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The new Celestial & its background
Patek Philippe just released a new Celestial watch: the ref. 6105G-001.
It is an upgraded and completely redesigned version of its two predecessors:
- ref. 5102, introduced in 2002,
- and ref. 6102, introduced in 2012.
Let's have a look!
A/ THE NEW CELESTIAL SUNRISE AND SUNSET REF. 6105G-011
Like the 2002 Celestial ref. 5102, the new ref. 6105 features, in addition to the indication of the time:
- A Northern Hemisphere sky chart as seen from Geneva
- Moon indications: angular motion of the moon + moon phases
And, like the 2012 Celestial ref. 6102, it features a radial date indicator.
But, unlike its predecessors, the 6105G-001 comprises a complication only previously featured on a few astronomical pocket watches: the indication of sunrise and sunset hours.
Here are the four major pocket watches with such a complication:
a) James Ward Packard's Astronomical Pocket Watch (1925-1927)
Personal photos from the Patek Philippe Museum
b) Henry Graves Jr.'s Supercomplication (1933)
credit: Hodinkee
c) The Caliber 89 - Made for the 150th Anniversary (1980-1989)
NB: in French, SUNRISE=LEVER DU SOLEIL (8 o'clock sub counter) and SUNSET=COUCHER DU SOLEIL (4 o'clock sub counter)
credit: Hodinkee (1) & Personal photos from the Patek Philippe Museum
d) The Star Caliber 2000 ref. 990/7 (2000)
Personal photos from the Patek Philippe Museum
Having reviewed these illustrious ancestors, I think it is clear that the new Celestial is a major release.
And I draw your attention to the fact that in order to preserve the visual harmony of the sunrise and sunset scales, the numeral 1 isn't positioned at midnight as is customary.
Indeed, the date numerals also serve as hour markers for the sunrise scale (from 5 to 11) and sunset scale (from 17 to 23) and the offset position of the “1” allows for a perfect symmetry.
How incredibly clever!
Moreover, not only does the movement display sunrise and sunset time, but it is also capable of coping with Daylight Saving Time (DST)...
Very ingenious mechanisms described in the video at the end of this post allow to switch from winter time to summer time, and vice versa (via correctors on the left case flank).
Aesthetically, the 6105G-001 has a very modern look.
Aesthetically, the 6105G-001 has a very modern look.
The case size is a large and sporty 47 x 12.39 mm and the water-resistance is 30 m.
The pattern on the case flanks and on the solid caseback is inspired by the design of space modules.
The crown at 4 o'clock enables winding and time setting.
The pattern on the case flanks and on the solid caseback is inspired by the design of space modules.
The crown at 4 o'clock enables winding and time setting.
The crown at 2 o'clock allows for the adjustment of the astronomical functions.
The integrated black composite strap with X-shaped pattern comes with a patented fold-over clasp in white gold.
The 240 C LU CL LCSO caliber measures just 7.93 mm thick despite the addition of the 121 components for the sunrise and sunset indications and the patented system that allows to correct the time as well as sunrise and sunset indications during daylight saving time changes.
The integrated black composite strap with X-shaped pattern comes with a patented fold-over clasp in white gold.
The 240 C LU CL LCSO caliber measures just 7.93 mm thick despite the addition of the 121 components for the sunrise and sunset indications and the patented system that allows to correct the time as well as sunrise and sunset indications during daylight saving time changes.
Under the dial view
Rear view showing clearly how the 240 caliber serves as a base upon which the astronomical module is added.
Finally, here’s what the watch looks like on the wrist: thanks to its lugless design, it seems easier to wear than the official dimensions would suggest.
Rear view showing clearly how the 240 caliber serves as a base upon which the astronomical module is added.
Finally, here’s what the watch looks like on the wrist: thanks to its lugless design, it seems easier to wear than the official dimensions would suggest.
credit: Swisswatches Magazine & bannatynejoyeros
Now, let's just have a look at the previous versions of the Celestial.
Now, let's just have a look at the previous versions of the Celestial.
B/ THE PREVIOUS CELESTIAL REFERENCES
1/ REF. 6102
Launched in 2012 - It features a radial date - Case: 44.2 x 10.2 x 51.8 mm - Caliber 240 LU CL C
a/ Ref. 6102P-001
credit: Monochrome
b/ Ref. 6102R-001
credit: The Keystone
credit: Hodinkee
a/ Ref. 5102G-001
Case flank engraved with half Calatrava cross motif
credit: 41 Watch & 1916 Company (two last photos)
b/ Ref. 5102PR-001
c/ Ref. 5102J-001
credit: Phillips
So, what are your thoughts concerning the Celestial in general and the new Celestial ref. 6105G in particular?credit: Monochrome
b/ Ref. 6102R-001
credit: The Keystone
2/ REF. 5106R - ONLY WATCH 2009
This piece unique was sold at Only Watch 2009 by Patrizzi & Company and it was acquired by Jean-Claude Biver: full story here, on Hodinkee.
Like the later ref. 6102, it features a radial date indicator.
credit: Hodinkee
3/ REF. 5102
Introduced in 2002 - Case: 43.1 x 9.9 x 52 mm - Caliber 240 LU CL
Case flank engraved with half Calatrava cross motif
credit: 41 Watch & 1916 Company (two last photos)
b/ Ref. 5102PR-001
c/ Ref. 5102J-001
credit: Phillips
Thanks for reading.
Best, Emmanuel
BONUS: PRESENTATION VIDEO
Official Patek Philippe in-depth presentation
The new Celestial & its background
Patek Philippe just released a new Celestial watch: the ref. 6105G-001 . It is an upgraded and completely redesigned version of its two predecessors : ref. 5102 , introduced in 2002 , and ref. 6102 , introduced in 2012 . Let's have a look ! A/ THE NEW CEL...
I will take the c/ Ref. 5102J-001...
...seems to have more depth to the dial and appears thinner. Although I'm surprised the current one is as thin as it is. Silly question: What if a customer wants to see the sky view from somewhere other than Geneva? I'm thinking of watches like the Jules ...
5102 for me as well. BUT...
I just love that Patek is moving the celestial complication forward with yet greater complexity!
I like it!
At first, I didn't like the new Celestial. I didn't dislike it, but I was somewhat neutral and not positive about the Celestial. It didn't really follow any Patek Philippe design DNA. But, the more I see it, I want to say that we should applaud Patek Phil...
