New Release
Dje's live report from Basel 2009 offers an invaluable, on-the-wrist perspective of Patek Philippe's new models, emphasizing how these watches truly reveal their beauty when experienced firsthand. His detailed observations and photographs provide critical context for collectors beyond official press images, making this a timeless resource for understanding these references.
It was promised
so here comes the time to share pics of the new Patek Philippe models launched
this year at Basel.
Let me say
first that now that I've seen them, many of these like often really
deserve to be seen on your wrist to be fully appreciated.
I've seen
all models except the new 5074 minute repeater perpetual calendar with black
dial.
King's choice
This first
picture is just to pump up the volume (of pressure) !
Patek Philippe 5102PR
I had had the
opportunity to try on the 5102J two years ago and it had left a very positive
impression on me beside its size. The new 5102PR is even more appealing and the
two colours of the case give it a very refined look (even more so).
Sculptural side
This watch is
very hard to picture as the dial easily turns black depending on the light. Obviously
it has the colour of the space out there.
I can
understand why so many PuristS are mad about this watch. It is pretty unique in
its style in a collection of Patek Philippe watches, and even in a collection
of watches.
Star Wars
Obviously this
second wrist shot is not made on my wrist ! I found a kind lady to offer
her wrist and show you the new Gondolo Serata 4972/1. This white gold Gondolo
case is set with 130 diamonds for a total approximating 1.8 carats.
Ladies of taste
The dial is made
of guilloched mother-of-pearl.
Simple
The best
surprise was the 5098R, the pink gold version of the men's Gondolo issued
two years ago. I'm keen on pink gold watches and this case style with a
vintage touch goes perfectly with the new "pinker" tone of gold.
Patek Philippe Gondolo 5098R
The cambered
case is really pleasing on the wrist. The volume is very generous and present
on the wrist, while keeping smart dimensions of 32mm x 42mm.
Pink and warm
Not pictured
here is the most pleasing calibre 25-21 REC, the rectangular version of the 215
shared with reference 5124.
Perfect on the wrist
The brown
numerals and hands are very tasty and both vintage and trendy at the same time.
Brownish dial
This watch
instantly becomes my most probably buy in the range as it is also one of the
most affordable of the new models.
Blue seas
This new 5131G
will quite probably be one of the most sought-after new models, for good
reasons. Its enamel dial is really superb and the white gold case and bezel are
perfectly complemented by the blue of the sea!
Discreet engravings
I had this year
the same impression that the one I had last year with the yellow gold version: the
engravings on the case let a pure dial and at the same time are in fact very
discreet when the watch is on the wrist. You should not dismiss this watch for
this reason alone and if you're tempted you'd better try to see one
before criticizing the engravings. Of course it would have been better without,
but it's not bad either with these on!
Patek Philippe 5101R
We can all fall
in tears after the discontinuation of the 5101P. Then I can confess that the
confrontation to the 5101R was another excellent surprise. I had never had the
opportunity to try on the 5101 before. As expected the watch case is very long and
the watch is imposing on the wrist, but what a beauty!
Gorgeous on the wrist
The sculptural
case is amazing and is very nicely rendered in pink gold. Once again if the
watch is not IMO very beautifull on the official pics issued, the real thing is
another thing!
Tasty
This 5101R is
an unformal watch to look at all week ends long !
Should I also
say something about the back side? 
Simple 5116
The new Calatrava
5116 is a 36mm watch equipped with the calibre 215 and finds its originality
with an enamel dial. The watch is simple and beautiful and it is a very formal
and classical offering. This is not my kind of Patek Philippe but the dial
brings a new dimension to the classical branch of the Patek Philippe
collection.
Enamel dial
This new 5960R
is going to be the most looked after pink gold piece in the collection IMO. I
should say that I was not appealed at all by the official pics after Basel. I could not
imagine a pink gold version of what I see as a modern chronograph design. My
mistake!
You'd better see it live
The 5960R is a gorgeous
pink gold choice for those looking for a high volume piece (by PP standards). The
dial works well, the red markings echoing the case colour.
My first PP Seal watch to look at
It was also my
first opportuity to see the new Patek Philippe Seal and this watch was the only
one bearing it ! Obviously out of the Seal in itself the calibre was not
looking differently finished than before! We will discuss again about this new
Seal.
Ladies' Aquanaut
The new 35.2mm
Aquanaut Luce for ladies is an appealing stainless steel watch set with 46
diamonds approximating one carat. The dial is offered in white or black.
