The Laings Journal
Luxury watchmaker, Patek Philippe has reasserted their grand complications expertise with the enrichment of the current collection by three new models. These three impressive timepieces represent the perfect combination of tradition and innovation. Paired with beautiful finesse in looks and features, they enrich the already extensive line-up of grand complications.
As far back as 1839, one of the first timepieces crafted by Patek Philippe was a quarter repeater and since then they have pursued a passion for grand complications. Over the years they’ve been at the heart of technical innovations and have built many watches of this type. Today, they have one of the most comprehensive collections of regularly produced grand complications. The three new grand complications embody this impressive level of craftsmanship that makes each Patek Philippe a precious work of art.
So let’s find out more about the new grand complications…
Ref. 5303R-001 Minute Repeater
An extravaganza for eyes and ears
Since they made their first pocket watch with a minute repeater in 1845 Patek Philippe has established itself as one of the gifted interpreters of the music of time. The Ref. 5303 was first unveiled in 2012, now a slightly modified version of the Ref. 5303 Minute Repeater Tourbillon has been introduced. The new complication is particularly special as the repeater mechanism – for the first time with the hammers and gongs – can be admired in action without taking it off the wrist. The aesthetic of the manually wound caliber R TO 27 PS has also been subtly reworked in the manual finishing of the movement parts. Displayed in a rose gold case it is a fantastic lesson in watchmaking artistry, complete with the unique sound that is typical of a Patek Philippe repeater timepiece.
Ref. 5370P-011 Split-Seconds Chronograph
A new face with a blue Grand Feu enamel dial
The split-seconds chronograph is one of the most elaborate horological complications and has always occupied a preferential position in Patek Philippe’s wristwatch collection. The Ref. 5370 was first launched in 2015 and was highly coveted by connoisseurs. The grand complication has now been upgraded with a new blue face and glossy finish that reflects the watchmaker’s proud tradition in Grand Feu enamel dials. The dial is superbly legible, with the hours and minutes tracked by slender leaf-shaped hands with luminous coatings. The two-phase chronograph movement, with two pushers for the chronograph functions and a rattrapante pusher integrated in the crown at 3 o’clock is an impressive example of how tradition meets innovation. The elegant polished platinum case is worn on an alligator strap in shiny night blue, and the special timepiece is graced with a small diamond between the lugs at 6 o’clock. The reworking of the wristwatch presents a new combination of superb craftsmanship and pure work of art.
Ref. 5270J-001 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph
A majestic classic with a new yellow-gold personality
As the heir of Patek Philippe’s grand 1941 classic (Ref. 1518), the Ref. 5270 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph has been available since 2018 in platinum with a golden opaline dial and a rose-gold version with a “goutte”-style bracelet. Now the manufacture is extending the collection to include the grand complication cased in yellow gold for the first time, a very elegant outfit for this timeless watch. The silvery opaline dial includes leaf-shaped hands in yellow gold for excellence legibility, whilst the displays of the perpetual calendar are tastefully balanced with an analog date at 6 o’clock and a double aperture for the day and month at 12 o’clock. The caliber CH 29-535 PS Q is the first chronograph movement with a perpetual calendar, combining traditional architecture with six patented innovations. Worn on a hand-stitched matt chocolate brown alligator strap with large square scales and secured with a yellow-gold fold-over clasp it replaces the previous models to accommodate the individual preferences of aficionados of Patek Philippe grand complications.
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