Patek Philippe

David_S
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Photos and initial review of my 5236P

Friends, as promised in a previous post, please find attached a short review and a few photos of my 5236P.

Positives:

I think that the 5236 is the perfect combination of understatement and complication. The dial, with the inline calendar, is very simple, very legible (minus a caveat below) and incredibly pretty. The rest of my collection tends to have fairly busy dials (traditional QPs, chronos or skeletons) and it is refreshing to have a simple, elegant dial. The 5236 can almost work as a formal watch. 

The color is a bit hard to describe as it is truly chameleonic in the way its hues shift with the light. It can go from a very dark navy blue to a lighter, almost jeans-like, color (especially in the center given the shading of towards black towards the outside of the dial). 

The seconds counter/moon phase is also slightly lighter than the rest. 

In short, esthetically, I cannot find a single flaw. It is just gorgeous.

The case is large at 41.3mm by 11.07mm, but it is very wearable and comfortable. The weight is significant given the platinum, but I like the feel of a substantial watch. 

The movement is pure bliss. 

The architecture is extremely elegant and the setup of the three lower bridges, each a bit longer than the next, is a fantastic design element. 

The platinum winding mass also does feel special as, to my knowledge, this is only the second time Patek has used a platinum mass (the first time was for the 5208T for Only Watch, a unique piece). Please correct me here if I am wrong?

Functionally, I have had no issue so far and after some 30+ hours, it seems that the accuracy is worthy of the Patek seal.

Negatives:

Truly, I see only two (small) drawbacks. First, I would have preferred instantaneously jumping calendar indications (the date cycle takes around an hour and a half), as seen for example in this year’s Lange 1 QP. Second, given the placement of the calendar window, it is hard if not impossible to tell the date at around noon and midnight.

Conclusion:

I am massively enamored with the watch. I think it perfectly reflects what Patek is all about: high horology (advanced R&D, complexity level, finish level) in an understated presentation. A watch that will be instantaneously recognized by aficionados and properly ignored by everyone else. The perfect match of form and function, in a timeless package. 

A few more photos:

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