For your Lady's eyes only, agent 7071 and its new calibre CH 29-535 PS!

Nov 10, 2009,15:06 PM
 

When the Patek Philippe 5959 was launched in 2005 it was a real and full surprise to discover this absolutely purist watch and its split seconds chronograph calibre that is still (and may for ever remain?) the thinnest of its kind. The watch is a dream piece without any doubt but it remains the summit of the modern chronograph offerings, so simple and so unreachable.

 

The launch of the Patek Philippe 5960 in January 2006 was another surprise! If the 5959 was a "tour de force", a watch for the sake of the intrinsic classical chronographs beauty, so small that its case and dial were just a show case for its calibre, the 5960 on the contrary was a watch intended for the active users of the modern world. The 5960 was a watch of functions. Its automatic winding, its annual calendar were perfect ways (or excuses) to make it an everyday watch! The Nautilus 5980 was offering an even sportier option, a watch that sailors could use. Maybe the 5980 was a tribute to the sailing exploits of Mr Philippe Stern? Whatever the reasons be the two automatic references turned to be a real success!

 

In this context the Patek Philippe 5070 was still the classical option for lovers of traditional chronographs. The 5970 adding a perpetual calendar was perpetuating a long series of such watches. These two watches have always been very successful too, but sporting a calibre CH27-70 launched in 1986 in the 3970, a calibre itself based on a calibre from the forties, they were keeping this romantic style of the old glories of Patek Philippe's chronographs history, inevitably conveying also the technical characteristics of older watches.

 

As it is the spirit and tradition of Patek Philippe to keep improving and innovating, and as the rumour had been so loud for years we were not surprised this time to discover last week the new chronograph calibre CH 29-535 PS. But we would still have surprises!

 



Patek Philippe's new in-house Chronograph calibre CH 29-535 PS

 

This article is going to be long, trust me! I will try to convince you that "it was worth the wait", even if you already know that we will (we men) even have to wait a little more!

 

This calibre is the first calibre that will only carry the Patek Philippe Seal. It is also the first completely new manual wind wrist chronograph calibre in Patek Philippe's history. The CHR 27-525 PS of the 5959 was indeed inspired by a Victorin Piguet calibre from the beginning of the former century.

 



A glamorous evening party

 

Before going into the details of the new legend of watch motoring, we have to share the conditions of its launch. The launch was also the official re-opening of the Paris Patek Philippe Salon that was closed for four month to renovate and extend the 10 Place Vendôme boutique.

 



Patek Philippe in Paris

 

The precedent of the renovation of the Geneva Salon was a motivation to bring to Paris such an improved nest for the Patek Philippe creations. I won't need to comment the pictures. This is a gorgeous place!

 



Entrance lobby

 

There is little doubt to me that Patek Philippe is offering each year more complicated and sophisticated watches and that such offering deserves a suitable place to be met.

 



The second room of the main floor

 

You can certainly imagine that the lavishly decorated rooms and the sumptuous atmosphere of the salon will be the perfect environment to choose your next watch.

 



First floor

 

I've always imagined that a Rolls-Royce was the best car to escape from the roughness of our lovely world, and if I cannot share such experience, I can say that this place at the 10 was indeed an opportunity to forget the time passing by.

 



Opposite view

 

But let's come back to the new calibre, and specifically to the new watch that inaugurates it and also the Patek Philippe's presidency of Mr Thierry Stern. This watch is simply and smartly (or ironically) named "Ladies First". I would take it as good news. You may finally see your lovely half understand why you spend so much time admiring the back of your watch, if that was not the case so far. You may even end up later asking why you could not buy your new chronograph as she already got hers!  I will cite Thierry Stern to let you hope: "Of course, this will engender some jealousy among those who have to wait longer to admire this new chronograph with the stunning manufacture movement on their wrists."

 



Patek Philippe's « Ladies First » chronograph

 

So the watch is a cushion, or square cambered two counter chronograph. The case dimension is 35mm in width and 39mm in lengths (from 12 to 6). Not a square could you say, yes indeed, but looking so close! The height is 10.95 mm. The watch is water resistant to 30 meters.

 

It will be so far available only in rose gold in two dial versions. My favourite is the silvery opaline dial one. The other version shows a black guilloche flame pattern.

