As a first big surprise at Baselworld 2016, Patek Philippe is presenting a new model in the regular collection that pairs two highly popular complications in one watch. The Patek Philippe Aquanaut Travel Time ref. 5164 available in stainless steel up until now, is now also available in 18K rose gold as presented today at Baselworld 2016 from where we bring you this hands-on review with live pictures.
Posts filed under Patek Philippe
Insider: Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 5980/1AR-001. Hands-On with a Perfectly Executed Two-Tone Timepiece.
This time, just like we did on our hands-on review of the full rose gold version of this watch, we will limit the use of words and let the images do the real talking. When it comes to a watch like the Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 5980/1AR-001, there's really not much to say about the watch. The Patek Philippe Nautilus is simply perfect.
Experience: The New Patek Philippe Salon at De Boulle River Oaks District in Houston. A Perfect Evening.
Last Tuesday November 17, 2015, we had the pleasure to attend the celebration of the opening of the new Patek Philippe salon at the new De Boulle location in the ultra upscale River Oaks District in Houston. The River Oaks District, is a luxury retail paradise comparable to the Miami Design District or to Oak Street in Chicago. The new modern development is located on the famous Westheimer Rd. next to the Afton Oaks neighborhood and a block away from Hotel Derek. The River Oaks District is set to become the top shopping destination in Houston with boutiques that include Brunello Cucinelli, Canali, Chopard, Dior, De Boulle, Etro, Giuseppe Zanotti, Intermix, Moncler, Roberto Cavalli, Stella McCartney, Tom Ford, our favorite Vilebrequin swimwear and also our favorite Vietnamese restaurant from New York and Chicago, Le Colonial. After more than a decade without the opening of a new Patek Philippe Salon in the United States, De Boulle presents a unique shopping experience at its new location.
Insider: Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 5980/1R-001. One of the Most Beautiful Rose Gold Watches in the World.
Before I started this website, I was already known to be one of the biggest watch purchase instigators out there, every time I would post comments or post pictures on different watch fora —or forums as most people prefer to pluralize the word as such. In only two years of existence, we have positioned our website as one of the leading watch destinations for 'top-notch' watch content with amazing live photography and barely any stock images as many other watch blogs or watch websites do. Furthermore, we are perhaps the biggest instigators of watch purchases when watch collectors are seeking for that little push as they are standing on the edge of a watch purchase. This time, we will limit the use of words for this watch review and let the images do the real talking. When it comes to a watch like the Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 5980/1R-001, really how much there is to review or say about the watch. We all know how iconic the Nautilus line is —launched in 1976 and still looking timeless— and we also know what makes this Patek Philippe chronograph one of the best watches out there.
News: Vintage Patek Philippe Split Seconds Chronograph ref. 1436 Sells for $3.29 Million USD. One of Two Examples Known to Exist.
Yesterday November 8th, 2015 in Geneva at the Phillips Watches Auction Number Two in partnership with Bacs & Russo, another vintage Patek Philippe wristwatch sets a record at auction. Selling for $3.301 Million Swiss Francs —roughly $3.291 Million USD at today's exchange rate—, the Patek Philippe Split Seconds chronograph ref. 1436 makes history. With only two examples in stainless steel that are known to exist, this watch is far from the norm where the elite of watch manufacturers would reserve their most complicated and consequently valuable movements for precious metal cases. The consequence is, however, that lovers and collectors of the finest complicated vintage wristwatches will struggle to ever find a favorite piece in a stainless steel case. The perfect example of this theory is Patek Philippe, and only too many passionate collectors of the firm’s vintage pieces regret not to have yet seen a reference 2499, two crown world time, or vintage minute repeater in a stainless steel case.
Insider: Patek Philippe Nautilus Silvery-White Dial ref. 5711/1A-011. Even Better than its Black-Blue Dial Counterpart.
While we have already reviewed Genta's second most iconic creation in the past here, we decided to now spend some time talking about the silvery-white dial Nautilus ref. 5711/1A-011 that for many, seems way more beautiful than its blue dial counterpart. As you all know, the Patek Philippe Nautilus was conceived using the shape of a porthole found on most boats and following Audemars Piguet's footsteps, Patek Philippe anticipated the trend well in advance and responded to it in 1976 by launching the Nautilus Ref. 3700. While it was designed to appeal to a new customer segment, it was also intended to convince current Patek Philippe owners to complement their precious gold one with a ruggedly strong alternative in a steel case. Just like on the rest of Genta's creations, the alternating brushed and polished areas on the bezel as well as the flat top cases are part of the design. With its unmistakeable black-blue dial, this timepiece was released in 1976 as ref. 3700/1 in stainless steel and nicknamed 'Jumbo' due to its large case diameter at the time —42 mm including the hinges/ears.
