Review
Mark in Paris provides a detailed review of the Patek Philippe 5153G, anticipating the arrival of its Rose Gold counterpart. His analysis delves into the watch's design elements, particularly highlighting the officer's caseback and its unique Calatrava-line aesthetics. This piece serves as an insightful guide for enthusiasts considering this elegant reference, offering a deeper appreciation for its subtle yet distinctive features.
Hello Gentlemen,
I find the Patek Philippe 5153G and its black dial beautiful. After the already available Yellow and two White Gold versions (white or black dial), the Rose Gold model will arrive in our Patek Philippe retailers very soon. Let's prepare its arrival by making a little tour or the black dial 5153G and its sister watches.
(source: Patek Philippe's website)
I always liked the officer's caseback in a watch. They bring poetry and romanticism to a watch. They also can provide the beauty of a see-through sapphire caseback together with an engraved plane one.
The 5153 is borrowing the 5159's case and lugs shape which is very elegant and brings some diversity among the Calatrava line for instance.
As a three hands watch, it is very refined. It has five minutes applied markers only, without any kind of numerals. Furthermore, you'll notice these markers are perfectly matching with the Dauphine hands.
Moreover, I find the minute dots (kind of Cabochons) supporting the five minutes triangular markers very adequate. The fact they are on the rim side leaves a very clear dial in the middle.
As you have noticed the center of the dial is decorated with a soft sunbeam pattern (two kinds of rays) and a very nicely integrated Patek Philippe logo. I find the date window has a very proportionate size compared to the markers, it respects the visual five minutes sequence and its nice metal rim is a perfect addition to bring the same light reflecting aspect.
Details I particularly love in this watch are the crown and its crown guards. It is a beautiful work.
It houses a 324 caliber and has a deployant buckle.
This watch is much more than a simple three hands watch and a very unique alternative to other Calatrava references.
What do you think about this classic reference we are not used to talking much about?
Cheers, Mark
The Patek Philippe Calatrava reference 5153 represents a 38mm manual wind iteration within the Calatrava collection. Distinguished by its white gold construction and black dial configuration, this reference was produced from 2005 to 2012, offering collectors a substantial case size within the dress watch category.
The 38mm case is crafted from 18k white gold and features a smooth bezel with sapphire crystal protection. The manual wind caliber 215 PS movement provides 44 hours of power reserve, while water resistance extends to 30 meters. The black dial is complemented by a leather strap, maintaining the classical proportions expected from this configuration.
This reference appeals to collectors seeking a larger Calatrava format in precious metal, with the 38mm case size providing contemporary wrist presence. The manual wind movement and seven-year production span positions the 5153 as a substantial dress watch option within the white gold Calatrava offerings from this period.
Having said that this is not speaking to me. Reminds me too much of a memovox, and I love the memovox. Also find the logo a bit large and overly present on the dial of what would be expected to be a discrete watch… the date window somehow does not work for me either…. PP has so many nicer simple references in my opinion… but again, perhaps all this can change once I get to put one on the wrist in about 15 years or so… But we are all supposed to have different tastes and that is what makes it so
and you perfectly mentionned all the details that are different from the usual Calatravas. It is indeed a good thing that way to widen the offer. Cheers, Mark
an excellent alternative to other Calatrava models. I very much admire the design of this simple and yet very appealing dial. The triangular hour markers IMO add much character and the sun ray pattern in the middle accentuates the overall design. Below are some photos of the Beijing 5153 siblings (debuted in May 2014 for the opening of the Beijing Maison), which have very different looks and are just as alluring. Cheers, Gordon wrist shot at the Beijing Maison official photo of the 5153G Beijing
Thanks for sharing and for your kind comments Gordon :) You right to mention that in any metal it has something attractive. Cheers, Mark
Hi Mark, My thoughts about the black dial version are so similar to yours that I: - ordered the watch a couple of weeks ago - will pay it next week - will pick it up on the 2nd half of May. As you can see from my actions, I like this watch a lot! Best, Kari
While I am not a frequent poster and a poor photographer (which probably contributes to my infrequent posts) I am an avid reader of posts here and have grown to somewhat learn the tastes of the many informed participants. The coincidence is that in addition to my recent purchase of a 5575g based, in large part, to the wisdom of the participant of this thread, I purchased a 5153g when it was first introduced-2011 or 2012 as I recall. Of course, I still own it. I am gratified that my selections ar
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