 



Very much Art Deco square cambered case

 

Each dial is enlightened by 136 round diamonds for approximately 0.58 carat.

 



Diamonds lightning

 

The dial shows graphical counters at 3 and 9. I'm tempted to say that if in some classical chronographs the counters are sometimes lost in the centre of the watch, it is the contrary there and the designers have smartly and nicely equilibrated the dial design with these asymmetric counters. In fact it seems obvious that it is a large calibre below, designed for a men's watch.

 

You will also notice that the counters are slightly centred below the 3 to 9 line. We have already seen such position in the A. Lange & Söhne Datograph (or slightly above in the current Rolex Daytona). This is directly linked to a technical characteristic of the new calibre, its instantaneous jump minute counter. In fact it is not possible to put everything in the crown axis! smile

 



Mobile lugs

 

The case lugs are mobile, what will help all sizes of feminine wrists to accommodate to the size of the generous case. Such mobile lugs could also be used again on the men's version as the trend for large watches sometimes end up in splitting the world in two, those who can wear the 5070 and those who can't!

 



A much better pic by myself smile

 

As often with nicely engined chronographs the best view is the secret one, on the back. This calibre seems to try to escape from the case back as it is so large. Take into account that it is 29.60 mm wide while the CH 27-70 of the 5070 is "only" 27.50 mm. It is also thinner, 5.35 mm versus 5.57 mm for the CH 27-70.

 

Apparently the back sapphire glass has been placed closer than ever to the calibre so the calibre seems to literally jump out of the back. You feel that you can touch it!

 



A huge heart

 

As already written I prefer the silvery dial. I find the thin decoration of the dial, the painted railway-track minute scale and hour markers being so elegant and simple.

 



My favourite silvery opaline dial

 

I to some extent find the diamond scenery look like the crowd around a ring. Some women will certainly hope for a sportier looking version, but we can't deny some style and refinement to this watch. If watchmakers keep setting diamonds on watches after so long there are certainly ladies enjoying them! For those who enjoy diamonds this watch has on top 0.58 carat of diamonds and on the back a huge stone of 29.6 mm of diameter. smile

 



Pure luxury

 

So here is the black dial version. This time the hour markers are applied gold pieces. The watch may have a stronger look, even perhaps a younger one. I'll let the ladies here decide.

 



Black or white

 

You can also play with the colour of the straps. A white strap will easily turn it into a less formal option. The most daring wearers will certainly try some colourful exotic skins.

 



Black guilloche dial

 

Would you want to discuss now about the technical content of this new calibre? This is apparently looking like a classical manual wind column wheel two counter chronograph, but there is more to say. This calibre is truly innovative in the discreet way Patek Philippe used us to.

 



Obvious signs of a men's calibre in a lady's watch

 

The first remark that I would want to share about this calibre is that it may appear at first glance less beautiful than the traditional CH 27 but I can say you that I soon changed my mind when I discovered all the technical explanations behind its different bridge architecture. The bridge architecture may be disturbing because of the absence of the "Y" central bridge of the CH 27. Here we have two somewhat straight bridges. In fact the instantaneous minute counter apparently didn't allow for a single "Y" bridge, and even if that had not been the case, the two bridges are not at the same height.

 

Of course if you didn't focus on that aspect at first glance you may already be in love. If not it's coming soon! Trust me!

 



The one

 

This new calibre cumulates the use of no less than six Patek Philippe patents relative to chronograph calibres.

 

Of these six patents only the first was used before, exclusively in the reference 5959. It relates to a new design of tooth profile for the contact between the clutch wheel and the chronograph wheel as you can see below. This profile is announced to have several advantages.

 

The first advantage is to eliminate the risk of hand jump in both directions when starting the chronograph function.

 

The second advantage is to limit the quivering motion of the seconds hand. The hand is visibly moving more smoothly. It adds to the serenity of this watch ownership probably! smile

 

The third advantage is to increase the efficiency of the energy transmission by reducing friction and consequently also wear in the movement, specially between these two wheels. Consequently Patek Philippe announces that the chronograph can be used permanently without risk, the chronograph hand can be used as a sweep second.

 

You may remember that it was already the case with the 5960, but for a different reason: the vertical clutch of the 5960 calibre also avoids tear and permits this permanent use. Still, contrarily to the 5960 that is a flyback chronograph that can be reset and restarted instantly when you let it work permanently, the new CH 29-535 has no flyback function. I will do without it!

