Patek New model 2019 - Introduction and review Patek 5726/1A - Baselworld - well done... some initial personal thoughts...

Mar 19, 2019,12:37 PM
 

I just reviewed the new releases for this year from Patek and must admit they did not disappoint this year. So many interesting and wonderful releases.... here are some of my favorites even though I like them all... 


  
 5520P / out of my budget range but super cool. Perhaps I would have wished to own this in steel 40mm as platinum 42.2mm is likely somewhat top heavy for my arms... but the complication and the execution looks superb to me. Very much look forward to handling one of these one day. Curious to hear what the alarm sounds like and feels like on the wrist... 

   
5078G / again our of my budget range most definitely but what a dial. Looks like pure magic to my eyes. A dream piece. 

   
5212A / a piece I can not wait to handle. Looks very intriguing. An interesting release, somewhat unexpected. I have long been a fan of the 6000G and 6006G and from an aesthetic perspective at first glance think I prefer those, however the complication on this new release is quite an interesting one I must admit... I had hoped for a simple three handed steel Calatrava with a new movement but believe we will be seeing something like that in the not too distant future. 

   
5235R / been discussed here in some threads but it is a top elegant piece. Very classy looking and quite an interesting take on the regulateur, so different from the 5235G in this configuration. The movement is just superb. Will we see a regulateur with a jumping hour indicator in the coming years? That would be a compelling piece for me (as well I should add)... 

   
5172G / perhaps my eyes need to get used to this one. I am a big fan of both the 5070 and 5170 series as they seem to hold so much Patek DNA. This one however makes me at first look think of a certain German manufacturer. Again, I would have to see it in the metal to form a more thorough opinion but initial impression is this one is playing it a little safe and a little far away from the manufacturers DNA.

   
5905R / another superb iteration of a superb reference. This dial looks just perfect. Perhaps I would have liked to see both three date windows framed, but this likely is a piece that will be quite popular. Tough pick between this and 5235R among the new releases I would think but I would likely go 5235 as it would be a better complement in my little box.

   
5231J / what can I say, it is gorgeous. However there is a part of me that wished they did something else with the dials for this reference. These maps are quite special but in my mind belong on the 5131 series... but perhaps I am old... or old fashioned. A fresh interpretation would have been better in my opinion, but I can not deny this is a beautiful piece nevertheless.

   
5168G / super cool. Naturally steel in the 5167 case would have been a better piece in my opinion, but I know that was already done on special order in the past so not going to happen. I do very much like this green however and really look forward to seeing it in the metal. I have seen the blue 5168G in the past and at the time thought it wore a bit large on my wrist for being such a thin piece. However with a matte green dial perhaps that impression changes for the better... 

  
5726/1A / this one is quite spectacular. I realize I am not the only person to think this and considering the Nautilus frenzy going on in the world it will not be an easy piece to purchase. But this is a super elegant piece in my opinion. The blue looks a little darker and more sober than on other Nautilus dials and the whole package just looks perfect. Keeps the DNA intact. I have for a while wished to see a white dial 5990/1A but this would do as an alternative wink



 
To summarize my initial impressions, I like them all. Yes I left out the 6300G and the ladies pieces, but those I leave for another day... To pick favorites is impossible I suppose as it really comes down to ones collection and needs and budget. But there is not a piece here I would not feel happy to wear. Given my lifestyle and wearing habits the bottom two would fit the most probably, which will make my wallet happy as they are likely the hardest to acquire given the current madness around sportier references. What are your thoughts or impressions? 










Patek 5520P




Patek 5078G




Patek 5212A




Patek 5235R




Patek 5172G




Patek 5905R




Patek 5231J




Patek 5168G




Patek 5726/1A



More posts: 50705078513151675168517052355235G5905599060006000G6006aquanautcalatravacomplicationsgrand complicationsnautilus

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Very interesting thoughts, my friend.

 
 By: amanico : March 19th, 2019-12:41
I have the same questions on the 5520P. The 5078, well, the dial is not my taste, but to each his own! Agreed on the 5231. I have to see the new Chrono 5172... I like the case and pushers, I don't know if I like the dial. Now, the 5212A... THIS one, if it... 

yes the 5212 date window....

 
 By: keks : March 19th, 2019-13:37
thanks for feedback!

I can not disagree here

 
 By: keks : March 19th, 2019-15:33
in this sense I think I like the 6006G more, date only yes but cleaner...

Yes that is a very pretty piece

 
 By: keks : March 19th, 2019-15:41
As is all 5196 versions I think.... The P is superb... funny I let go of mine some years ago. Felt I was too young then... would wear it today... if I had it

you had one also?

 
 By: keks : March 19th, 2019-22:57
did no realize..

they are quite interesting I agree

 
 By: keks : March 19th, 2019-13:38
a breath of fresh air in the collection. New steel Calatrava, new style grand complication, and a new take on a manual chronograph...

Old wine, new bottle. Another disappointing year from them.

