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 reference 5078 represents the manufacture's 38mm minute repeater offering within their complications collection. Part of the 38mm Minute Repeater series, this reference was produced from 2008 to 2019, establishing its position as a contemporary grand complication timepiece.
The 5078 features a 38mm case available in three precious metal options: 18k white gold, 18k rose gold, or platinum. The polished bezel and sapphire crystal complement the available dial color variants. The manual-winding caliber 240 Q provides 48 hours of power reserve, housed within a case rated to 30 meters water resistance. A leather strap with fold-over clasp completes the construction.
This reference appeals to collectors seeking a minute repeater complication in a moderately sized case. The multiple metal options and dial variants provide choice within the reference, while the 11-year production run offers reasonable availability in the secondary market. The 5078 positions itself as an accessible entry point into Patek Philippe's chiming complications category.
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
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
The chance to see and try this beautiful piece on, would be an honour in itself. Thanks Jerome, for highlighting this beautiful MR. :) Regards Tony
At 40.5 mm, this MR shouts for attention, not your understated Patek. Sorry to see PP is going for larger diameters big time. This must be the TS effect, since HS is retired. FYI, I had a chance to examine and wore 5159G on many occasions. The very busy dial and the 39 mm diameter case was no go for me. The forced fit of the 5059 mechanism to a larger 5159 case also looked tentative. The design of the 5213 looks even worse due to the disproportionately small day and month windows and the larger
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 !
Totally agree to name the 5050 as the best pp retrograde calendar ever! The only question that I have is: with roman numerals on the dial or with indeces? For me: both are to die for. The current 5159 IS nice, no doubt. Also in the ueber-garnished version as 5160. Never tried it on but I trust it will get away with a bit more chunkyness and presence, in particular if it is the WG version. Indeed: 3940, 5140 and the 5050ies are the only grand complications out there that are really wearable. Best
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