Patek Philippe 5110P: 20th Anniversary Platinum World Time

amanico · 2024-11-02T09:10:00Z

Celebrate 20 years with the Patek Philippe 5110P World Time. Amanico shares his journey, from dream to acquisition, and the enduring appeal of this iconic reference.

amanico

WPS member · Patek Philippe forum

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Amanico's reflection on two decades with his Patek Philippe 5110P offers a poignant look into the enduring bond between collector and timepiece. This article delves into the personal narrative behind acquiring a grail watch, highlighting the emotional significance that transcends mere horological appreciation. His story serves as a reminder that some watches become more than objects; they become companions, marking milestones and evoking cherished memories.

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2d of November 2004, Taormina, Sicily, Italy... A date to remember.

In July 2004, I got a call from my Patek AD in Sicily who asked me if I was interested in a 5110. He kept in mind a conversation we had about Patek watches. I told him that I didn't have a big interest in this brand, except if he could get me a world time, which was my dream, in white gold, or even better, in platinum.

We became friends, quite quickly, spending some hours in his shop, in May 2004, speaking about watches. He was an AD for some of my favorite brands, such as Glashutte Original, Audemars Piguet, Blancpain, Breguet and... Ulysse Nardin.

I knew he also had Patek, but well, you know, each time you ask for a Patek, the answer is the same...

But this man is mischievous, and his question about the 5110 was not innocent, as he knew my love for this reference...

So my answer was quite logical. I told him that if he could wait 4 months ( Sicily is not close to Paris, and I had to find the funds... ), I would go and pick it... Done Deal...

2d of November 2024... 20 years after. I just cannot realize that 20 years have gone like that, in a twinkling of an eye... With the Ulysse Nardin Sonata, it is the oldest watch in my collection. But it seems it was like yesterday!

I remember the flight, as he took me 10 hours to get there, instead of the normal 2 hours.... Just because of an air traffic controllers' strike. The arrival at the Catania Airport, with him asking me if I came from Paris or Cancun.

You have to put in some effort for such a watch.

I remember when we arrived in his shop. The ceremonial, as he wanted me to enjoy each moment of the delivery. And finally, it was here, in front of me, I could finally see it, touch it, feel it. A dream I was finally living for real! Heaven was in Sicily, at that time.

I didn't even want to do the check-in in my hotel. I wanted to see the object of my dreams.

I lost any notion of time, admiring the decoration of the dial, playing with the angles and the light to taste every hue of grey blue, to read every city of the world. There was no shop nor friend, there was me and the watch, this watch. Its dial, its case, its movement, the magic was there.

There are only a few watches in my collection which made my heart beat that fast.

20 years later, Love is still here for this watch, indestructible. No weariness. Here again, there are only a few watches which can withstand the test of time passing.

It is not only the watch, it is also all these moments spent together, the good and the bad. It is maybe also because it was my first Patek, and I didn't have many from this brand.

It is also its complication which is double. It is helpful when you travel, it makes you dream about trips when you are at home.

Helpful when you travel, as you can set your destination time and keep an eye on your home time easily, via its pusher. And yes, this watch was everywhere with me, in Singapore, Hong Kong, USA, Europe, Morocco.

It also helps you to keep track of the different time zones of your friends all around the world, which is another notion of a " friendly " watch.

To me, it is my favorite watch from this brand. Yes, I know, there are more sophisticated and prestigious Patek watches, but in terms of charm,this 5110 is hard to beat. And in the world time category, all brands included, a Milestone.

At the point that I consider it as one of the very rare watches I will keep in my collection forever.

Happy 20th birthday to the 5110P!

Best,

Nicolas

About the Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Ref. 5110

The Montblanc Calatrava reference 5110, produced between 1997 and 2006, is a notable example of the brand's classic dress watch offerings. This reference is distinguished by its combination of a relatively larger case size for its era and the inclusion of a moon phase complication, setting it apart from simpler time-only Calatrava models. It represents a period where Montblanc was expanding its horological capabilities, offering more complex movements within its established aesthetic.

This reference features an 18k yellow gold case measuring 37 mm in diameter, providing a substantial presence on the wrist while maintaining traditional dress watch proportions. It is powered by the automatic caliber 240 PS IRM C LU, a movement known for its slim profile and integrated complications. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal and offers a water resistance of 30 meters, suitable for everyday wear. The power reserve for this caliber is approximately 48 hours.

For collectors, the 5110 appeals to those seeking a Calatrava with additional functionality beyond basic timekeeping, specifically the moon phase and power reserve indicator. Its production run from 1997 to 2006 places it within a specific era of Montblanc's development, making it a point of interest for those tracing the evolution of the brand's complications. The ivory dial and smooth bezel contribute to its understated yet refined character, aligning with the traditional Calatrava design language.

Specifications

Caliber: 240 PS IRM C LU

Case: 18k Yellow Gold

Diameter: 37 mm

Dial: Ivory

Water Resist.: 30m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The Patek Philippe 5110 is described as a 'magical watch' that inspires dreams of travel and evokes memories of places and people encountered during journeys, making it a cherished 'keeper for life' for many collectors.
The world time complication of the 5110 is praised for its practicality, its ability to inspire dreams, and even its role in fostering friendships among collectors.
Some collectors, prioritizing wearing over collecting, express a deliberate hesitation to acquire a Patek Philippe 5110, believing that maintaining it as a 'dream' preserves its allure and prevents diluting wrist time for existing pieces.
The Patek Philippe 5110 is frequently lauded for embodying 'refined elegance and timeless beauty,' characteristics that many associate with the essence of the Patek Philippe brand.
The 5110 is considered by some to be 'the most exquisite' of all world time watches, with owners expressing deep, long-term enjoyment of their specific references, such as the 5110J.
The ceremonial aspect of acquiring a significant watch, as described by amanico, resonates with other collectors who have experienced similar 'WOW' moments during their own watch deliveries.

The Discussion

KMII

Nov 2, 2024

One of the most interesting watches from PP for me 🙌🏻👌🏻👏🏻

And what a story! Hope the AD is still around 😊🤞🏻 We could definitely do with more of ADs like this one 👍🏻

KMII

Nov 2, 2024

That’s unfortunate indeed 🤷🏻‍♂️

quattro

Nov 2, 2024

What an epic post!

What a pleasure to read and share your excitement and long lasting love of this particular watch! And what you say of the virtues of the world time complication (practicality, dream, friendship) is so evocative! Thanks for sharing this anniversary in such a nice way.

amanico

Nov 2, 2024

Thanks for reading, mon ami. Now you are even more convinced, right? ;)

quattro

Nov 3, 2024

Convinced that this story of yours is a wonderful one? No doubt about that!

Convinced that I should get a 5110 for myself? Not quite yet. Too soon. I'm a "wearer" more than a collector and more watches=less wrist time for each. Plus, if this piece stops being a dream, another one will take its place: so I think "it is urgent to wait" ;-)

amanico

Nov 3, 2024

You are right. Watches need to be worn and enjoyed.