Patek Philippe

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Celebrating the “Cabriolet”

One of the timepieces on display in the Patek Philippe Museum which I find intriguing and exquisite is the “Cabriolet” which served as a source of inspiration for the modern ref. 5099RG.



The movement (based on a 9’’’ ébauche by LeCoultre & Cie) was manufactured in 1927 and the case in 1928. 

And the watch, which was made for Eberhard Milan, as evidenced by the signature at 6 o'clock on the dial, was sold on June 13, 1929.



The rectangular cabriolet case is made of yellow and white gold. 



And the side of the case is subtly engraved (sorry for the low quality photos of the case side).

The watch, with inventory no. P-1329, is on display with three other watches in the window no. 55 dedicated to the “Style années 20” (1920s style).





As stated in the catalog of the Museum, it was part of a series of three: its case number is 606 797, whereas the other two, the whereabouts of which are unknown, have case nos. 606 795 and 606 796.

It was probably acquired by the Patek Philippe Museum at the auction organised by Antiquorum in Geneva on April 10, 1994: lot 429.

credit: Antiquorum


Launched at the Basel Watch Fair in 1999, the ref. 5099RG-001 is directly inspired by the “Cabriolet” of the 1920s.

However, instead of being made of yellow and white gold, its case is made of rose and white gold.



The railroad track and numerals are identical to the original.

But the original pear-shaped hands have been replaced by sword-shaped hands, the numerals of the small seconds register have been removed and the brand signature has been modernised.






credit: Stories of Time


The hinges and the crown are also different. And, most importantly, the case flank isn't engraved.

credit: Caso Watches


I find the design and look of the watch quite stunning.








credit: Stories of Time


Even the pin buckle has a unique faceted design.






credit: Caso Watches (pin buckle, front photo) & Stories of Time


And one can only regret that this watch is so rarely seen, because the fit/look on the wrist is wonderful.

Our dear sham1 acquired his eight years ago.





I mean, how classy is this!


credit: @aleksmladenovic

But I'm not going to lie: even though I love the original “Cabriolet” and the ref. 5099RG, I don't like this unique piece at all, as I don't like either the case or the dial.



The watch was sold by Antiquorum on September 22, 2005: lot 27.


credit: Patek Philippe & Antiquorum


In 2008, Patek Philippe created an additional two series of four Rare Handcraft pieces:

• One series consisted of four pieces decorated with Art Deco designs as a nod to the era of the launch of the first “Cabriolet” in the lates 1920s: I have not been able to find images of these pieces.

• The second series, also consisting of four pieces, featured delicate butterfly designs: they are shown below and were sold by Antiquorum on March 17, 2013: lot 121.

credit: Antiquorum