 



Optimized tooth profile

 

The second patent is also linked to the same point of contact. In fact you've certainly wondered many times what was the use of the polished cap on the column wheel. Apparently so far it was purely aesthetical. The vision of the columns was not judged pleasant by the Patek Philippe calibre "designers". This time it's getting serious, the polished cap has become useful.

 

We've just seen the importance of the contact between the clutch wheel and the chronograph wheel. You can imagine that the depth of engagement of the respective teeth of the two wheels  must be precisely regulated. So far that was a difficult task done by the watchmaker assembling the calibre. He will still do it, but much more easily and without having to disassemble many parts.

 

Have a look at your 5070P's back (OK 5020s, 5070s, 5970s, 3970s or even 5004s or 5959s of any colour qualify). Put the balance wheel at the bottom like on my picture below. Identify the "S" clutch lever that bears the clutch wheel and moves it towards the chronograph wheel when you start your chronograph. Just below the upper part of the clutch you'll notice that a screw head touches the inside part of the lever. It is an eccentric screw. By turning it the watchmaker can regulate to what extent the teeth engage. That's the old way!

 



The mobile wheel

 

Now here is the new way, with the polished cap. The polished cap has now become the eccentric. When the extremity of the "S" clutch lever engages inside the column wheel (when the chronograph is started), the upper part of this extremity comes in contact with the side of the polished cap. As the cap is eccentric the watchmaker just has to unscrew the top screw on the cap, turn the cap until the wheels perfectly engage, and screw again. And it's done. You can see below on the drawing the interaction.

 



Mobile but adjusted

 

My picture above shows two holes on the polished cap. They were intended to help the watchmaker turn the cap, but it was finally unnecessary and after a short run (collectors smile) of watches with these holes, the production will receive a plain cap like below, that is much more beautiful.

 



The first useful column wheel cap

 

The drawing below shows even better the contact between the lever and the column wheel and cap. The result is not just a simpler adjustment, it is also a greater precision in the adjustment and a regulation that is more easily kept in time.

 



The cap as an adjuster

 

The third patent is also taking place in the same area. As you may know when you stop your chronograph the clutch lever activated by the column wheel disengages the clutch wheel from the chronograph wheel and consequently the chronograph wheel is no longer powered. But the chronograph wheel must still be stopped and fixed by a blocking lever to avoid any move of the wheel and an instant stop. This blocking lever is generally activated also by the column wheel. That's not the case in the new calibre.

 



The S lever that looks like an F

 

In the CH 29-535 PS the clutch lever and the blocking lever are synchronized directly as you can see in the picture below. When the clutch lever gets out of the column wheel it frees the blocking lever that it was formerly pushing out of the way of the chronograph wheel. The blocking lever can find back its natural position on contact with the chronograph wheel, immediately stopping and blocking it.

 



Synchronization

 

The obvious advantage is that the action of the clutch wheel disengaging from the chronograph wheel and the blocking of this last wheel are perfectly synchronized thus helping to avoid (linked with the tooth profile) the jump of the chronograph hand when it is started or stopped.

 

Another advantage is to simplify and improve the precise adjustment of the control sequences. There's only one point of adjustment instead of two and this adjustment is more reliable in time. This aspect of reliability in time is essential for Patek Philippe, not just because of the Patek Philippe Seal.

 



Reliability and smoothness

 

We've mainly discussed so far about starting and stopping the chronograph, what about resetting it. Reset is quite probably the more violent time for chronograph calibres and it is the subject of the three other patents. Take a look at the kind of steel finger you can see below the yellow chronograph wheel. It is essential for the future of your future CH 29-535.

 



Can you see the slot just below the center jewel

 

You've understood that this calibre has an instantaneous minute counter. This is not the subject of a patent but the form of this wheel and this slot is the explanation of this instantaneous jump.

 



Here is the slot

 

If you look at the drawing below you can see the chronograph wheel on top, sporting the seconds hand, and the minute counter wheel below, sporting the minute hand. The hook linking the two wheels is moving during the elapsing minute as it is in contact with the elliptic light blue minute counter cam below the chronograph wheel. This cam is turning counter clock-wise in our drawing. So during the elapsing minute the hook is pushed slowly out the axis of the chronograph wheel and climbs as slowly the next tooth of the minute counter wheel (in white below).

