to put together all the elements I could find about it. Clearly, the more I delve into the history of the brand, the more I become passionate ...

Oh yes Emmanuel you are 10000% right for sure!!!

By: Mike H : March 3rd, 2026-22:00

I am also totally addicted to PP as you know . Let me take this opportunity to thank you once again for the immense research work you do when posting all these very interesting articles including this one. This Cabriolet is definitely special and not well...

I know how much you like the brand too, Mike,

By: quattro : March 3rd, 2026-22:12

and I’m glad we share this passion. And thank you so much for your kind words!