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GLau's firsthand account from the Patek Philippe booth at Watches and Wonders offers an exclusive glimpse into the brand's latest novelties and strategic insights. His detailed report, enriched by direct interactions with Patek Philippe's top executives, provides a unique perspective on the luxury watch industry's premier event. This article distills GLau's experience and the community's reactions, making a decade-old forum thread relevant for today's collectors.
The day started with a 20-minute taxi ride from downtown hotel to Palexpo, exhibition center next to Geneva airport. As I rushed out for a 10 o’clock appointment, I had no time for breakfast because of GTG from the night prior somehow ended with (lots of) drinks (as I recall vaguely) at the Leopard Room (a famous bar for attendees at W&W) till the early hours. Fortunately I got to the fair early, quickly checked into the booth, and went straight to the coffee area for some much needed caffeine, croissant, chocolate and ginger booster !
After delicious food and drinks, the fun then really started as I went upstairs to a private room where I was showered with new watches. Patek was most kind to WPS because I had the honor of having Jasmina Steele (International Communication and Public Relations Director) and Ignacio Garcia (Public Relations Specialist) providing the introduction and explanation, with the presence of Jerome Pernici (Commercial and Marketing Director) chiming in with additional remarks. They were patient with my questions, and answered them in a friendly and professional manner. I was impressed with their knowledge and insight.
After visiting Patek, I went to other brands at the exhibition and the whole place was HUGE. It was the first day opened to the public and many people were there. There were restaurants within the complex and they were crowded. As I was walking around, I noticed stairs to the second floor where more restaurants were located with less people. Also I saw a conference hall with different meetings on the hour. I attended one relating to auctions and one of the guest speakers was Auriel Bacs. It lasted about 45 minutes and was interesting. There is supposedly a recording of it on the W&W website.
I went back for an appointment with Deepa Chant (head of Geneva Master Time, the 100% owned distributor based in Singapore for South East Asia) whom I met back in 2014 in Beijing at the opening party of the Beijing Mason. We have kept in touch and it is always great catching up with her because she knows the industry so well. She had with her a fabulous ladies’ WT that was very eye-catching !
While waiting for Deepa, I bumped into Thierry at the coffee area and we had a short & sweet discussion. I mentioned to him that the post on the world famous Patek collector on Khun Chamnong (late father to our member cbb) was well received, and made a BOLD suggestion that something similar be done from the Stern’s perspective on KhunChamnong and cbb. Thierry felt that it was an idea that he would consider but needed to consult with his team on whether it is feasible. Hence, my fingers (and toes) are crossed !
Below are photos and key comments from Patek on these pieces plus whatever else I gathered and felt. Overall, I was impressed with this year’s line-up because of several factors based on some of Patek’s stated overall strategy and my personal take:
1) new movement of 8 days into a round watch with instantaneous day + date (beautiful watch IMO with the blue Leica dial),
2) PC function in Twenty~4 to extend high complications to female collectors who are becoming a bigger group,
3) rare handcrafts in regular production with champlevé enamelling on the 5370P so that the sub-dials have lighter color to contrast well with the black enamel background,
4) vibrant colors on 5370 (dial and strap) and ladies’ Nautilus line to cater to a younger crowd (future big collectors), and
5) different size and colors for the Cubitus to those who felt 45mm was too large for their wrists (including yours truly).
On the other hand, I wished a bit more steel watches could be included. What are your thoughts and which one(s) do you like ? Personally I love 6196P with salmon dial + 5328G with the blue Leica dial !
The Patek Philippe Reference 5370 is a split-seconds chronograph, a complication highly regarded in horology. It stands out in the Patek Philippe collection for its focus on a technically demanding chronograph mechanism without additional complications, presented in a classic and refined aesthetic. This reference appeals to collectors who prioritize mechanical complexity and traditional watchmaking.
The watch features a 41 mm case, available in either 18k white gold or 18k rose gold, with a polished bezel. It is equipped with the manual-winding caliber CHR 29-535 PS, a movement known for its innovative split-seconds mechanism and column-wheel control. The power reserve is approximately 65 hours. A sapphire crystal protects the dial and offers a view of the movement through the case back. Water resistance is rated at 30 meters.
This reference is notable for its enamel dial, offered in black or white, which provides a depth and finish characteristic of high-end watchmaking. The 5370 appeals to collectors seeking a pure expression of a grand complication chronograph from Patek Philippe, valuing its technical execution and understated design. It represents a significant offering within the brand's complicated watch lineup.
...I would have done the power reserve on the 8-day differently, but they may have been constrained by the underlying movement... It is an interesting watch.
How was the wildlife? 😜 the people-watching there can be hilarious. Gonna have to get the lowdown on the Cubimini from you when I’m next back in HK! Best E.
It seems to look really good in live pictures. I did not expect that.
Great to hear Jasmina and Ignacio are still our champions at Patek.
Seriously thanks for a lovely and personal report You are the best Julian I have not made any opinions on any of the Patek lineup but that 6196 def caught my eye
The novelty which sings the most to my heart is 5370R (probably predictable given my taste for colored gold and traditional looking watches). Thanks again. Best, Emmanuel
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