March 30 2006 at 3:32 AM Now here's something more complicated. The new reference 5104, self winding minute repeater, perpetual calendar, retrograde date! I'm sure all of you who like richly ornamented designs will just love this one. The date is displayed with a central retrograde hand. The day of the week, leap year and month are displayed in a very unique way: saphire discs with white printing, revealing a stunning view of the movements "underdial" works (and that's a ...

>>Read the full story

March 30 2006 at 6:34 PM Despite the generally effusive praise for the new Patek models this year, I have to say overall I am a little disappointed (even though Patek is by far my favorite brand). Maybe I expect too much. But thought I would share some impressions: 5130 World Timer--looks to me like Patek kept the same central dial (but with new guilloche pattern) and spread out the outer time zone ring to get things into a bigger case. The whole feeling (especially with the vintage hour han...

>>Read the full story

Basel 2006* New ref. 5396 R - Annual Calendar A requested, I'll start to post some of the new released models now. Please forgive my briefness, but as I tried to be fast this year I'll comment and describe more precise later on. Even after seeing it only once through and only in the showcase, I've to admit this one is really, really beautiful! As said, more later Greetings from Basel! Suitbert Source: Site Link ...

>>Read the full story

Basel 2006 New ref. 5140 - Perpetual Calendar That's the long awaited facelift for the "grand old dame" 3940 - and I've to say I absolutely admire Patek Philippe's approach here. Aesthetically nicely balanced and with great sensibility for not loosing the proportions. I'm really impressed with this one! It's available in white gold only (for now) and the case diameter is a very moderate 37.2mm (!!) formerly having been 36mm (3940). The bezel with new ref. 5140 is differently shaped - ins...

>>Read the full story

Basel 2006 Patek Philippe New ref. 5130 - World Timer The new world timer to replace old ref. 5110 will be called 5130. The case diameter grows to 39.5mm (formerly 37mm with ref. 5110). It will be available first in rose and white gold. All together it now reminds very much the great classical vintage worldtime references like ref. 1415. The dial has a beautiful guilloche pattern in the center and together with the hands looks quite stunning! Greetings from Basel Suitbert Source: Site Link ...

>>Read the full story

Basel 2006 - Patek Philippe - New ref. 5350 - advanced research series. March 29 2006 at 3:52 AM As could be expected from earlier announcements about the new PP Spiromax silicon hairspring - here's the watch for the hairspring. Same as the first release of this series it's an annual calendar, case diameter 39mm and available in rose gold only. The (very beautiful!!) dial is vertically brushed silvery grey (very light grey) with applications in rose gold as well. And again some bri...

>>Read the full story

New From Patek Philippe This of course is an "updated classic", moderately larger sized with now 36mm and availlable in white, rose and yellow gold. It also will have a see through saphire back! This is a much-needed upsizing and, IMO, really takes the 3919 to perfect diametric proportions. I hope Patek has maintained proper proportions in determining the thickness of the 5119 as I think they lost their way a bit in this regard with the 5196. ...

>>Read the full story