Patek Philippe

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Contemporary Pateks as the New Classic

After taking some time to digest the aesthetic direction of Patek's 2009 collection (lots of Rose Gold for Asian markets etc) and pondering the global financial landscape that's evolved since last autumn, I've come to a greater understanding, appreciation and yes,  phase of enlightenment relating to those certain moments in history - how and why great opportunities are created, particularly in the horological world. 

Those years after WWII for example when people were feeling better, celebrating peace by splurging on better metals for watches and more elaborate complications. This last 25 year secular bull-run since the mid-80's when capital and disposable income flowed freely in the free-world... I believe the watches which Patek created in this last 25-30 years will be held out in 40 or 50 years as 'the" golden era, containing a large tranche of the best pieces ever.  Quality materials, watertight seals, breathtakingly beautiful designs...  I don't know how anybody purchasing from the list of watches recently posted under "Top 2" could be held out as anything but a genuis, horological visionary and person of impeccable taste in 20 years time.

One of the small nuance-like moments which helped convince me of the substance of these preceding statements came to light when reviewing the Antiquorum catalog for the upcoming June 11th auction.  I noticed Lot 292 a Platinum 5107, and immediately thought of the lost opportunity to recreate that dynamic with a black dialed 5127p.  I loved the 5127 very much and was frankly surprised to see the edition canceled after such a short run. I would have loved to see a black dialed platinum version but instead it is gone.  Replaced with lots of rose gold.  Now I'm a fan of rose gold too, but these new pieces seem more designed to chase a market and capture sales during difficult years, than to leave a lasting footprint.

There's nothing wrong with that I supose.  The company needs to stay profitable and pay for expansions envisioned and executed during better times so that it can survive during the lean times, but I'm left thinking that the last 20-30 year window will be remembered as an era when designs came from history and the heart; and I would not be the least bit surprised to see models from these contemporary times fetch prices well above their replacement model's list prices, as todays manufacturers chase a changing market, and inadvertently adjust focus away from the subtleties which got them here.