Baselworld 2015: Introducing the Patek Philippe ref. 5270R in 18K Rose Gold. Live Pictures and Pricing of the Quintessential Perpetual Calendar Chronograph.
The Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Ref. 5270 was originally launched at Baselworld 2011 as a new complicated wristwatch with a rich 70-year heritage of tradition and innovation. This year at Baselworld 2015, Patek presented a new iteration of the ref. 5270 in 18K rose gold. Unfortunately, this exceptional timepiece didn't get as much attention as the new Patek Philippe Calatrava Pilot Travel Time ref. 5524G-001 featured here. Nevertheless, the new Patek Philippe ref. 5270R-001 is without a doubt the quintessential Perpetual Calendar Chronograph —in a perfectly sized case measuring 41 mm in diameter— and one of the most coveted references among Patekaholics. The Patek Philippe ref. 5270 available up until now only in 18K white gold —or platinum with diamonds under reference 5271—, combines the functionality of a perpetual calendar with the new classic chronograph caliber that is crafted entirely in-house.
Insider: Patek Philippe Chronograph ref. 5170G-010. A Chronograph with Breguet Numerals Like No Other.
The Patek Philippe Chronograph ref. 5170 in white gold is one of the most iconic and classic dressy chronograph timepieces out there. This year, Patek Philippe decided to give this watch a facelift and added a new ebony black opaline dial with white gold applied Breguet numerals and white minute track. Up until now, the Patek Philippe ref. 5170G was only available with silvery dial with pulsometer —graduation pour 15 pulsations. This new 517-G-010 is simply stunning and extremely comfortable with its 18K white gold case measuring short of 40 mm at 39.4 mm in diameter. Powered by the manual wound calibre CH 29-535 PS a column-wheel chronograph with center chronograph hand and 30-minute chrono register at 3 o'clock, this watch is pure perfection. Below you will find a few pictures of the previous iteration of this chronograph, the Patek Philippe ref. 5170G-001.
Insider: Patek Philippe Celestial ref. 6102R-001. Even More Beautiful than its Platinum Counterpart, If that is Even Possible.
he Patek Philippe Celestial ref. 6102R-001 was launched back in March at Baselworld 2015. This exceptional reference, was originally launched as reference 5102 in 2002 and discontinued in 2012 when it was replaced by ref. 6102P-001 in platinum with blue dial. One of the main differences between the ref. 6102 and its predecessor ref. 5102 besides the relatively different case construction is the addition of a date function. For those of you in love with gold, we have some great news, the legendary Patek Philippe Celestial ref. 6102 is now also available in 18K rose gold with a stunning black dial. Fitted with robust, yet elegant case measuring 44 mm in diameter and a dial featuring what is called a 'Sky Chart', this reference is one of the most fascinating horological complications ever developed by Patek Philippe. The 'Sky Chart' is composed of three different sapphire crystal disks.
News: Patek Phillipe Monopusher Chronograph ref. 130 in Stainless Steel from 1927 Sells for $4.6 Million Swiss Francs. How is this possible?
Last night May 10th, 2015 at the long awaited inaugural Phillips Watches Auction One held in Geneva, a new historical record was set by a stainless steel Patek Philippe Monopusher Chronograph ref. 130 Doctor's Watch selling for $4,645,00 Millions Swiss Francs —buyer's premium included. Yes ladies and gentleman, this is not a typo, this watch from 1927 sold short of $5 Million USD at today's exchange rate of $1.07 USD per CHF 1. Last night, this watch set many records including the most expensive chronograph ever sold at auction and a new high for any stainless steel wristwatch sold at auction. While many watch collectors feel that the sky is the limit when it comes to owning a piece of history or a rare vintage watch like this, we think that it's finally time for watch collectors to spend some time analyzing why this is happening.
Insider: Introducing the New Patek Philippe Split Seconds Chronograph ref. 5370P-001. A Stunning Timepiece with Black Enamel Dial and Breguet Numerals.