White dialed
The new women's
nautilus is even more appealing, in white or pink gold cases.
Ladies' Nautilus
The dial can be
silvery white or charcoal grey. This watch like the Aquanaut is equipped with a
quartz calibre.
White dialed again
When I saw this
new 5153J in official pics last months I immediately hoped for a white gold
version next year. I even more hope now that I saw the real watch in yellow. I
don't like yellow gold but I love this watch. I was a fan of the 5053 and
I can just say this dial is even more appealing.
Patek Philippe 5153J
The officer's
back is still a treat and the case is so nicely refined! For once the date is
nicely integrated! Please the white one now!!
Officer's back
The Calatrava
4897 is a very appealing and tasty ladies watch featuring a manual winding
calibre 215 below a stunning chocolate domed, guilloched and lacquered dial. The
72 diamonds approximating 0,47 carat don't disturb its modern elegance. A
perfect 33mm case for your date!
Patek Philippe Calatrava 4897
If your date
occurs on the seaside you should choose this chocolate dial pink gold Aquanaut
to complement the 4897 !
Chocolate Aquanaut
The dial is
superb, taking kind of patinated colours under the moving light. Available only
in large size ref 5167 the watch is just amazing on the wrist and would be
perfect on the best beaches!
Diving pink gold
Here comes now
the most striking new offer ! Once again I was left cold by the official
pics.
Now I can just
say "run and order it"!
The 5970P is
now in my opinion the most appealing 5970! I'm serious.
The most awesome watch
The ebony black
dial is just sublime. With this black dial the watch is just seemingly smaller
and more refined on the wrist!
I've had
an incredibly hard time putting this watch off my wrist. In fact I honestly
wonder if this watch may not be "the" perfect watch to own for me,
the only one to get and to keep!
I obviously can't
afford it, but if you can……
Please understand
that I generally dislike to push the trends with Patek Philippe hot models, but
I owe you the truth (my truth): I'm in love with this 5970P!
Can I keep it please
Are you gone
already?
Thank you for
reading.
Cheers
Dje
The Patek Philippe Reference 130 is a significant chronograph model, notable for its classic design and the various configurations in which it was produced. While many examples feature a standard chronograph layout, specific iterations, such as those with split-seconds functionality, represent a higher echelon of horological complexity within the reference. The model is recognized for its balanced proportions and the legibility of its dial, making it a favored choice among collectors seeking vintage Patek Philippe chronographs.
This particular example of the Reference 130 is distinguished by its yellow gold case, measuring 33mm in diameter. It houses a manual-winding movement, typical for chronographs of its era, and is fitted with a crystal, likely acrylic or sapphire depending on the specific production period and any subsequent servicing. The case construction and movement finishing adhere to Patek Philippe's high standards for precision and durability.
Collector interest in the Reference 130 is driven by its historical importance as an early chronograph from the brand and the rarity of certain dial and complication variations. The presence of unique characteristics, such as Breguet numerals, specific dial signatures, or the absence of a tachymeter scale, can significantly influence its appeal. The reference appeals to those who appreciate the foundational designs of Patek Philippe's chronograph lineage.
The 5101 is a stunner but I would love to see the 5970 in real life. maybe one day Julian
The 10 days tourbillon is a superb watch. I've seen the platinum piece with salmon dial. It was nice but I didn't like the color combination very much. The 5101R on the other hand seems to be amazing. red gold and a smokey grey dial ... WOW . Need to sell my house for such a piece so it will never be mine . Than, the 5960 R. ... The same as the 5101, this color is imo much better than the platinum 5960. But I still wish it would NOT have those blue and red markings. Please, make them beige and b
I actually like the 5116. Very few people like the hobnail bezel, and honestly I'm not sure I'd wear one every single day since the hobnail bezel conveys a sense of formality and seriousness. However, I wished they made a 5120 with a true enamel dial. I'm a bigger fan of the automatic movement of the 5120. Then again, if the 5116 was a secondary watch that I were to only wear during formal occasions, a manual wind watch does make a large amount of sense.
They got the first mechanical watch with email! LOL Is there a pigeon inside? LOLOL Thanks for this nice post. I really adore the Calatravas. I can appreciate the other new models but those are not really for my taste. So now I go back to dream about an annual calender, with grey dial......who knows, one day. Best, Starman
And you got to try on all of these watches? I'm jealous!
It's the real deal! If I have to sell some of my wife's jewellery for it ......well, maybe not. Thanks for the live pics.- a much better point of view. Cheers Fernando
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