In this insightful article, foversta delves into the Patek Philippe Calatrava 5296 Limited Edition Hausmann, a special release commemorating the 225th anniversary of Hausmann & Co. and the opening of the Patek Philippe boutique in Rome. He meticulously details the unique attributes of this limited series, offering a discerning collector's perspective on its design choices and historical context. Foversta's analysis provides valuable insights into how Patek Philippe honors its long-standing retail partners through exclusive timepieces.
The Patek Philippe boutique in Rome has quickly become one of the most popular locations on Via Condotti since its opening in 2019. Located on the former site of the Hausmann multi-brand boutique, it is of course managed by the retailer's team. The reception on the ground floor gives access to the lift to the seventh heaven... in fact the first floor, which includes the shop windows, the points of sale and the watchmaker's workshop. 2019 was not just any year. It was also the 225th anniversary of Hausmann's presence in the Italian capital. To celebrate this anniversary and the opening of the boutique, Patek Philippe presented a limited series of the Calatrava 5296 available in 50 pieces per material (white gold or rose gold).
The choice of the Calatrava 5296 as the starting point for this limited series is not surprising. A few years ago, it was one of the basic models in the Calatrava collection and, with its 38mm diameter, offered a simple and elegant context, well in the spirit of the Eternal City. Moreover, this watch had already lent itself to the exercise of the dial transformation since a version that I would qualify as traditional with baton indexes and Dauphine hands cohabited with a version with a sector dial crossed by leaf hands (aiguilles "feuille"). Note that the reference 5296 is no longer in the catalogue, replaced from now on by the reference 5227 with a slightly larger diameter (39mm).
The 5296 Haussman limited series thus takes up this known framework: the case with a diameter of 38mm, a thickness of 8,5mm, the date at 3 o'clock and the well-known automatic movement 324 with central second having a frequency of 4hz for a power reserve of 45 hours.
The specificity of the limited series lies in 5 points:
- the presence of a Roman numeral XII applied to the top of the dial
- the sunray finish of the dial (blue for the white gold version, slate for the pink gold version)
- the use of a folding clasp
- the inscription Hausmann & Co 1794 - 2019 on the see-through caseback
- the provision of a superb certificate
The two versions have different atmospheres. The white gold version, because of its blue dial, seems to me more versatile. It is elegant but can also be worn in a casual context. The rose gold version is more refined in my opinion and the Roman numerals seem more appropriate in this context. In any case, the rendering of the slate dial is magnificent and goes perfectly with the case. The result is also convincing with the white gold version but less spectacular. Between these two versions, I thus preferred the pink gold version whose warmer side corresponds better to this nod to Rome.
The 5296 Hausmann limited series is in any case a nice evolution of a very famous Patek Philippe model. The result remains very classic and without real surprise effect. It remains nevertheless attractive thanks to the old-fashioned charm that emerges. To tell the truth, I thought more about the Via Veneto and the stars of the golden age of Cinecitta while observing the two versions than about the contemporary fervour of the Via Condotti. The Roman numerals accentuate this sensation and I come to regret that Patek Philippe did not choose the option to remove the date window which would have allowed to go to the end of the concept. Also I would have preferred an officer's back rather than the inscription on the glass.
The rose gold version is my favourite:
In any case, the 5296 Hausmann gives the possibility to still enjoy this old Calatrava reference and to access a limited series from Patek Philippe which is a great asset. But for those who are interested, then you have to be quick as there are hardly any pieces left available.
The superb certificate:
The selling price for each version is set at 36,000 euros including VAT.
Fr.Xavier
About the Patek Philippe Ref. 5227
The Patek Philippe Reference 5227, introduced in 2013, is characterized by its officer's style case with an invisibly-hinged dust cover, a feature that distinguishes it within the brand's Calatrava collection. This design element provides a protective cover for the sapphire case back, offering a blend of traditional watchmaking aesthetics and modern functionality. The reference maintains a classic Patek Philippe design language, appealing to collectors who appreciate understated elegance and technical refinement without overt display.
The watch features a 39 mm case with scalloped lugs, housing the automatic caliber 26-330 S C, which provides central seconds and a date display. The movement is visible through a sapphire crystal case back, which is protected by the aforementioned hinged dust cover. The case thickness is 9.24 mm. The power reserve for this caliber is between 35 and 45 hours. The reference has been produced in various precious metals, including white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold.
Reference 5227 appeals to collectors seeking a discreet yet technically accomplished timepiece. Its design lineage connects it to other significant Patek Philippe models, such as the Perpetual Calendar Reference 5327, through shared case characteristics. The white gold variant, Reference 5227G-001, was discontinued in 2019, while other metal versions remain in the current catalog, indicating its continued relevance and appeal within the brand's offerings.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 26-330 S C
- Case
- White gold, Yellow gold, Rose gold
- Diameter
- 39 mm
- Dial
- Ivory lacquered, Black lacquered, Brown lacquered
- Water Resist.
- 30 m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Patek Philippe 5296 Ref. 5296
The Patek Philippe Calatrava reference 5296 is a notable example of a time-and-date Calatrava, distinguished by its classic round case and clean dial layout. It represents a contemporary interpretation of the Calatrava design principles, offering a balanced aesthetic suitable for daily wear while adhering to the brand's established design language. The reference is known for its versatility in material and dial configurations, providing options that cater to different preferences within the Calatrava collection.
This reference features a 38 mm case, available in 18k white gold, rose gold, or yellow gold, housing the automatic caliber 324 S C. The movement provides a power reserve of 45 hours. A sapphire crystal protects the dial, and the watch is water-resistant to 30 meters. The case is characterized by a smooth bezel, contributing to its understated profile.
First introduced in 2005, the 5296 appeals to collectors seeking a Patek Philippe dress watch with a date complication. Its production run has seen various dial iterations, including silver, black, and cream, some featuring sector dials that add a vintage-inspired touch. The reference continues the tradition of the Calatrava as a foundational model within the brand's offerings, emphasizing enduring design and mechanical precision.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 324 S C
- Case
- 18k White Gold, Rose Gold, or Yellow Gold
- Diameter
- 38 mm
- Dial
- Silver, Black, Cream
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
