The Laings Journal
Legendary watchmaker, Patek Philippe, has delighted watch collectors with 12 new models, including a major technical debut and a varying range of aesthetic reinterpretations.
Complications – Ref. 5326G-001
For the first time, two useful complications have come together, marking an exciting step forward in the watchmaking world for the legendary house. Ref.5326G-001 impressively combines the Annual Calendar with the Travel Time function, making a seamless connection between watchmaking artistry and aesthetic elegance.
As well as combining both mechanisms in the same case, the displayed date also had to reflect the local time – the time at the location of the wearer. Patek Philippe overcame this with its new caliber 31-260 PS QA LU FUS 24H movement, where the Annual Calendar is controlled by the Travel Time function, with the local-time hour wheel driving the calendar. A feat of engineering that has no doubt intrigued and impressed watch lovers.
In addition to being technically advanced, the remarkable wristwatch remains true to Patek Philippe’s timeless aesthetic. To house the new movement, a new white gold 41mm case was designed. The charcoal grey dial is reminiscent of the cases of historic photo cameras, creating a wonderful feeling of nostalgia, and evoking vintage watch elements.
Calatrava – Ref. 5226G
Patek Philippe’s quest for excellence is perfectly illustrated in this new release.
Since 1932 the Calatrava has been well known for its pure, round case and Patek Philippe has revisited this tradition in 2022 by adorning the flanks with a Clous de Paris hobnail pattern, typical of the Manufacture. The uninterrupted guilloched motif is seamless, thanks to the distinctive case construction in which the lugs are an integral part of the case back. Driven by the self-winding Caliber 26-330 S C it is a commendable example of watchmaking artistry.
Grand Complications – Ref. 5320G
First designed in 2017, the perpetual calendar model – carrying the Reference 5320 - is the epitome of visual balance and legibility.
At Watches and Wonders 2022, the vintage style has been reinterpreted in a new white gold version fitted with a gilded opaline rose gold dial. The classic feel of the timepiece is carried on with the calendar displays arranged in the same timeless manner of Patek Philippe’s perpetual calendar watches since 1941. It is not just aesthetically pleasing though, the extremely accurate moon phases require a one-day correction only once every 122 years.
Complications – Ref. 5172G
This watch is for enthusiasts who appreciate fine mechanical horology and a vintage spirit.
Newly equipped with an opaline rose-gilded dial, its legibility is ensured by applied Arabic numerals and syringe-type hours/minutes hands made of gold with an anthracite treatment and white luminescent coating. Powered by the CH 29-535 PS chronograph caliber, it is protected by six patented innovations. Additionally, it features several distinctive technical characteristics, reflecting the same concern for functionality and performance. This magnificent engineering is just waiting to be admired through the transparent sapphire crystal case back.
Grand Complications – Ref. 5270P
Beginning its story in 2011, Reference 5270, has been reinterpreted in a model with an iconic, yet original style.
The platinum case has a radiant yet timeless feel to it. Its concave bezel, elegant two-tier lugs and its correction push-pieces are satin-brushed on the flanks and polished on top, demonstrating the watchmaker’s eye for impeccable detail. Continuing this classic look, the perpetual calendar displays are harmoniously arranged, and the caliber CH 29-535 PS Q that drives the timepiece boasts six patented innovations, as well as an exceptionally thin calendar mechanism.
Complications – Ref. 5205R
Launched in 2010 as two white golds versions, the watchhouse has reimagined the model in an original and contemporary colour.
The refreshing olive green dial is enlivened by a sunburst motif and a black gradient around the rim. The distinctive dial is finished with a rose gold frame at 12 o’clock which displays the date and day/date/month apertures in the upper part to ensure perfect readability. The case is then distinguished by its concave bezel, hollowed flanks and skeletonised lugs. The sapphire crystal enables watch collectors to admire the self-winding Caliber 324 S QA LU 24H, completed with the Patek Philippe Annual calendar mechanism, which only requires one manual adjustment per year.
Twenty~4 – Ref. 4910/1200A
The first exclusively feminine Patek Philippe collection, the Twenty~4, has been a companion of modern, active women since 1999 and is the ultimate embodiment of timeless elegance.
