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Patek Philippe Calatrava 5127 - The Perfect Legacy Watch

Sat, 22 Jun 2008 14:12:04 GMT

posted by Complications

If one watch had to be chosen as the epitome of classic fine mechanical timepieces, it would be easy to make the argument that the Patek Philippe Calatrava 5127 is without equal.

The 5127, with its perfectly simple dial and traditional case design is about as classically Patek Philippe as any watch in the current collection of the house that many in the know point to as the pinnacle of luxury watch manufacturers.

At 37mm in diameter and 8.5mm thick, the Patek 5127 will feel small if you're accustomed to wearing one of the 44 or 47mm monsters that are de regur in most collections today - but a Patek is supposed to feel refined and a bit old school - always current in a classic sort of way - and the 5127 does.

Inside the Calatrava 5127 is the Patek Philippe Caliber 315 SC, a 29 jewel automatic movement that beats at 21,600 vph and is adorned with the Seal of Geneva as a proud testament to its pedigree. A stunning example of the quality of the work that the master watchmakers at the Patek workshop produce, this simple yet exceptional powerplant can be viewed through the exhibition caseback.

The Patek Calatrava is supplied with a crocodile strap that's secured by a classic Patek Philippe signature buckle.

The current price of the Patek Philippe 5127 is $17,950 US in yellow gold. White and rose gold versions are $19,500 US.

The legacy aspect of owning a Patek Philippe has been the focus of much of Patek's advertising efforts and certainly something that many collectors consider when investing in a top tier timepiece. The Patek Calatrava 5127 is, in so many ways, the perfect watch to pass on to future generations.

Patek Philippe 5070P - The Power of Platinum

Fri, 26 Apr 2008 11:13:00 GMT

posted by Complications

I love Patek Philippe watches and have owned quite a few. I do though find that I look at them a lot more than I wear them. The problem is that I wear a lot of big (or really big) watches, so when I switch to a Patek World Timer or Calatrava, it just feels way too small on my wrist.

A few years ago I owned a 5070 Chronograph in yellow gold for a few months... at 42mm's, it was huge by Patek standards and respectably sized by most others. I could wear it back to back with a Panerai and not feel like I was wearing a ladies watch! I sold it though since I'm really not a big fan of the gold watch / black dial combination. I'm really drawn to white metals. Many of the watches I have are stainless steel, a few are white gold, and a growing number are platinum - by far my favorite metal for a watch.

When Patek announced the release of the 5070 in platinum (designated the 5070-P), I knew that this watch would have a huge appeal to me: it's big, it's platinum, and it has a great blue-metallic 'sunburst dial'.

The Patek 5070-P Chronograph is based on the Patek Caliber CH 27-70 (Nouvelle Lemania) movement that's visible through the sapphire crystal display back. The large platinum bezel ring on the 5070-P contrasts perfectly with the nicely appointed striking blue dial. There's a seconds subdial and a 30 minute elapsed time counter at 9 and 3 o'clock respectively. Rectangular pushers on either side of the crown control the chronograph functions. Secured by a crocodile strap that's adorned with a platinum deployant clasp, this big Patek feels great on the wrist. There's really no substitute for the heft and feel of a platinum case of respectable proportions!

For me, discounting the crazy options (that really aren't options) like a Sky Moon Turbo or a Minute Repeater; this is the perfect Patek!

Patek Philippe Aquanaut - The Quintesential Warm Weather Watch

Mon, 1 Jul 2008 00:00:04 GMT

posted by Complications

There's a lot to like about the Patek Philippe Aquanaut. For me, it's the perfect fusion of dress watch and sports watch. Introduced in 1997 and now offered in two sizes (ref. 5165 is 38mm and ref. 5167 is 40mm), the case design and striking dial of the Aquanaut make it a stand out in a crowd.

I prefer the size and wrist presence of the ref. 5167. I normally wear big watches and really like the fact that the large Aquanaut doesn't feel or look small on my wrist.

Perfectly suited for a day on the water or post links cocktails, the Aquanaut is one of those watches that will rarely leave your wrist. Although its lack of a rotating bezel might disqualify it from actual diving, it is waterproof to 12 ATM's and entirely at home in the open water.

Inside the Patek Aquanaut 5167 is the Patek Philippe Caliber 315 SC automatic movement - it has 30 jewels, is decorated with the Seal of Geneva, boasts a 46 hour power reserve and beats at 21,600 vph.

The Patek Philippe Aquanaut is shod in a black tropical rubber strap that's secured with a deployant buckle. It's super comfortable and perfect for long hot days that extend into interesting late nights.

The MSRP of the Patek Philippe Aquanaut ref. 5167 is $13,900 USD.

Patek Philippe Exhibition

Mon, 13 May 2008 07:07:00 GMT

posted by jimher

Growing up, I remember looking at my Dad's Patek Philippe watch and thinking what a cool watch. Now that I'm older, I want one of my own. Classy and stylish, a Patek Philippe is the perfect watch for a boardroom meeting or a nice dinner out with the wife. If you're in the Los Angeles area, check out the Patek Phillipe exhibition that will be held at The Beverly Wilshire Beverly hotel from May 16-18. You'll be able to view 250 timepieces ranging from the most valuable watches from the Patek Phillipe Museum to the latest from the 2008 collection. Go to Patek.com to learn more.

(via Luxist)

Get Your Cheap Watches Here.

Sun, 25 Feb 2008 00:07:28 GMT

posted by peter1

Watches make a fine gift for him. But hot brand name watches are so expensive aren't they?

I love a fine watch as a gift for a man. A fine Rolex watch, an Omega watch, Seiko watch or any one of the other great brands of watch that look so good on a man.

But they're so expensive aren't they? Yes they are. And so the average woman can't quite afford a Rolex for her man.

Is it possible to find a cheap Rolex watch for his birthday? Or Perhaps a cheap Tag Heuer watch?

Yes there are ways to buy him a wonderful watch that looks every bit the same, but at a fraction of the price.

A cheap designer watch that looks like an expensive watch, and no one will tell the difference. (more…)