
Small-luxury-world recounts his experience at a Patek Philippe exhibition hosted by jeweler Hansen in Hamburg, featuring almost all of the 2012 novelties. This rare opportunity brought together collectors and enthusiasts, providing an intimate setting to view and discuss Patek Philippe's latest creations. The author shares his impressions and detailed photographs of the new releases, offering a valuable perspective for those unable to attend.
On Tuesday I had the pleasure to attend a dinner, because of
the current Patek Philippe exhibition at jeweler Hansen in Hamburg. There have
been collectors, customers, PuristS, great hosts … and of course almost all
novelties from 2012. It is a rare possibility to see them all in one place (especially
in my market) and a good reason to skip work ...
(Hint for all people from Hamburg or somewhere close, the exhibition runs until 09th of June and it is a must.)
To be prepared for some “heavy stuff” I and my wife started with a nice lunch …
a small salad to get some vitamins …
a burger with dry aged beef, patanegra bacon … belgium fries … German Riesling …
OK, ok it is not what you wanted to see so let´s start with the first novelty.
5940J, a pleasure on the wrist and one of the most interesting and charming perpetuals from the current collection.
The movement is well-known, but looks superb in that case – not too big, not too small.
This year PP introduced quite a lot watches for woman and so
I asked my wife to support me with her wrist. (Hint to myself: Was it a good
idea? Think about addiction …
)
7140R, a pleasant perpetual for woman and not the only complication for women in the current collection.
5140R, another (classic) perpetual and even when it is not for woman it looks good on a woman’s wrist.
5960R, a “heavy” watch with lots of charm in that version.
PP presented lots of watches designed for woman, but this one was my wife´s personal
favorite. Not a big surprise as she loves chronograph´s a lot (She already did
it before we met, so I am not guilty in that case
) … much more than any kind
of “jewelry” together with a watch.
I tried the same watch in platinum with grey dial, but it looks much better in RG on my wife’s wrist – to be honest.
Drum roll for one of the most interesting watches from the current collection. A watch which is so difficult to find in the real world or at any AD and it was the first time I saw it in the metal – finally.
5235G, the first regulator from PP and somehow special in the current collection. If you look close you will find lots of details known from the earlier days of PP – e.g. the matt brushed dial.
The caliber 260 is an advancement of the famous caliber 240, but now it fits very well (even) into “bigger” watches and is a real pleasure to look at.
You should have a look yourself, because those bad pictures of mine can´t show the full beauty of it.
Special and understated at the same time – superb. Could imagine that watch for 24/5 as it fits to my lifestyle.
Not to forget the buckle, which I haven´t seen before.
A short rest to show you the view from the place where we had the dinner. For all people who are not familiar with Hamburg, the building on the right (with the tower) is the famous city hall of the town.
Back to watches …
The 5726 which is not new in general, but this year (finally
) with bracelet and a “white”
dial as an option.
5980, only new to me with the grey dial and the last watch for tonight.
Of course there have been much more watches at the dinner (and even more at the exhibition), but because of nice food, good conversations at my table … I didn´t take more pictures.
We finished the evening quite laaaaate and as a Purist I had to start the day with a matching “breakfast”. We all know the film “Breakfast at Tiffany”, but if somebody would have told them about the cheerfulness from Hansen and not to speak about the incredible (but addictive) sweets … who knows …
Sweets …
5101J, no further comment needed. Even when it is not my favorite version, the tourbillon bridge (on the back) is to die for …
Some impressions (only) of the exhibition:
In the last picture the show case for Grand Complications is shown and only this is a good reason to pay a visit.
But when it comes to PP, it sometimes more difficult to see and try the “simple things” and therefore I decided to have a look on those.
5711, the classic.
5711/1A-011 the latest one. From the PR pictures I saw before I was not sure what to think about, because the “white” looked so cold to me.
It is much more appealing in the metal, has to be seen on the wrist and I was more than pleased at the end.
5205G, a watch that we have (currently) seen here at the PuristS quite often and I think for a good reason.
You are still hungry for more; pay them a visit if you can. You won´t be disappointed.
Example: You want to try a watch with a business shirt, but
came in to the shop with casual clothes only. No problem, they will provide you
with some cuffs.
“Perfection”, yes it still can be found ;-)
I would like to say thanks, to the team from Hansen and Patek Philippe for their generosity and the quality time I was allowed to spend with them.
Oliver
The Patek Philippe Reference 5726 represents a significant milestone in the manufacture s annual calendar collection, combining the practical sophistication of an annual calendar with a sleek nautical aesthetic. Introduced as part of Patek Philippe s modern sports-elegant lineup, this reference demonstrates the brand s mastery in creating complicated timepieces that maintain everyday wearability. The 5726 builds upon Patek Philippe s rich heritage of calendar complications, offering collectors a contemporary interpretation of haute horlogerie that bridges the gap between dressy complications and contemporary sports watches.
At the heart of the Reference 5726 beats the exceptional Caliber 324 S QA LU 24H/303, an automatic movement that showcases Patek Philippe s technical prowess in calendar mechanisms. This sophisticated caliber features an annual calendar complication that automatically adjusts for months with 30 and 31 days, requiring manual correction only once per year at the end of February. The movement incorporates a 24-hour indication alongside the traditional calendar functions, displaying day, date, month, and moon phases through elegantly arranged subsidiary dials. The self-winding mechanism ensures consistent power delivery while maintaining the thin profile necessary for the watch s refined proportions.
The 40.5mm stainless steel case presents a contemporary interpretation of classic Patek Philippe design language, featuring clean lines and perfectly executed finishing that exemplifies the manufacture s attention to detail. The striking blue sunburst dial creates remarkable depth and luminosity, with its rich color serving as the foundation for the symmetrically arranged calendar displays. Protected by a sapphire crystal and featuring a fixed smooth bezel, the 5726 balances functionality with aesthetic refinement. For collectors, this reference represents an accessible entry point into Patek Philippe s complicated watch segment while offering the prestige and technical excellence associated with one of horology s most revered manufacturers. The combination of stainless steel construction, practical complications, and distinctive design elements positions the 5726 as a highly desirable piece for both seasoned collectors and those building their first serious watch collection.
Great post, Oliver! Came here to post my pics of the 5235, but yours are much better. It was a great evening in Hamburg and the exhibition at Hansen is absolutely worth a trip to Hamburg (the guest with the longest journey came from Bangkok !!!! It was a pleasure meeting you there "in person". Sorry, I didn't have more time, but my father was considering the 5270. He always gets a little hasty on such occasions. Best regards Georg This message has been edited by Georg on 2012-06-07 03:46:18
As I ordered this watch more than a year ago, I could not resist to post this: They said it would arrive by the end of this year. I can only hope Best regards Georg
Thank you for taking the time to post the photos. I am yet to see or feel any of the new releases. The Regulator, I need to see in the flesh. Though I suspect it may be a while before that happens
Thanks Oliver for sharing this. The pictures are great and help very much to see their beauty comapred to "official" pics. It was usefull to have older models too, especially the 5711 ... I'm really looking forward to seeing this 5235 in the flesh too. Thanks again Mark This message has been edited by Boréale on 2012-06-07 06:10:26
I will be visiting Hamburg in mid Aug and will certainly pay them a visit. Best Sam
Nice event and lots of watches! Thanks for sharing!
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