Yet, here we bring you another amazing timepiece released by Patek Philippe last month at Baselworld 2015. Here are our live pictures and hands-on review of the new Patek Philippe Split Seconds Chronograph in platinum ref. 5370P-001. Almost a century later, Patek wows everyone with the most amazing chronograph of all chronographs. It was in 1920 when Patek Philippe presented its first wristwatch chronometer with a rattrapante function right from the start. In 2009, when Patek Philippe presented the caliber CH 29-535 PS, its then latest proprietary chronograph movement based on classic principles —manually wound, column wheel, horizontal clutch—, it was already clear that some day, it would be followed by a caliber with the acronym CHR, which stands for CHronographe à Rattrapante —the French term for split-seconds chronograph.
Baselworld 2015: Introducing the Patek Philippe Nautilus in 18K Rose Gold with Matching Bracelet ref. 5711/1R-001. Live Pictures and Pricing.
The Patek Philippe Nautilus is a watch that needs little introduction. Launched in 1976, quickly became a legendary and iconic watch just like every other watch designed by Gerald Genta. Perhaps Genta was gifted with the 'Midas Touch' or maybe he was just the biggest visionary the horological world has had so far. Either way, the Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 5711 is now also available in 18K rose gold with matching integrated bracelet. Fitted with a stunning light/dark brown gradated dial with gold applied hour markers with luminescent coating, the new Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 5711/1R-001 is simply a stunner. Still powered by the same calibre as the rest of the 5711s, the automatic calibre 324 S C, this new timepiece is definitely one of our favorite watches from Baselworld 2015.
Baselworld 2015: Introducing the Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph ref. 5905. Live Pictures and Pricing.
This year at Baselworld 2015, we saw the largest number of watches with blue dials. One of our favorite timepieces presented this year by Patek Philippe is the Annual Calendar Chronograph ref. 5905P-001 in platinum. This new watch available in two dial variations —blue or black— is a well balanced perfectly designed watch with a 42 mm case in 950 Platinum. Annual Calendars are one of our favorite complications as you get a lot of watch for your money. The Annual Calendar mechanism automatically takes into account the differing lengths of individual months. Unlike a perpetual calendar, however, the annual calendar is unable to factor in the differing length of the month of February or the leap years. Once a year, then, at the end of February, it requires manual correction. To make things even better, the new Patek Philippe ref. 5905P additionally features a convenient 60-minute chronograph at 6 o'clock —with built-in day/night indicator—, while the annual calendar information is displayed via three apertures between 10 and 2 o'clock.
Baselworld 2015: Introducing the Patek Philippe Calatrava Pilot Travel Time ref. 5524G. Live Pictures and Pricing.
As soon as the doors opened up for 'Press Day' at Baselworld 2015 five days ago on Wednesday March 18th, 2014, we were some of the first journalists to head straight to the Patek Philippe pavilion to see for the very first time in person, the new Patek Philippe Calatrava Pilot Travel Time ref. 5524G-001. As soon as the first images of this timepiece hit the web, a wave of controversial comments started to arise. While the Patek Philippe Calatrava Pilot Travel Time caught more than one purist by surprise —in an unexpected move by the most traditional horological maison from Geneva—, we preferred to remain objective and enjoyed this new watch in its true form. While many felt that this watch didn't make any sense within the Patek Philippe lineup, we completely disagree with such take. The new Patek Philippe Calatrava Pilot Travel Time ref. 5524G-001 is definitely based on old Patek DNA from scientific instruments released by the brand in the 1930s and exhibited at the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva that we featured here.
Experience: The Patek Philippe Museum. The Most Amazing Horological Museum in the World.
The Patek Philippe Museum is a must see for any watchlifestyler. Located in the heart of Geneva on Rue des Vieux-Grenadiers 7, this museum holds the largest collection of horological pieces and the most fascinating horological exhibit in the world. The Patek Philippe Museum holds more than 2,200 timepieces within their collection divided in two segments, the antique collection dating from 1500-1850 and the Patek Philippe collection that includes not only almost every single reference ever released by Patek Philippe —including commemorative pieces from their various anniversaries as well as unique pieces— but also some of the impressive Henry Graves Jr.'s timepieces, the Supercomplication 'Duke of Regla', the Calibre 89 and a special exhibit with all the pieces commemorating the 175th anniversary amongst others. Once you make yourself into the museum an air of grandeur fills every corner.
Experience: Patek Philippe ref. 5975 Multi-scale Chronograph. Taking Delivery of one of Patek's 175th Anniversary Limited Edition Pieces.
