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Patek Philippe October 2022 novelties – Still leading traditional modernisation
Hi everyone, Patek Philippe has just released today a new array of its annual novelties, expending its casual trend (and touch!) to several models from its classical line-up. Of course, the star of the show is certainly the new Patek Philippe 5811G Nautilus which has the difficult task to replace the previous 5711 family. However, very attractive versions have been added to existing models, among which the green dial 5204G (QP, Split-second chronograph) or the 5935A World Time, Chronograph which is a steel version with Salmon dial of the 5930. The ladies have received a nice “Rainbow” gem-set Aquanaut with a Chronograph complication as well. Among traditional brands, Patek has…
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The Patek Philippe 5326G Annual Calendar Travel time – Get ready to wear it everyday
Hi everyone, There are watches that aren’t the most expensive nor complicated but that get the most wrist time. I’m sure many can recognize their own experience in that statement. It is the kind of watches you feel comfortable with, in every meaning of the word. It is seemless on the wrist, you aren’t (too) afraid of scratching it, you find it appealing aesthetically, it possesses one or two functions that are practical to you, a color or a shape that you’ve been quickly finding yourself very in line with, etc… I have that with an old Speedy of mine. Presented during the last Watches & Wonders 2022 fair, the…
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The Patek Philippe 5236P Perpetual Calendar – Maybe their most beautiful modern QP
Hello everyone, To me, one of the very attractive recent novelties was the launch of the new Patek Philippe 5236P “in-line” Perpetual Calendar. Indeed, a new interpretation of a QP (Quantième Perpétuel in French) from the brand is an event on its own, knowing its legacy, thus legitimacy. Furthermore, it was (at last!) the second introduction only of the gorgeous micro-rotor 31-260 caliber base, after the 5235 “Regulator” (2011). However, the main matter is maybe the fact Patek has created with the 5236P, the perfect interpretation of a new classics for our current era. It might be the way the brand is setting in a masterstroke a new standard of…
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The Richard Mille RM055 All Grey – Shades of grey perfection
Hello everyone, There is a Richard Mille that, among my all-time favorite models from the brand (and probably all brands considered), provides nearly the same rush of appeal (and envy) each time I see it (even on pictures). It’s indeed the Richard Mille RM055 Bubba Watson “All Grey” limited edition. Strangely, it isn’t the most complicated as it is a time-only reference, but as with all RMs (even the ones I don’t like), the engineering and philosophy behind their conception is so unique and powerful for a curiosity-driven guy (as with someone just interested in discovering any kind of innovations in general) that I’m always excited when I can hold…
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The Patek Philippe 5320G Perpetual Calendar – DNA revisited with a Salmon dial
Hello everyone, In 2017, we’ve been granted with the launch of the first 5320G Perpetual Calendar reference, cream-colored lacquer dial. This new 3448-style dial layout was presented one year after the traditional 240-caliber-based 5327 references (the natural successors to the 5140) were unveiled. It is a clear new offer next to the already available PC-only collection (5159/5160, 5140/5327 and 2021’s “in-line” 5236). As a reminder, the 5496 family was discontinued in 2020. The brand is therefore presenting today 4 main QP mechanical profiles in parallel. However, two months ago, we have discovered a very seductive new version of the Patek Philippe 5320G Perpetual Calendar with a Salmon dial! It is…
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The Patek Philippe 5270P Chronograph Perpetual Calendar in Green – From the king dial maker
Hi everyone, A little over a month ago, the brand has offered a stunning piece to keep uniting traditional watchmaking and an ongoing evolving world: the Patek Philippe 5270P Chronograph Perpetual Calendar with a ravishing new green dial. In 2018, the brand had launched a rare Platinum version of this legendary complications assembly with a Salmon dial, thus a little more traditional. As usual with the brand, the rarer platinum versions hold a very special place in the catalogue. But in this case today, we surely go even further with this version which stands proudly as a symbol of a new offer. Don’t be misled by the unusual colour; it…
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The Patek Philippe 5470P 1/10th of a Second Monopusher Chronograph – Doing it right
Hi everyone, Patek Philippe has just unveiled a brand new chronograph: the Patek Philippe 5470P 1/10th of a Second Monopusher Chronograph. (The previous references unveiled during the 2022 Watches & Wonders week can be found here: Watches and Wonders – The Patek Philippe 2022 novelties) It is not a Split-second Chronograph but a Chronograph with a 1/10th of a second additional complication based on a higher beating rate (5Hz i.e. 36 000 vph). This requires a better accuracy from the caliber (otherwise counting 1/10th becomes useless) and a very well managed energy consumption. You will see this isn’t a mere achievement when done the best as it can. It is…
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Patek Philippe – 2022 Rare Handcrafts Collection
Hi everyone, Patek Philippe has unveiled its 2022 Rare handcrafts collection. In recent years, next to the more visible regular collection novelties, Patek presents a range of rare, sometimes unique, pieces in link with hand-made craftmanship. It has been a while since the brand has been involved in those highly skilled fields. We can of course recall the early 1950’s/1960’s enamel pocket and wrist watches or last decades pieces decorated from feather working, wood marquetry, painting crafts but in fact you can follow pieces decorated that way from the early origins of Patek in the 19th century. These are pieces that are very difficult to come buy, even on pictures.…
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Watches & Wonders – The Patek Philippe 2022 novelties
Hi everyone, So here it is, the long awaited 2022 novelties presentation which now is held at Watches and Wonders in Geneva. Let’s have a quick look at all the wristwatches unveiled this week with a little emphasize on what characterizes them or what should be noticed, as a buyer or just as a watch amateur. However, as usual, the true appreciation of the watch can only be valued from the “live” experience. The colors, the details’ size, hence visibility etc… can be so tricky to assess from pictures (whether they are official or live ones). Yet, it is still worth making a little owner’s tour, especially to determine what…
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The Patek Philippe 5230R World Time – Cherishing the art of Universal Timers
Hello everyone, A few years ago, the Patek Philippe 5230 World Time was launched in two versions, rose and white gold, with updated time zones, together with the 5930G World Time Chronograph. It was a very exciting event considering this complication is a famous icon not only in the brand’s history but also within the watchmaking world. It is a must-have in a collection, not only for real travellers but also for those whose imagination brings them in a journey through the places marked on the dial. With the Perpetual Calendar and Minute-repeaters, it is their third “signature” complication. Indeed, when involved in a World Timers discussion, Patek Philippe automatically…