no_frills
213
At first I thought it was a consequence of...
... This whole upsizing trend of putting movements built for smaller (36mm) cases (like the 3940) into a larger (~37.5m) case. Much like how subdials in the 5970 might look "squished" towards the center versus the 3970 if the 5970 didn't have the tachymeter.
However, take a look at THIS picture of the 5136/1J, which is almost as large as the 5140 at 37mm (and also sports some of the "upsized" features relative to the 3940, like larger fonts; as well as a convex bezel like the 5140 versus the 3940's concave bezel). What do you see?
That's right. The 27 and 5 do NOT look squished.
So what's up with the squishing of the 27 and 5 with the 5140? I do NOT like it, personally.
More posts:
Shriveled 27 and 5
Gentlemen, I would like to invite you to share your impressions about the shriveled numbers 27 and 5 on dials's calendars. I think they never look hamonious, and I wonder if many of you have this same feeling. *** Mod Update *** Picture from user W220 add...
No I dont have...
this impression. Am looking at my Patek now and the digits look as best as they can be. Perhaps you should explain what you mean more about the shriveled numbers ? Show a picture ? Which ref are you looking at ?
Probably the date dial on the 5140.
3940 (left), 5140 (right) ****Picture Credit *** Please note picture credit - "Mech" - Thanks Original post. ...
Never noticed that before
I tend to agree with the OP, very disharmonious. It would bother me.
Thanks to Bill for putting things right. Cheers
Always ready and willing to share. Enjoy. Mech.
I like 3940 much more
but the combination of platinum and blue is so cool that I have to live with mine. If there would be a 3940P with blue dial and two case backs, it would be on my wrist even at the moment. Best, Kari ...
Agree and i kinda wish I'd never seen it
It's a complete turnoff for me now. Makes the subdials look crammed in. I think it's best to stick with the original. Sometimes bigger isn't always better.
I think its barely noticeable!
in any case the appearance is quite balanced! just my opinion
5140 was the gift of Philippe Stern to aging eyes before he stepped down.
The numbers on the date dial of 5140 are a bit larger than 3940, and therefore easier to read, although the 5140 numeric font does not help much. Yes 5 and 27 are a bit smaller, but this gives 5140 a very unique character as well. It does not distract a b...
Shriveled ?
I guess the word is appropriate. A very odd design indeed. But perhaps one can view this as a nice touch. Dean
At first I thought it was a consequence of...
... This whole upsizing trend of putting movements built for smaller (36mm) cases (like the 3940) into a larger (~37.5m) case. Much like how subdials in the 5970 might look "squished" towards the center versus the 3970 if the 5970 didn't have the tachymet...
Good point, No Frills
This same situation is happening now with current and recently released 5270 versions. In both cases, this unnecessary change looks for me like spoiling state of art dials.
Please see image below for comparison.
To me it is clear that date on 5136 is same as 3940. 5140 has larger and thus easier date to read, although the font could have been better. Cheers Jim ...
Shhhhhh... and drink the Kool Aid
Don't you know better than to ever question the eternal and instant-genius of Patek??? This shrunken numbers business was nothing less than a stupendous innovation in terms of design!!! The dial of the 5140 is so cluttered, it is something patek would nev...
Legibility
Well I would rather they compromise the legibility of the dates by shrinking all the numbers, then it would look better but I can live with this "quirk".
Wel spotted diogo...
...and the scary thing is I hadn't picked up on that until now... and it's really bothering in me! Suffice to say, this has (pretty much) taken the 5140 off my 'wish list', so I'm free to consider a 5130G/P & and 5960P. Thanks!
You're welcome, bsodmike,
Caliber 240 is wonderful, but I like 5960 better, despite it's thickness. All black, pink gold/ white dial, original gray anthracide... I can't decide which one is more beautiful.
The 5960...
has for a long time been my grail! I really do hope I get to add it to my collection in the future!
Hope I don't burst anyone's bubble...
I just found this as well; as for my previous remarks, I have to take them back. Even though the 27 & 5 look 'squished' it is something I could see myself living with. It isn't really that bad. The 5140P is still an absolutely stunning piece! (Pic, is...
I do not think the squished 27 and 5 is a deal killer either...
... it is, however, an aesthetic quibble on my part. A little subjective complaint. And that picture you posted is a 5204P, an application piece that retails for $317,500 in the US. If I am going to go through the vagaries of the application process AND s...
Yes, I completely agree.
It's certainly not ideal and I'd admit, chances are they 'fudged' it, when they really shouldn't have. I guess I'll decide if it'll really bother me when it comes time to consider a 5140, worse case I may look for a 3940.. and that's not a bad thing reall...
Not a problem
The smaller 27 and 5 is a small price to pay for a much more legible dial.
