Patek Philippe Launches Not One, But Three New Grand Complications
With the cancelation of Baselworld, it could have very well been a year in which Patek Philippe wouldn’t launch a single new watch. However, that is fortunately not the case, as they introduce not one, but three new grand complications. While some are varieties on already existing watches, they all bring something new to the table that makes them very desirable.
Ref.5370P-011 Split-Seconds Chronograph
The new Ref.5370P-011 will take the place of the Ref.5370P-001, the black dial split-seconds chronograph, which was introduced in 2015 and will now be discontinued. The new model shares the same 41mm large case made from platinum, as well as the stunning CHR 27-525 manufacture movement. What is different is the dial. Where the Ref.5370P-001 had a bit of a formal look, due to its black dial, the Ref.5370P-011 is slightly more casual as Patek Philippe opted for a blue dial color. What makes it even more exceptional is that the dial is Grand Feu enamel, giving more depth and a beautiful, almost mysterious shine to it. This will, without a doubt, make this watch an instant hit among Patek Philippe’s clientele.
Ref.5270J-001 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph
Yellow gold was once the standard but has been surpassed in popularity by white and rose gold in recent decades. Now the tides are turning, and we see that more and more brands are (re)introducing watches in this color precious metal. Patek Philippe is joining them, as the last perpetual calendar chronograph that was available in yellow gold was the ref.5970J, which they discontinued in 2009. The Ref.5270J-001 is the same watch as we already know in platinum and rose gold. Yet, the combination of yellow gold with silver dial is primarily for a perpetual calendar chronograph by Patek Philippe, a classic one. With this, the brand might further expand the popularity of the Ref.5270, which was at its introduction the first perpetual calendar chronograph by Patek Philippe with a manufacture movement.
Ref.5303R-001 Minute Repeater Tourbillon
While the previous two watches are already very tempting, the third is this even more so. Not only does it combine a tourbillon with a minute repeater, but these complications are also visible through the open-worked dial. Patek Philippe originally created this watch for the Grand Exhibition of last year in Singapore, but now it will become part of the regular collection as in a slightly different color scheme. The watch is visually very spectacular, especially when the minute repeater is engaged. Unusual is also that the case is made from rose gold, but features on the flanks and lugs open-worked inlays made of white gold. Also the slide for the minute repeater is made in this fashion. This creates quite a contrast, which Patek Philippe also uses on the back of the watch. There the movement is surrounded by a slope yet similar white gold inlay. This creates an arena-like space in which the exceptional movement gets center stage, making this watch genuinely next level.
