Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 5738R vs. Calatrava 5196P: A Collector's Comparison

Clueless_Collector · 2020-10-04T13:00:26Z

Explore the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 5738R and Calatrava 5196P. Compare Caliber 215 vs 240, design, and versatility for collectors.

Clueless_Collector's original post sparks a fascinating discussion comparing two iconic Patek Philippe dress watches: the Golden Ellipse (Ref. 5738R) and the Calatrava (Ref. 5196P). This thread delves into the aesthetic and technical merits of each, particularly focusing on the choice between the Caliber 215 and the Caliber 240. Readers will gain insight into how these distinct designs resonate with collectors and integrate into diverse wardrobes.

I think most will choose the 240 vs the smallish 215?

It’s a pity I cannot see the micro rotor on the Golden Ellipse but again the dial is where we see most of the time.

The design of these 2 are very successful imho.

Icons never gets old...love these 2 dress watches 😍

Key Points from the Discussion

The Patek Philippe 5196P Calatrava, with its classical case and Breguet numerals, offers a modern twist at 37mm, while the 5738R Golden Ellipse presents a revolutionary design language, notable for its thinness and high-end Caliber 240.
Despite being designed as a dress watch, the Patek Philippe 5738R Golden Ellipse surprisingly pairs well with casual attire, adding to its versatility.
The solid caseback of the Golden Ellipse, while concealing the Caliber 240 micro-rotor movement, is considered by some to better suit the watch's overall design aesthetic.
Patek Philippe's ability to create an entire watch with a height comparable to just the movement of other brands, such as the Rolex 3135 (6mm), highlights their mastery of ultra-thin watchmaking.

The Discussion

COUNT DE MONET

Oct 4, 2020

What people are not aware of: the Ellipse is thinner than the manual 5196 P

... albeit being an auto powered watch. The solid caseback suits the Ellipse better, even if it hides the 240.

Clueless_Collector

Oct 4, 2020

7.68mm vs 5.9mm, wow I didn’t even pay attention ....

Since both are thin already...Thanks Count for the details 👍🏻

COUNT DE MONET

Oct 4, 2020

Needles to say that I know 5.9 mm of the heart 😏 [nt]

Rolex 3135 is 6 mm of height ... and that is just the movement! At Patek you get a complete watch of that height.

Clueless_Collector

Oct 4, 2020

I know you are :) Do you think there is compromise on the power reserve?

Seems the trend is towards 70hrs or more, for over the weekend.

Passionata_george

Oct 4, 2020

really love both [nt]

Clueless_Collector

Oct 4, 2020

Good that both have different shapes and color so I don’t feel owning both is redundant. [nt]

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Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 5738R vs. Calatrava 5196P: A Collector's Comparison

Key Points from the Discussion

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