A refined and contemporary olive-green dial is a beautiful contrast to the applied 12 and 6 o’clock numerals, the trapeze-shaped hour markers and the rounded baton-style hands. 18 diamonds set on either side emphasize the curvaceous Art Deco-inspired shape and add the finishing touches to an elegant timepiece that can be worn any time of day and night, and on every occasion.
Complications – Ref. 5231G
Patek Philippe World Time watches made their debut in 1930, when Louis Cottier invented this famous mechanism. Since then, they have often been adorned with maps in Grand Feu cloisonné enamel, depicting various regions of the world.
At Watches and Wonders 2022, Patek Philippe released a new model that pays tribute to the dynamism of South-East Asia and Oceania. The reinterpreted model is available in a new white gold version with a Grand Feu cloisonné enamel dial. To create this impressive feature of geography and poetry, the artisan first marks off the outlines of the continents with a thin gold wire. He then fills the compartments with various enamel colours reproducing the oceans and landmasses, while repeatedly firing the enamelled dial plate at high temperature in a kiln.
Complications – Ref. 5230P
A descendent of the famous Patek Philippe World Time watches launched in the 1930s, Reference 5230 was first introduced in 2016. Now the cult model has been reinterpreted for 2022.
For the first time, Patek Philippe has released this cosmopolitan timepiece in a platinum case, finished with a blue dial and strap. To add a note of interest, the dial centre is adorned with a new circular hand-guilloched motif, with the ultra-thin self-winding movement keeping simultaneous and permanent track of time in all 24 time zones. Thanks to an ingenious mechanism patented in 1999, the user can at once correct all the World Time displays in one-hour increments by simply pressing the pusher at 10 o’clock.
Complications – Ref. 7130R
In 2022, Reference 7130 was introduced to the longstanding tradition of Patek Philippe World Time watches and the watch house welcomed a ladies’ model. In 2022, the Manufacture reinterprets this classic by adorning it with an original, modern and elegant olive green colour.
The exceptionally beautiful timepiece has an elegant feel to it that is undeniable. The dial centre pays tribute to rare craftsmanship skills, with a finely hand-guilloched basketweave motif. Its olive green shade is then picked up on the city disk, allowing the white-printed names to stand out in an extremely legible manner. Beating inside this refined exterior is a self-winding Caliber 240 HU, an ultra-thin movement that helps to keep the case extremely thin and elegant. Thanks to its city disk and its 24-hour disk, this caliber simultaneously and permanently displays the time in all 24 time zones.
Grand Complications – Ref. 5374/300P
Patek Philippe brilliantly reinterprets Reference 5374 — a combination of two highly sought-after major complications — in a new platinum Haute Joaillerie version with a blue-lacquered dial.
This striking timepiece is the embodiment of Patek Philippe’s elegance. The case with its subtle play on curves is paved with baguette-cut diamonds, tracing a luminous geometrical pattern. Similarly adorned with diamonds is the concave bezel, where the gems are presented in a double row, forming the perfect circle. To continue its sparkling appearance, the dial flange is also set with baguette diamond and baguette blue sapphires on the hour-markers. This original design forms an “amphitheater” around the dial and creates a spectacular depth effect. To complete the spectacular feel that this timepiece carries, its self-winding mechanical Caliber R 27 Q is equipped with a minute repeater mechanism chiming on two “cathedral” gongs, producing a deep, rich sound.
Complications – Ref. 7121/200G
A complication that lends itself perfectly to ladies’ watches, the moon phase indication, Reference 7121J, has enjoyed pride of place on watch lovers’ wrists since 2013.
Patek Philippe reinterprets this mechanical poem by equipping it with a white gold case and an elegant blue dial on which the displays stand out like stars in the night sky. The dial is enhanced by a sunburst decoration creating subtle light effects. The jewellery dimension of this model is also reinforced by illuminating its bezel with a double row of 132 brilliant-cut diamonds based on the exclusive lacy Dentelle gemsetting technique. Beating at the heart of this jewellery watch is manually wound mechanical Caliber 215 PS LU: the smallest Patek Philippe complicated movement that helps maintain a daintily elegant 33 mm case diameter.
As an official Patek Philippe Retailer, we are proud to showcase their exceptional timepieces in our Glasgow, Southampton and Cardiff showrooms. Visit us in-store, or browse online, to learn more about the collection from our knowledgeable watch experts.