Patek Philippe

The finest modern Calatrava? I loved it a lot and still miss it. Best, Nicolas ...  

5196P is the best in class and category!

It's truly a masterpiece! Not only is it the pinnacle of aesthetics within the 5196 family, but it's also a textbook example in the entire realm of modern dress watches.

Another important reason

While the 5196's aesthetics are impeccable, from the perspective of the meticulous craftsmanship of modern haute horlogerie, it may not be considered "textbook perfect," and even bears a hint of compromise from its time.

For purists who pursue ultimate perfection, the highest ideal of a dress watch is the "strict harmony between the movement and the case size." I believe Patek Philippe only truly resolved this decades-long aesthetic regret with the later 6119 (equipped wi... 

I completely understand why you desire a smooth bezel – after all, in many people's stereotypes, extreme minimalism and the "purity" of a dress watch are often conveyed by a plain, mirror-polished bezel. A smooth bezel, however, would give the watch a str... 

...  

Tell me your more specific thoughts.

Categorizing smooth bezels as part of the "modern industrial style" might overlook the core historical tradition of dress watches. From the very beginnings of wristwatches, and even in the era of pocket watches, the finest dress timepieces (such as Patek ... 

Just wish the sub-dial does not cut into the inner circle 😢

As much as I love the looks of this watch I've never loved it on the wrist, and I think this is why (21mm lug width is part of it too)

but it doesn’t fit every wrist well, unfortunately, and definitely not mine, because of the straight lugs and lug to lug… ...  

The breguet numerals alone are worth the price of admission.

…(and not sure why), but the numerals and hands are killer.

The 215 is not different, not worse nor better.

...and is still my benchmark for 'why can't they make them like that anymore?'

Regarding the 240 movement, I just love the micro rotor. As for the the older Calatrava range, sadly I never acquired a 5196P, but have always admired it.

This may be the favorite in the race.

Another entry. ...  

A tad small for some wrists...

Regardless, I really like the look of this, very well executed. It’s a strap monster watch too. ...  

And the Breguet dial is so balanced

The only one that came close for me was the 5127g (just my preferred configuration) I hope they consider some interesting dial options for the 6196! How about breguet dial 6196g j and r! Bring back sector also. A sector no date in the style of the classic... 

...  

And really there is only one reason. The seconds subdial is in the “right” place. I really don’t like it when older movements are shoehorned into “modern” cases and thereby making the dial proportions look off. A nice 570. Same Breguet numerals. Same two ...  

...  

Cal 175 or 215 isn’t the right size….

...  

I found it using Google search and it immediately stood out to me as an great example of a ref 96. Killer watch. I'm not sure if I would ever let it go if I had it...

The 5196P is one of those watches where Patek got absolutely everything right. Clean, balanced, timeless.

But I prefer the 5296G sector dial. The black 5227G is beautiful as well.

Obviously inspired by decades old examples of the 570 and 530 with similar multi hue silver Breguet dials, like the 5098P, Patek IMO made a perfect modern homage of the ancestral versions.

Love it. M. ...