 



Jumping minute counter as a complication

 

At the end of the minute the hook falls on the other side of the top of the tooth of the minute counter wheel and right after also falls back closer to the centre of the cam below the chronograph wheel. When it falls back it turns instantly the instantaneous minute counter wheel by one tooth. You can easily imagine it looking at the drawing below.

 



moving one minute forward

 

Then you can ask why it is done with a pierced-out minute counter cam? Excellent question! Simply because when the chronograph is reset, the hook must obviously come back in place at point 0 just where it falls on the minute counter cam, at the beginning of the elapsed minute. This is patent 4 coming. You can imagine that if the counter cam was not pierced to allow an engagement of the hook inside the cam, the hook would crash-like on a wall when reset and coming back counter clock-wise! The cam and the hook could certainly be made strong enough to resist the crash but all the energy would be transmitted to the seconds hand that could be tempted to "go through the wind screen" if I dare say so! 

 



The new bridge

 

The fifth patent applies to the vertical alignment of the hammers of reset. It is done through the use of the new bridge you can see above. When you reset your chronograph, the hands are brought back to 0 by hammers pushing on the hearts. The hammers are freed and pushed by their springs towards the hearts. They make the hearts turn until they lay on the straight part of the hearts, closer to the hearts' axis.

 



Between ten and eleven

 

You can see below how the hammers are vertically aligned in your traditional CH 27-70. The hammers pivot on a pin and all the regulation is linked to the form of the pipe. In fact the watchmaker must generally adapt the pipe 's form to allow a smooth rotation of the hammers. It is a labour intensive and delicate operation. It is also a source of tear and misalignment in time.

 



The traditional way

 

The new solution is to position the hammers' axis between jewelled bearings. It allows a simpler alignment and once aligned it doesn't move. You can see the difference below.

 



Pivoting between jewels

 

So you may understand that this new chronograph calibre is apparently traditional but in fact it is really innovative in my opinion. And isn't it gorgeous?

 



A simple chronograph much more complicated than a simple chronograph

 

Some may regret the larger balance wheel of the CH 27-70. In fact the CH 29-535 is keeping the Breguet balance spring but its slightly smaller balance is now a 4 arm Gyromax balance with 4 poising weights for regulation, that beats at 28,800 semi-oscillations per hour. So it is potentially much more precise than the CH 27-70. It also increases the power reserve to 65 hours (58 hours when the chronograph is activated).

 



This one is reset

 

Let's have a look at the last patent. We just discussed about the hammers. You can see below the two hammers resting on the hearts. You may notice the screw at the intersection of the two hammers' arms.

 



Reset as the hammers are resting on the hearts

 

Below in light blue is a traditional monobloc hammer. This traditional system needs once again lots of hand adjustment to secure the precise reset of the two hearts with the same piece of hammer. You can easily end up with hands not properly resetting, you've certainly seen that already and it is particularly annoying on a chronograph.

 



Traditionnal dual hammer in light blue

 

The new patented system has two linked but independent arms for the hammers. Each arm and hammer has its own spring. The screw that marks the intersection of the arms is in fact an axis that allows the hammers to push independently on the hearts.

 



The new independant hammers at rest

 

Above the hammers are not applied to the hearts, below they are.

 



The new independant hammers applied on the hearts

 

Now are you ready to find back the six patents applied to the gorgeous calibre below?

 



Did you get the six patents?

 

Don't you find it as beautiful as the vintage below? And certainly so much more efficient and reliable?

 



Patek Philippe's 13 lines chronograph calibre on a Victorin Piguet's ebauche from 1927 that is cased in a cushion watch pictured at the end of this article

 

I've kept some specifications for the end as they are not the subject of patents but even if already used in the past, they are not common. You remember the hook that transmits the energy for the instantaneous jump of the minute counter? This hook is kept in place by a spring. This spiral spring shown in grey below is supposed to apply a constant force to the hook thanks to its form. 

 



The constant force spring

 

If you look closely at four below you can find the spring below the minute counter bridge that bears the Patek Philippe Seal.

 

Why is constant force better in that case? I suppose it avoids an unnecessary friction on the minute counter cam towards the end of the minute.

