Complications
Dje presents an in-depth look at the Patek Philippe Ref. 5213G, a minute repeater perpetual calendar with retrograde date, unveiled at Baselworld 2012. This post delves into the watch's intricate complications and design elements, from its officer's case to its Breguet hands, offering a collector's perspective on what makes this reference truly exceptional. Dje shares personal impressions, emphasizing the watch's presence on the wrist and its place within Patek Philippe's grand complications.
There are many reasons to love or not a watch.
The watch pictured below shows several characteristics that I particularly affectionate such as the officer case, the "Breguet" or "pomme" (French word for apple) hands, the Arab figures, the window calendar (and perpetual, but that's not essential for me), the retrograde date hand, a good way to mark the end of the month and realize that all begins again, the moon phase (a complication I've never owned and would love to live with), all that in an understated sobriety.
Still that watch is not really what I would call a classic. Why? Because you don't see a Patek Philippe retrograde perpetual calendar minute repeater wristwatch so often. That is what the reference 5213 is!
Let me be clear and honest, this 40.6mm watch perfectly fits my wrist (and my soul). Like generally all Patek Philippe watches it's much better on the wrist for real, than on the best pictures.
Of course I will not say that it is my favourite modern Patek Philippe, that would not be true. References 5959 and 5950 remain my favourite current models (and the 5105 perhaps my favourite overall, at least equal to the split second brothers), and 5207P is my favourite minute repeater, 3939 coming second, then 5013, 5078, 5016…. So there is some margin before I order a 5213.
But as we do not all have the same taste, I can understand why some could see the 5213 as their Graal!
This watch is clearly more « solid » than the 5016 it doesn't really replace. It is not as thin and shows a seducing thickness, not of the watch, but of the forms. Like a real officer's watch. But which army would need and afford such tool?
I wrote that it does not replace the 5016 because it looks like a modernized 5016, except for the fact that it is equipped with the 5013 automatic calibre…. Does that mean that we will someday get a tonneau cased tourbillon model?
Anyway at this level I would take any reference. I can say that all Patek Philippe wrist minute repeaters I've heard were excellent, the cathedral gongs ones being particularly seducing. This one was very good too. In fact if I was able to order a minute repeater but couldn't hear it before purchase, that would be one of the very few brands I would trust.
I can't wait to see and read the new book that Patek Philippe must issue at the end of the year about repeating watches. Certainly many hours full of dreams to come….
Obviously the tourbillon version of this calibre is more beautiful, but I guess that an automatic calibre is much more practical with a perpetual calendar. And at least the minute repeater automatic calibres get a very appealing guilloche rotor that reminds the nice automatic calibres from the past.
The officer case is a very appealing solution for someone like me who loves plain backs, but love calibres as much !
And you can get the inside of the cover engraved, so your message remains hidden too !
We should never undervalue the captivating dance of the repeating hammers. That's one of these few moments when you can indeed view the sound!
Minute repeaters count among the most complicated pieces, but the view is surprisingly simple. You can hardly imagine the other side of the works.
So this one is for those loving roundedness. If you want sharp angles, look elsewhere.
Are you tempted to push the sliding lever ?
I can tell you it's worth doing it!
I hope you enjoyed it ! As said before, that's not that often….
Best
Dje
The Patek Philippe Calatrava reference 3939 is a highly complex and significant offering within the Calatrava line, known for its combination of a minute repeater and a tourbillon. This reference represents a pinnacle of traditional horological craftsmanship, showcasing Patek Philippe's capabilities in grand complications within a classically styled case. It was produced in very limited numbers, making it a notable piece for collectors of high-complication watches.
Crafted in precious metals, the reference 3939 typically features a case diameter of 33.3mm, a size that allows for a refined presence on the wrist while housing its intricate movement. The watch is powered by a manual-wind caliber R TO 27 PS, which integrates both the minute repeater and the tourbillon mechanisms. The movement is visible through a sapphire crystal case back, allowing appreciation of its finishing and the tourbillon cage. The dial is often enamel, contributing to its refined aesthetic.
This reference appeals to collectors who prioritize technical sophistication and traditional finishing. Its dual grand complications, combined with the understated elegance of the Calatrava design, position it as a significant achievement in watchmaking. The limited production and the complexity of its movement contribute to its desirability and its place as a distinguished example of Patek Philippe's haute horlogerie.
Hi Dje, Thanks a lot for this overview about such a fantastic watch. I already really like the 5159 in WG, for many reasons that you already mentioned : round shape but modern in the mean time, the retrograde display etc Here we have a purer version and a very high level Patek movement. And the pictures you share here bring a lot to the text ! Thanks again Cheers, Mark
nt
1. set you smartphone to wake you up 1 minute before get-up time. 2. activate the MR pusher 3. close your eyes as if you were sleeping 4. You wake up with it indeed !
nt
What an enjoyable post! It is actually as captivating as a movie. I envy you a lot to have had the chance to see this Patek in real. But I am also happy not to have been given the chance as it would brake my heart to let it go again. I really struggle if I see a 5159 and I do not want to imagine how I would feel having had this one in my hands. Best Moritz
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