New Release
GLau provides a first-hand account of Patek Philippe's 2026 novelties, offering critical insights into the brand's strategic direction. His observations on the balance between innovation and appealing to younger collectors with colorful dials and straps, alongside detailed impressions of key pieces like the Cubitus Perpetual Calendar and the 50th Anniversary Nautilus, offer a valuable perspective for collectors.
innovations continue while balanced with more colorful dials and straps to bring in younger collectors. The average age of Patek collectors is around mid to late 40s. As Cubitus was created with a younger crowd in mind, I see this strategy continuing step by step. In terms of innovation, the automaton piece with 5249R Fox & Crow represented a WOW moment to me, as was the 5940P Cubitus PC !
Fox & Crow is very artistic and the engraving details are amazing ! The minute indicator is a bit challenging to read because of the small size of the βcheeseβ. Based on photos of 5940P, I was not convinced but seeing it in the metal, this piece is something else !
This short W&W trip was fund filled with lots of GTGs with members, moderator, and THE enamel queen Anita Porchet, along with a review of 2026 novelties !
For 50th Nautilus, all four pieces are lovely ! The clock is much more impressive in the metal. The three watches without date and seconds are really great because of the clean dials coupled with their thinness. Many did not like the inscription β1976 β 2016β on the dial of the 40th. Patek was aware of the comments and so I think this feedback helped with the creation of the clean dial for 50th.
Between bracelet and strap, personally I would go for bracelet because it represents the original design. The strap is lovely but does it make it look quite different. I do not understand why strap has 1,000 pieces vs 2,000 for the P and G. Your thoughts ?
Which one(s) sings(sing) to you ?
The Patek Philippe reference 3970 is a perpetual calendar chronograph, a complication central to the brand's heritage. It succeeded the highly regarded reference 2499 and served as a bridge to the later reference 5970. The 3970 was produced over an extended period, allowing for several series and subtle variations in its design, making it a significant model for collectors interested in the evolution of Patek Philippe's complicated wristwatches.
This reference features a 36mm case, commonly found in 18k white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, and platinum. It is powered by the manual-wind caliber CH 27-70 Q, based on a Lemania Γ©bauche, which offers a power reserve of 60 hours. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal, protecting a dial that typically includes subdials for the chronograph, perpetual calendar displays, and moon phases.
The 3970 appeals to collectors seeking a classic Patek Philippe perpetual calendar chronograph with a traditional aesthetic and a historically important movement. Its long production run from 1986 to 2004 means that examples from different series, such as the first, second, and third, exhibit minor differences in dial layout and case details, providing distinct collecting opportunities within the reference.
one sings most to you ?
For actual daily wear: 1. Calatrava time/date with salmon dial. Lovely, simple, understatedly elegant. 2. Cubitus perpetual calendar. That case looks like it was made for a PC display and I like the louvered dial. For sheer admiration: 1. Fox and Crow. Simpy spectacular. 2. Desk clock/pocket watch. I would love to have one! Thanks Gordon.
luck in gunning for the Nautilus 50th clock !πͺ
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