 



At four just below the Patek Philippe Seal bridge

 

Our last technical improvement will concern the driving wheel of the chronograph as you can see below on the drawing. In the new calibre the fourth wheel and top wheel are integrated in the same mobile, while in the traditional version the two wheels are separated by a bridge. It is supposed to improve the reliability of the chronograph functions.

 



The integrated driving wheel

 

Now if you've been kind enough to follow me so far in this discovery of the new Patek Philippe chronograph calibre, I'd like to share my hopes for the future. You can immediately choose to get a 7071 for yourself or a lady of your choice, or wait for the men's version(s).

 



Get the pair

 

The inauguration was a unique opportunity in Paris to see the whole current range of chronographs, but also to discover a very nice exhibition of vintage pieces.

 



Patek Philippe current reference 5959

 

Obviously a visit to the Patek Philippe Museum will allow you to admire all these incredible pieces.

 

Let's begin with the one that is now my favourite! I'm a great fan of this steel reference 1463, perhaps mainly because of its Breguet numerals. I'd love to see the new calibre in such a design someday.

 



Patek Philippe 1463 from 1950/1951 in Staybrite stainless steel

 

Of course there were many other options and as Patek Philippe was offering a choice of designs in the forties I'd also like to see a choice of designs in the future.

 



Patek Philippe 533 from 1953/1955 in yellow gold

 

We remember very well the very nice 5020 that left us too long ago and a choice of form chronographs could also be very interesting. This specific watch below is indeed housing the vintage Victorin Piguet calibre I showed before.

 



Patek Philippe cushion-shaped chronograph from 1929 in yellow gold fitted
with the Victorin Piguet ebauche based calibre seen earlier

 

Cases could vary but dials could vary too!

 



Patek Philippe 1579 from 1948/1949 in yellow gold

 

Black dials are quite rare on vintage chronographs from Patek Philippe. You may like this one.

 



Patek Philippe 591 from 1943 in rose gold

 

We will also certainly see split-second versions, perpetual calendar versions and why not both together?

 



Patek Philippe cushion-shaped split second chronograph in yellow gold

 

I have no idea if the new calibre could be made in a monopusher version. That's something I forgot to ask.

 



Patek Philippe 97 from 1930/1933 in yellow gold

 

We could certainly do with two pushers if we get two seconds hands.

 



Patek Philippe 1436 from 1950/1951 in yellow gold

 

I'd like to finish this post with three pics of the same watch. I find this watch particularly gorgeous and was very happy to see it again.

 



Patek Philippe 1563 from 1962/1964 in yellow gold

 

You may have recognized it as his owner was probably even more famous than Patek Philippe is.

 



This 1563 was Duke Ellington's personal watch

 

Chronographs are meant to measure passing time. In fact time is passing too fast not to be measured. At this time I can't stop myself from remembering my dear uncle Luc who left our world this year too early. All his life he loved his family and friends, enjoyed music, motorcycles and wines and dreamt of Patek Philippe watches, that's why I allow myself to mention him here. As the year is ending and you men won't get your new Patek Philippe chronograph for Christmas, I wish you to long enjoy what you cherish! I'm sure you'll get your share of Patek Philippe chronograph pleasure sooner or later.

 



Anything to say?

 

Thank you for taking the time to read, I hope you followed me till the end.

 

Count on me to be there for the next case for this calibre!

 

A great thank you to the Patek Philippe teams for this great opportunity and my sincere congratulations to the technical teams for such a marvel.

 

Dje

 

This message has been edited by Dje on 2009-11-10 15:30:36 This message has been edited by Dje on 2009-11-15 11:46:40


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Excellent Report, Jerome

 
 By: Frederick : November 10th, 2009-15:20
Thank you so much for this in-depth report on the new movement. I read it in its entirety, was captivated, but now have a migrain headache. TMI for my simple brain LOL LOL. Excellent photos of some classic vintage Pateks. Thanks again. Cheers

wow

 
 By: Bruno.M1 : November 10th, 2009-15:32
what a report ! Now I'm gonna read it a second time ... an probably a third time too Thanks !

Thank You.

 
 By: M Segal : November 10th, 2009-18:28
What a wonderful report on the new calibre, 7071 and vintage chronographs. I look forward to a more pedestrian casing. Mike S.

Thank you, Jerome.