 
 By: Pour le Mérite : March 19th, 2019-13:10
I really appreciate some high end models from Patek but they don't match their reputation lately. Where is the innovation? Still no movement scaling. Quite a bit like Rolex... change colors, that's it.

I think I disagree to some extent...

 
 By: keks : March 19th, 2019-13:41
the 5520P is innovative for them, some new movements in the collection as well. Far more advanced overall than Rolex in my mind. We have to be somewhat realistic and not expect a new type of wheel to be innovated every other year may I ask what you would ... 

I think they should address movement scaling. For me at least it's mostly the negative aspect of their watches.

 
 By: Pour le Mérite : March 19th, 2019-14:01
Otherwise I think they're doing a decent job considering their output but I have the feeling that they tend to go more commericial... fancy colors, bigger sizes, more pale designs. I don't think any does it that much better as they all have their own flaw... 

yes perhaps a bit commercial...

 
 By: keks : March 19th, 2019-14:24
but considering how much bigger the world is today with more people being the target audience than ever. Pleasing has never been harder. Some decades ago the typical buyer had western tastes or aspired to western aesthetics. Today we are moving in a direc... 

Great point: PP today has a more global audience and not just in terms of geography but also socioeconomic status. TS needs to manage for this and NOT for the buyers of the past.

 
 By: Jay (Eire) : March 19th, 2019-18:05
That's not to say ignore those who prefer a more traditional aesthetic, just that there's a broad audience to consider and tastes vary.

Thanks J for adding input

 
 By: keks : March 19th, 2019-22:59
a new challenge without a doubt, requires a multidimensional global lens to stay in focus...

Nice first review Keks, with lots of interesting thoughts I agree with. My very quick reaction: they've been innovative and also fairly bold this year, which is always a good combination.

 
 By: FabR : March 19th, 2019-13:55
In my hopes/predictions, I wanted a steel Calatrava (but was sure it would have never come!), this is one of the main surprises in my opinion, and might really revive the line, if produced in moderate quantity. The weekly complication also makes it more s... 

yes moderate quantity is key for the steel calatravas... we shall see...

 
 By: keks : March 19th, 2019-14:17
I know your thoughts on colored metals, I feel similarly yet own a 5131J. It is not a watch I wear often, but the few times I take if out it becomes even more special as it is a colored gold piece. Sometimes it is nice to go a little different. Knowing yo... 

I owned one of the first 5711

 
 By: Mostel : March 19th, 2019-13:57
sold it--with sincerity, friends--because it felt so cheap! Hand on my heart. As usual, PP enjoys some arguably undeserved popularity with various models, because of their name and history and (oft really unfairly undeserved) resale value-- But hey. I lik... 

yes it is not necessarily their best piece...

 
 By: keks : March 19th, 2019-14:20
yet it is a very elegant watch in my opinion. Among us enthusiasts we can easily find flaws in nearly every watch if we analyze it to death, however in the end it all comes down to how the owner feels wearing it. It is just an accessory at the end of the ... 

No doubt.

 
 By: Mostel : March 19th, 2019-15:05
NT

Well put! [nt]

 
 By: amanico : March 19th, 2019-16:02

merci!

 
 By: keks : March 19th, 2019-23:00
!

Keks, well summarized. My thoughts in brief...generally I agree!

 
 By: 5980 : March 19th, 2019-16:01
The most interesting of the lot (meaning pique my interest and I therefore intend to learn more) are the 5520P and 5212A. As a Nautilus fanatic, of course the 5726/1A in blue is interesting, but feels a bit long-time coming. On the topic though, do you ha... 

Thanks for your thoughts

 
 By: keks : March 19th, 2019-23:03
indeed the 5520 and 5212 are new takes all together and also of great interest to me in knowing more. I have no insights into the blue of the 5726, just every picture I see looks like it has a softer more subtle gray hue to me than the 5711 or 5740 etc. I... 

Thanks Bill

 
 By: keks : March 19th, 2019-23:04
for the kind words.... Nothing here that would supersede a great gilt sub and a 5980 at sea however! The 2 watches I know we have in common...

Not much new

 
 By: watch-er : March 19th, 2019-18:48
I just do not see something to scream about. The Calatrava line is naked. A new 5296 would have been great and an upgrade to the 215PS? Am I all wet? I do not know. The 5170 needed more than a 5320 facial.

can't please all the people all the time...

 
 By: keks : March 19th, 2019-23:07
I do however think the 5212 is marking a new era for the Calatrava line and we will likely see a fuller lineup in the not distant future... perhaps next year or perhaps even a Calatrava special release later this year

I would have liked the 5520P and the 5212A to be 2mm smaller.

