Complications
Bruno.M1 shares his admiration for the Patek Philippe Celestial, particularly the white metal with blue dial, despite his reservations about its movement. He questions the use of a base Caliber 240 movement in a watch at such a high price point, comparing it to other high complications like the 5204 and 5370. Despite this, he positions the Celestial as a top contender in the non-discontinued market, highlighting its unique aesthetic and poetic complication.
Patek Philippe Reference 5204 Split-Seconds Chronograph Perpetual Calendar
The Reference 5204 combines split-seconds chronograph functionality with perpetual calendar complications in a 40mm case format. This reference represents Patek Philippe's approach to integrating dual chronograph timing capabilities with complete calendar functions, positioning it as a grand complication within the manufacture's lineup.
The 40mm case is available in 18k white gold or rose gold with polished bezel treatment and sapphire crystal. The manual-winding Caliber R CH 27 PS QI provides 48 hours of power reserve. Dial options include silvery-gray or silvery-opaline finishes, paired with alligator leather straps. Water resistance is rated to 30 meters.
Produced from 2012 to 2019, the 5204 appeals to collectors seeking complications beyond standard chronographs or simple perpetual calendars. The split-seconds function adds timing versatility while maintaining the traditional manual-winding operation characteristic of high-end chronograph manufacture. The reference serves collectors prioritizing mechanical complexity and dual precious metal case options.
Its dial. And like you, I consider it as a dream watch... Now, the movement, once again... Best, Nicolas
... but astronomic complications and indications are energy hungry. A fine and delicate movement might be exclusive, but mostly not reasonable. This is why I have no problems at all with the ETA 2892A2 being the base movement of Ulysse Nardin's astronomic Trilogy. This has proven to work very well, that's all I do care about. Marcus
Agree with your comment about the movement. Could have been more special. I love the central months indicator. Wish there were more models with this complication.
I've seen the 6102P a year ago and indeed, I'm also very attracted by the way the sky has been represented and what it brings in terms of poetry. Maybe that the 44mm are necessary for such a dial... I've never found any problem in having a smaller movement in a big case. In fact when I look at a movement, proportions compared to the case is not something even coming to my mind. However, there is an exception with this one: not about the size but about the fact we have, in a 200K€ watch, a 240. I
I think ... so long as it's solid and reliable ... the movement is not an issue. On the contrary the 240 is probably the ideal movement if self-winding is desired. In other threads I've seen concerning this watch and specifically complaining about the movement, I think the writers don't understand how big the 6102 is because of the Celestial complication? As a result, it truly requires a very thin movement to avoid becoming overly chunky.
And getting a thin movement base, especially an automatic wound one, is not that easy to find. I overlooked that point. Thanks for your input Best, Mark
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