 
 By: William C : November 10th, 2009-18:30
Another enjoyable dissertation. Although I truly enjoy seeing all the chronograph incarnations that you have spent such thoughtful time compiling, like you, I favor the 1463 SS with Breguet numerals. If you find two would you please save one for me? With ... 

thanks Jérôme, great post !!! [nt]

 
 By: p@trice : November 10th, 2009-19:02
No message body

Thank you for your comments! There's still a lot of work to do on everything but

 
 By: Dje : November 15th, 2009-11:24
Hi, I was not expecting such comments on my poor photographs! Thank you Cheers Dje

Fantastic report DJE! [nt]

 
 By: DRMW : November 10th, 2009-20:51
No message body

Thanks! nt

 
 By: Dje : November 15th, 2009-11:24
nt

Great report …

 
 By: AndrewD : November 10th, 2009-21:09
Thanks Jerome, This is a brilliant coverage. It is great to see so many practical innovations come together in this calibre. The CH 29-535 PS is interesting in this guise, but will make an even better men’s chronograph with more balanced positioning of th...  

A great in depth report .Plenty of detail to understand

 
 By: watch-guy.com : November 11th, 2009-21:59
I still love the vintage pieces though. It will be interesting to see in what case the mens model is launched Julian

Thanks Andrew

 
 By: Dje : November 15th, 2009-11:25
Hi, Impressive place indeed, the CH 29-535 could even seem "normal" in such a place! Cheers Dje

Thanks Jerome - great report!

 
 By: fernando : November 10th, 2009-21:41
This new movement is another milestone for Patek and from what I've read & seen so far it looks to be a winner on all counts.Can't wait to see the men's version. fernando

Beautiful pieces! Thanks for the comprehensive report!

 
 By: patrick_y : November 10th, 2009-21:55
Gotta visit Paris again soon, beautiful new Patek salon!

Thank you Patrick! The place is indeed worth the visit!

 
 By: Dje : November 15th, 2009-11:27
Hi, And they apparently have more pieces to see now! Cheers Dje

Thanks

 
 By: Dje : November 15th, 2009-11:28
Hi, No pic of the clasp, but I heard that the price should (could) be around 52 000 euros! It's not definitive yet! Cheers Dje

Thanks Jerome for the wonderful report [nt]

 
 By: chronoman19 : November 11th, 2009-00:54
No message body

Thank you Walter! nt

 
 By: Dje : November 15th, 2009-11:29
nt

Wow your pics bring out the true beauty of this watch

 
 By: Oztimelord : November 11th, 2009-01:14
Thanks Jerome, When my wife and I saw the press pics, we weren't too impressed with the look of the watch. The movement is incredible. Your more natural pics confirm an inner shine to this piece that will make it a huge success. Kind Regards Rene

Great post. Thanks for sharing.

 
 By: VMM : November 11th, 2009-01:43
Awesome movement from PP. Vte

My pleasure! nt

 
 By: Dje : November 15th, 2009-11:30
nt

Thanks for the report Jerome.

 
 By: SJX : November 11th, 2009-08:24
Any hints on what the men's chrono will look like? - SJX

No :-)

 
 By: Dje : November 15th, 2009-11:33
Hi, But I can say it will be supposedly a simple two counter chrono for the simple version, there will be no annual calendar version, you'll see perpetual calendar one, and who knows, maybe a split second too! Cheers Dje

Nice work Sir, it was great to have a vacation to Paris and this

 
 By: timerider : November 11th, 2009-10:05
very special place...almost like being there. I look forward to my next visit. Merci, Tim

Superb post Jérôme ! Thanks a lot for you in-depth review of the caliber.

 
 By: foversta : November 11th, 2009-10:57
As I wrote here, it is much better to wait a few days and to get such post... Thanks a lot. Fr.Xavier

Wonderful coverage Jerome!

 
 By: Kong : November 11th, 2009-10:57
The Ladies First Chronograph looks quite nice. Do you happen to have a wrist-shot on a lady's wrist? It should please some ladies who always say - 'a lady piece is just a man's model decorated with blings' as it houses a new movement now. Kong

Sorry no wrist shot on my part!

 
 By: Dje : November 15th, 2009-11:35
Hi, I'm sure there will be as many pleased women as watches they will produce! Cheers Dje

May I share with you a few pics ?