Two months ago on October 12th, 2014, Patek Philippe presented 25 timepieces to celebrate its 175th anniversary as reported here. One of these 25 commemorative timepieces is the Patek Philippe ref. 5975, a Multi-Scale Chronograph available in three precious metal variations and with a dial fitted with a tachymeter, telemeter and a pulsometer. With these chronographs Patek Philippe has returned to the source of the chronograph by creating a multiple-scale instrument whose face combines technical panache with finesse. Patek Philippe has always accorded a prominent role to the chronograph. Between 2005 and 2012, reaffirmed its know-how and supremacy by developing a range of eight chronograph movements built entirely in its own workshops. They extend from the classic manually wound chronograph with column wheel and horizontal clutch to the self-winding chronograph with vertical disc clutch and to the highly complex split-seconds chronograph, with or without perpetual calendar.
News: Christie's Patek Philippe 175th Anniversary Sale in Geneva Fetches Over $21 Million USD. Lot 59 a Pink Gold Patek Philippe ref. 2499 First Series Sells for $2.7 Million USD.
Christie’s historic Patek Philippe 175th Anniversary Sale was the most highly anticipated sale in the watch auction calendar for 2014. Today November 9, 2014, this unique Evening Sale provided collectors with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire rare and important timepieces from Patek Philippe. This thematic sale further solidified Patek Philippe’s historic breadth of production as true works of art. Each piece had been scrupulously vetted for this sale, and included only the rarest, most sought-after, beautiful timepieces representing Patek Philippe’s expert craftsmanship. The sale included only vintage watches spanning from the early years of the esteemed manufacturer’s production in the 19th century through to the 1980s. To memorialize this unique sale, a commemorative silver Patek Philippe coin was included with each of the 100 lots, engraved with the individual lot number.
Experience: Celebrating Patek Philippe's 175th Anniversary at the Rainbow Room in NYC. A Once in a Lifetime Invitation.2014
If you are a true watchlifestyler and a Patekaholic, it is very likely that you already know who's wearing the ultra rare Patek Philippe ref. 5208 in this picture. If you are still in the process of becoming one, this epic wrist shot was taken by us with monsieur Thierry Stern, President of Patek Philippe during the unforgettable 175th anniversary celebration —the brand hosted at the Rainbow Room in New York City— that we were honored to attend. Very often, journalists in the watch industry become jaded by the amount of watch parties and watch related events they attend and take for granted invitations like this one. Luckily for us, we are collectors first and then journalists. Therefore, we like to share with our readers these type of events and do a full article about the experience. Now, this once in a lifetime invitation, is one that we will never forget and one that we will always cherish. Before we go into the details of the celebration and the amazing watches we enjoyed two nights ago, we would like to thank Patek Philippe for thinking of us.
News: Patek Philippe Presents 25 Commemorative Timepieces Celebrating its 175th Anniversary. Just Stunning.
To pay tribute to its 175th anniversary, Patek Philippe created a collection of 25 limited-edition commemorative timepieces that include the Grandmaster Chime ref. 5175R, the Chiming Jump Hour ref. 5275P, the World Time Moon ref. 5575 and ref. 7175, six Multi-Scale Chronographs under ref. 5975 and ref. 4675, three different sets of four Calatrava watches —a set with cloissoné enamel dials, a set with hand-engraved dials and a set with wood marquetry dials— ref. 5089 featuring motifs of the Lake Geneva Barques and lastly three different pocket watches. One of the celebratory pieces that stands out from the rest is the Grandmaster Chime ref. 5175R which is so far the most complicated wristwatch of the eminent family-owned watchmaking companies and decidedly one of the world's most elaborate wristwatches. This is due not only to the number of complications involved but also to the horological degrees of complexity, two of which have been added to the annals of watchmaking for the first time.
Rare Bird: Patek Philippe Annual Calendar ref. 5396G 'A Shared Vision'. Especially Created for the Anniversary of the Patek Philippe Boutique at Tiffany's.
Especially developed by Patek Philippe and Tiffany & Co. and released at the end of 2012 to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the Patek Philippe Boutique located inside the Tiffany & Co. flagship New York store, the Patek Philippe Annual Calendar ref. 5396G-012 is one of the most exclusive and rare timepieces from Patek Philippe in the modern era. Fitted with a 38 mm 18K white gold case, this annual calendar featuring day, date, month, moon phase and 24-hour indication comes with a glossy black dial and a matte black alligator strap. A perfect symphony to commemorate such an important partnership. To make things even more special, its black dial is double-signed by Patek Philippe and Tiffany & Co. featuring applied white gold classic Breguet numerals and a pearled recessed minute track, making this watch a true classic in all the sense of the word.