 
 By: sham1 : March 19th, 2019-20:16
There is definitely room to make these watches smaller if one looks at the movement size in relation to case size. Also the 5520P in my opinion has been over priced. Would you say that the blue dial on 5726 is closer in colour to the 5711 or the 5740? Nic... 

you and me both

 
 By: keks : March 19th, 2019-23:10
especially on the 5520P and the 5905R and the 5168G and 5172G..... pricing on the 5520P is serious but perhaps not a watch to be sold to everyone, personally I find there are too many alternatives to purchase if I had that budget to splurge.... but as I t... 

In the past

 
 By: sham1 : March 19th, 2019-23:44
Patek has succeeded in keeping its watches to the more traditional size but this latest collection clearly shows a change of direction. Interestingly, Lange seem to be going the other way!

Yes interesting direction...

 
 By: keks : March 20th, 2019-00:44
At least gives consumer chance to vote

Agree but also a bit disappointed

 
 By: Patekphilippecollector : March 19th, 2019-21:57
So happy PP finally doing something new like an alarm and was really excited pre-launch. Then it was a pilot and then not even a perpetual and my heart sunk. As an early acquirer of the 5524 my loyalties to the model are solid but so much money for an ala... 

5524 is a very cool piece...

 
 By: keks : March 19th, 2019-23:18
and adding a complication to this like an alarm makes some sense. Price point can be discussed, but I look at it this way. The world is expanding and types of buyer is broader than ever. If you have a buyer with deep pockets who is tired of seeing the tra... 

Is the 5212A an annual calendar?

 
 By: Watches4ever : March 19th, 2019-22:06
I like this unique dial, may be I have one on the wishlist...

it is from what I understand

 
 By: keks : March 19th, 2019-23:19
one piece I am very much looking forward to handle in the real. The case looks superb!

Noted with thanks.. [nt]

 
 By: Watches4ever : March 19th, 2019-23:22

so it requires resetting every feb?

 
 By: keks : March 19th, 2019-23:23
but still not considered annual calendar? more advanced than ac?

Indeed

 
 By: keks : March 20th, 2019-00:45
In some countries in Europe week is an important thing to know... in Sweden everything centers around week. “Vacation week 9” etc...

LOL! [nt]

 
 By: amanico : March 20th, 2019-03:03

We are all human

 
 By: keks : March 20th, 2019-05:53
And have needs. Nothing to be ashamed of...

Oh

 
 By: keks : March 20th, 2019-07:57
Assume that one is more pricey... does not even look like seat is heated... I like the Japanese ones with remote controls better to be honest...

That would be a minus for me...

 
 By: keks : March 19th, 2019-23:47
Unfortunately... look forward to seeing iterations in complications for this new line of calatrava however

Have to see it and feel it to fully appreciate perhaps

 
 By: keks : March 20th, 2019-00:42
Jlc been making some triple calendars in the past as I recall...

Even nowadays! [nt]

 
 By: amanico : March 20th, 2019-01:05

Ok ok

 
 By: keks : March 20th, 2019-05:59
I admit I have not been very good at keeping track of the collection...

5172, 5212 and 5726

 
 By: dms : March 20th, 2019-01:37
I purposely make a point NOT to think too much about the ones I can't afford. So those 3 are the one that kept me awake last night. After a bad night, being a proud owner of the 5712, I'm still debating about the 5726... "NEED" to see this one in the fles... 

Good strategy

 
 By: keks : March 20th, 2019-05:58
I am more of a dreamer so struggle to stay that disciplined... those are some great items you have narrowed in on, Hope something t great will come out of it!

First thoughts

 
 By: RGS : March 20th, 2019-07:00
Top 2 choices for me - no limit budget - are deffinetely the 5520P and the 5235R. Top 2 choices - with a limited budget - are the 5726/1A Blue and again the 5235R. So, logically, my first choice would be the 5235R. I just wish for a bit thicker hands, but... 

Indeed indeed

 
 By: keks : March 20th, 2019-07:13
5235R looks amazing... my dream version would have a jumping hour with a power reserve where the hour dial is on this one... and no annual calendar. Would be something I would really like... but it looks too elegant the way it is. Agree on the 5520, too c... 

The 5726 is definitely eye catching, can't wait to see in the flesh.

 
 By: Ravenart : March 20th, 2019-07:14
Wristfully wishing on the blue is as passionate as the 5070p. Excellent review of all the pieces, very insightful.

Thanks for those kind words

 
 By: keks : March 20th, 2019-07:16
Merely my personal thoughts intended to create dialogue... very interested in what community take is on these... Yes the blue does look intriguing on this 5726, could be the pictures but it does look like a more somber blue than previous Nautiluses...

5212A

 
 By: 11111 : March 20th, 2019-12:48
Thank you for your review and interesting points. In my opinion, 5212A is the reference of this year. When Patek launches a new complication it needs to be listened to. I look forward to see this watch in the metal, but on first impression I am on the fen... 

thanks for your thoughts

 
 By: keks : March 20th, 2019-13:41
I agree the 5212 is the reference this year along with the 5520... new complications for both releases. I also look forward to seeing this in the metal, initial take is perhaps I find the case too classical for the more modern casual appeal of the dial bu...