 
 By: foversta : November 11th, 2009-11:27
I will not add any comment, the article from Jerôme is perfect and very comprehensive. I just want to underline the fact that in Paris we were very proud to have the opportunity to get this presentation during the two events. It symbolizes for us a come-b...  

Great pics. FX

 
 By: fernando : November 12th, 2009-01:14
Love these old Patek chronos! No date;that's how I like them.

Thank you for your pics FX

 
 By: Dje : November 15th, 2009-11:37
Hi, I missed the party myself, so got no pics of it! Cheers Dje

Thank you from one of the ladies

 
 By: Ginger : November 11th, 2009-12:20
I am thrilled. The fact that such a fine timepiece is offered in a mid sized or ladies' version is encouraging. The moveable lugs are a feature that I would love to see implemented on other watches for my own sake, and I think some of our smaller wristed ... 

Thank you for your comments Ginger

 
 By: Dje : November 15th, 2009-11:39
Hi, Thank you for your comments ginger. They are the first comments I read from a lady, so they are very much valuable! I'd love to read more comments from your side of the world on this forum! Keep posting. Cheers Dje

Duke's watch is incredibly gorgeous!

 
 By: Ophiuchus : November 11th, 2009-13:20
What a find you have there. That is probably the most beautiful Patek I've ever seen. The proportions and dial, with the hands balanced, beautiful. Stunning. Great find!

Thank you Jerome - Bravo Patek

 
 By: Nomer : November 11th, 2009-14:06
I have to admit that I did not appreciate the engineering achieved by Patek in this new caliber - great result. Thanks again for such an indepth report that is so accessible.

My pleasure Nomer! nt

 
 By: Dje : November 15th, 2009-11:40
nt

Wonderful report: Thank you Dje and Patek Philippe

 
 By: =RWK= : November 11th, 2009-21:13
Dje, I am with you; Patek Philippe should still be producing the Ref. 1463 in a Ø 39 mm case (white metal please). Cheers, -- Richard.

Thank you for that fantastic report! [nt]

 
 By: boa2 : November 12th, 2009-07:24
No message body

I'm glad you liked it! nt

 
 By: Dje : November 15th, 2009-11:41
nt

Thank you, Dje and FX . . .

 
 By: Dr No : November 12th, 2009-09:19
. . . brilliant reporting of a milestone caliber. I'll be revisiting this thread a few more times before the knowledge contained is fully imparted . . . cordially, Art

Thanks for the report... and I'm saved...

 
 By: Duke2Earl : November 12th, 2009-13:03
That was very informative. I think it's a real step forward for Patek. Thankfully (for my bank account) my Lady thinks it's too big and thick and she doesn't like daily winding, so I'm saved. Glenn .

Thank you Jerome..................

 
 By: Topcat30093 : November 12th, 2009-16:40
For such an outstanding article, with such a great indepth report and some beautiful photos. Not only of the new chronograph but also of the many vintage pieces. FX your photos were also a pleasure to look at.........Thank you. By the way which Patek is T... 

Oops!!! I have just seen the post below [nt]

 
 By: Topcat30093 : November 12th, 2009-16:41
No message body

NICE and detailed report...gotta keep the wife away

 
 By: ocwatching : November 13th, 2009-12:48
she has been wanting a complicated Patek...

Great report, DJE! [nt]

 
 By: Davo : November 14th, 2009-23:51
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A wonderful report, as ever!

 
 By: KCLQMULKU : November 15th, 2009-05:51
Thank you Jerome! Their new release is certainly growing on me, with a rather appealing photo of the elusive 5959.

W. D. W. W.

 
 By: nothing but time : November 18th, 2009-13:46
W omen D ont W ind W atches. I bought my wife a 4937R, giddy that I could impress her with the complicated automatic movement and the sparkle of the Wesselton pave. She smiled, gave me a big hug and within a week put it into her safe in favor of a ceramic... 

Sure but [nt]

 
 By: Dje : November 29th, 2009-10:53
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Makes me want a 5170 more than ever now.

 
 By: doublesix : April 16th, 2010-08:08
After reading this post on the ch29-535, it makes me want the 5170 even more now. I cam away with the idea that it is far superior to the Lemania based movement in the 5070. Thanks for such a detailed technical report DJE!

So do I!

 
 By: Dje : April 16th, 2010-14:41
Thank you for your comments ! Cheers Dje