quattro
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Which one for you?
Two Patek Philippe celebration timepieces, both limited to 300 pieces:
- Left: Calatrava Geneva Boutique Edition ref. 5565A-001 in steel, launched in 2006 to commemorate the opening of the then-new Geneva boutique. Powered by Manual-wind cal. 215 PS.
- Right: Gondolo "Manta Ray" ref. 5100P-001 in platinum, launched in 2000 to celebrate the Millenium. Powered by Manual-wind cal. 28-20/220.
Given my taste for shaped watches, my personal preference is obvious: 5100P, without hesitation.
What about you?
Best, Emmanuel
credit: @fabricelosfeld (1-3), Bulang & Sons (movement of ref. 5565A) & Loupe This (all other photos)
Which one for you?
Two Patek Philippe celebration timepieces , both limited to 300 pieces : Left : Calatrava Geneva Boutique Edition ref. 5565A-001 in steel , launched in 2006 to commemorate the opening of the then-new Geneva boutique. Powered by Manual-wind cal. 215 PS . R...
I will also say 5100 without hesitation
However, I want to throw in an argument on behalf of the 5565. There are rare occasions on which I think, "What if I quit collecting watches and just wore one flexible fine watch every day?" And on those occasions I think that the 5565 would be an ideal c...
You have a point.
But it all depends on what one considers an every day watch: I, for example, wear the Chronometro Gondolo daily and would rather wear the 5100 than the 5565. But I know it's just me, and the 5565 is of course closer to the usual definition of an every day...
Both are incredible.
The Calatrava is a beauty - I especially love the syringe hands and it’s SS. But I find the 5100 so much more special. 10 day power reserve alone is an incredible achievement. The movement is beautiful and case design is pure class. It’s a dream.
Well, since you asked;)
My vote goes for the 5565A, due to a more special look wearability and legibility. I owned the 5100G and sold it with no regrets. While the movement is very special and visually very appealing, the legibility was close to zero and due to the curving middl...
Thank you for your very interesting feedback.
An owner's experience is a reminder that real life doesn't always follow the dreams you have in front of your screen! That said, I still think you were lucky to own the 5100G ;-) Best, Emmanuel
Looks like I’m in the minority.
The calatrava for me. I’m just not a huge fan of rectangle watches. God knows I’ve tried, but end up selling every one of them in the end.
I completely understand that.
Rectangular watches are very special indeed. And we have to buy what we love and feel comfortable wearing, of course! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Best, Emmanuel
The 5100 for me...
The case of the 5565 never appealed to me. It's a weird hybrid between a crisp edged case (overall shape) and a soft curvaceous case, leaving a broad ill defined bezel, lugs, etc. that's neither fish nor fowl. The 5100 on the other hand is well defined an...
Thanks for sharing your interesting thoughts, John.
I agree with you on almost all counts, here: I just don't like very much the architecture of the 30-255, I find it unappealing. The different shapes of the bridges are a bit strange and the small central bridge holding the wheel which connects the two bar...
People would kill for one of those.
A 38mm steel time only calatrava with the new movement and classic sporty dial/hands (like the 5565's) would be an OBVIOUS and EASY hit for Patek. I can only explain their failure to release something like this as driven by a form of perversity on their p...
It's not so implausible!
Note that by 'perversity' I do NOT mean something like 'sexual deviance,' (which seems to be the most common usage) but rather the stricter sense: obstinate refusal to act in accord with the apparently obvious good. Releasing a watch like that would be gi...
I fully endorse this view. Similar to offering some pieces without a date display. PP can easily do so, but they inexplicably refuse.
viz. the 5296 sector dial, all but ruined by the date display. May be somewhat hyperbolic, but still...
I completely understand your shared (blau & vitalisigns) perspective.
And you might be right concerning this kind of "blindness" or even "stubbornness". It would be very interesting to know how decisions are made internally, how different ideas are accepted or, conversely, rejected. Best, Emmanuel
Yes, the 10-Day movement is quite something.
And the case and overall design too. Best, Emmanuel
I completely understand your feeling.
And, to be honest, I've never handled a 5565 in real life, whereas I've seen three of the four variants of the 5100 (J, R and P). So, I am inevitably biased or not as well informed on both sides. Best, Emmanuel
Hi Emmanuel, both are attrative and when push comes to shove I would prefer
5565A because it fits my small wrist better. Also the syringe 💉 hands has a particular charm to me that I cannot explain. The design of the manta ray is unique though. Thanks for the post !
I completely understand your preference, Gordon!
As it's all about what resonates with each of us. Best, Emmanuel
Manta ray all the way for me!
1. Like Emmanuel, I really enjoy shaped watches. 2. The much more interesting movement in the 5100P.
For my personal preference, this is an extremely easy one. 5100P, not even remotely close. 565 is an iconic and important vintage Calatrava - full of warmth, charm
and a watch that has aged beautifully. For me the 5565 appears rather cold and sterile … certainly not charming. Again, this is only my personal viewpoint. On the other hand, 5100P is a mechanical marvel (10 day) that is complicated, very different aesthe...
I couldn't agree more with what you say concerning the difference
between the 565 and the 5565. Reason why I do not feel attracted to the 5565 at all. The 5100P, on the other hand, is a wonderful watch. Wishing you a great Sunday. Best, Emmanuel
I completely understand that.
Rectangular watches are very special. Thanks for chiming in. Best, Emmanuel
5100p - Power Reserve
Thank you for the post. For me always the 5100p. For interest there is an article in the latest PP magazine (Vol 5 No 7) about long power reserve watches including the 5100 and references the latest Calatrava 5328G. Regards
Yes, I enjoyed reading it too!
And I'm glad your preference goes to the 5100P too! Best, Emmanuel ...