Patek Philippe

Mark in Paris
[Purist]
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The review of the 2015 Patek Philippe 5940G Black dial

Gentlemen,

Last year, during the Basel fair, Patek Philippe has unveiled a new very attracting version of the 5940G with a black dial. If you remember, this model already exists in Yellow gold Creme colored dial as in a Grey gold and silvery dial versions.

Here is the 5940G with Silver dial...



...and the 5940J...



INTRODUCTION

In the black dial momentum, only for this year and together with the 5370P, the 5170G, the 5227G, the 5905P and the 5950/1 (and maybe the 6102R Celestial), the 5940 black dial is a very appealing layout, whether it is a an enameled, lacquered, satin or sunburst finishing.

It is bringing black dials much more available and I don't think it is a bad thing. Of course, when a dial color is very unusual and rare, it is even more appealing. But it is often even less reachable. I think the brand is aiming at finding the right balance about this particular layout. The most important is to bring black dials (or blue as we also found many in this year's novelties) in the right models.

Remember that most of the clients wishing to acquire this kind of high-end Patek watches will get only one. The issue is not whether they are more available in the collection but if the only one is proposed in a watch we don't like or we can't afford.

People wearing their Patek are not necessarily doing so knowing all references available in the catalogue. The most important is to fully enjoy what is on our wrist.

Whether they are matt or glossy, the way black dial watches look (sportier or a little old looking with the right fonts) make them a very different offer from the silvery or opaline ones. Especially when we have here the black dial combined with polished gold Breguet numerals.


THE PIECE

The 5940G is a very nice cushion-shape reference with thin and smooth lines... The 37 x 44.6 mm case is very elegant (thanks to the 240 caliber it houses) and caries more character than a round one, without looking too heavy. A thick-shaped case is much more difficult to wear than a thinner one as it will remain more discreet. Thickness brings sportiveness and I don't think that such a perpetual Calendar piece would match "sportswear" outfits.





What my pictures don't show at all is the refined style: it is thin but not too much and the case's edges are very smooth (a little more rounded than the 5496's case I reviewed earlier). Patek Philippe really excels in choosing the right kind of edge finishing whether we talk about, lugs, cases, bezel etc... You can notice there is no real bezel on the 5940 case, except a little "step" around the glass.

These are the details why it looks beautiful as a single piece case.









It is a very interesting move toward shaped watches without reaching very strong character ones like the Gondolo line for instance.

You get the originality in a less exposed way.





The choice of white painted subdials' hands in opposition to the hour and minute main gold ones is interesting as it discreetly separates the way you read time from all the other functions. In a kind of complication (Perpetual Calendar with moonphase) where you usually have much information on the dial, this is a clever way to provide an uncluttered and more legible dial.





You can notice here below, with the help of the light reflection, their thickness which brings smoothness and a nicer artistry work.





The subsidiary dials' fonts have a very nice old school look which suit perfectly imho to the black dial and Breguet hour numerals. A more contemporary font would have brought a modern touch but which I would have found less refined and coherent, especially with the case's shape.

The gold (or rhodied?) ring decorating the subdials and the moonphase's bottom side is also a very nice touch of classic elegance which compensates the white markings which look more satin. It also helps balancing the polished gold Breguet numerals brightness.





A dial decoration is a difficult balance between bright, satin or mat or between thick and thin elements, curves and squares etc...

You also may notice that the gold hour nails are bigger than the other minute's ones. Patek always pays attention to details in that area.





The dial looks very well balanced that way and is my favorite among the 5940 versions.


THE MOVEMENT

On the movement's side, the 240 Q caliber is a perfect movement for this kind of thin watch. If you want an automatic wound one of course. The 240 has always proposed the beauty of a manual movement with a clear view on the bridges and balance wheel and an automatic winding feature working very well from my own experience.

It is offered in this configuration with the Spiromax spring (the new Silicon-based material).


CONCLUSION

I think this is the kind of watch the owner who wishes to go a little aside from the main trend might really be proud of wearing. Not only because of the complication but also for the more exclusive look yet refined and classic. The black dials make the watch discreet but the white painted elements bring modernity (and more sportiveness) while the main hands and Breguet numerals will bring the touch of chic and luxury.

This is a watch I always have great pleasure in looking at, in every metals, as it reminds me what Patek Philippe is all about: appealing elegance and refinement.

You of course already know the 5140 Perpetual Calendar from the current collection and I wonder which one would attract you most: the 5940G black dial or one of the 5140? I think that, even if I prefer round models, I would go for the 5940 because of this amazing dial.


Cheers, Mark


This message has been edited by MTF on 2016-01-07 15:22:26