The Laings Journal
Patek Philippe at BaselWorld 2016
One of the most talked about additions this year was the updated version of the World Time. The previous version was one of my personal favourites so I was very much looking forward to seeing this new design in the flesh. The reference 5230 comes in both white and rose gold options, with a new thoughtful case design which fits the wrist nicely. The central dial is now slate grey, and is manually guilloched. The design is inspired by a historic model in the Patek Philippe Museum.
| The World Time range has now been blessed with a complication alternative, Ref 5930G. This model is a historic introduction as it is only the second time Patek Philippe have incorporated a chronograph complication into the World Time range. The first version (Ref 1415HU) was a unique piece and as it turned out would not be recreated until now. The design of the case and horns have been carried through to the new piece the DNA of the original is certainly there in the new one. The dial of the 5930G also has a manually guilloched circular pattern, only this time it is a stunning blue colour which matches the blue alligator strap exquisitely. | ||
| Another introduction was the addition of new dials for the already popular Annual Calendar Ref 5396. These new dials were produced in honour of the complication's 20th Anniversary and suit the piece very well indeed. The rose gold version gets a silvery opaline dial and the white gold a charcoal grey. Both have the unique gold applied Breguet-style numerals. | ||
| Patek Philippe have also revealed a brand new Perpetual Calander (Ref 5327) which houses their mind-blowing ultra-thin calibre now in a 39mm case. This piece is available in both yellow and rose gold options, but the stand out piece was the white gold with royal blue sunburst dial and royal blue alligator strap. This model's larger case size and stunning options will surely appeal to a larger audience and make the watch more of an everyday piece. | ||
| Patek also surprised us with a new ladies Calatrava (Ref 7122/200) available in both rose and white gold options. This model is quite different from the other models in the range as it has beautifully designed extended lugs with diamonds set in-between. The white gold version, which come on a pearlescent white alligator strap, has a very modern classic feel and would look stylish for any occasion. It also houses a mechanically hand-wound movement which offers a sophisticated edge to this already classy watch. |
These are only some highlights from Patek Philippe’s Baseworld 2016 launch collection, if you would like to find out about the full range or more details on the models above please do not hesitate to contact our experienced team at the Parkhouse Hampshire showroom on 02380 22 66 53