small-luxury-world
[Patek]
8725
Final conclusion:
2013 was not the year of BIG novelties. It was more about additions, adaptations, evolutions and one new movement.
Nothing is wrong with that if you look at their already very strong and wide collection. There was simply no need for any kind of “rocket science” to proof how strong they are.
Even today availability is not a strong point for Patek Philippe, because of the strong demand.
The pieces I had the pleasure to admire in Basel won´t help to
improve the availability 
In the beginning I asked the question :
Can the terms “complication” and “grand complication” apply to external features as well?
What do you think? Did they do a good job? Is there room for improvement or did they already master it?
Looking forward to read your impressions, observations …!
Oliver
PS: Will be travelling for the next week and therefore I will have limited access to the internet. Don´t burn the house
Baselworld 2013: Patek Philippe
Pre-Baselworld, everybody is waiting impatiently to see the novelties of the year. This year it was the first show inside the new building from Herzog & de Meuron (world famous architects from Basel) and that was a “novelty” on top. The Patek Philippe...
Part I: CALATRAVA
It is known as the signature collection and was launched in 1932. For some it represents the epitome of a round wristwatch. Each member of the collection is elegant in its simplicity and classically understated. Each change or new addition is observed by ...
great posts Oliver..thanks !! You also busted my watch budget...
... because my wife wants the 7200R in that it 1) is an automatic movement without diamonds on the case, 2) has stylish breguet numerals, and 3) utilizes the light color strap that matches the Rose Gold perfectly
Part II: GONDOLO
Rigorous geometry and pure lines of modernism, characteristic design features of the Art Deco movement, are recognizable in the Gondolo collection, inspired by classic models from the 1930s. Ref. 5200G 8 Days, Day & Date Indication and a manual windin...
At the wrist...
Thanks for all your detailed explanations. I see in your post some wrist shots with the blue dial version. Could you give us your feedback , feelings, when you had it at your wrist ? Thanks.
5200
Just like dirost, I am a great fan of the new 5200. I like everything on this watch : the art deco case shape, the magnificent blue dial, the newly developed caliber... So 1000 thanx for your detailed report about this beauty... (and for all others also) ...
I told earlier that the watch is too big for me
but naturally that is very personal. I considered Fifty Fathoms too large and in my opinion in my 200 mm wrist watches between 36 and 40 mm are just right. I could never wear i.e. a bigger Panerai while some people consider it totally of right size. Hold ...
"that is very personal"
Indeed it is, dear Kari. My wrist is smaller than yours, but the Fifty Fathoms (45mm) feels very comfortable for what it is. Still share your thoughts about the size of the 5200. Oliver
Thanks Mike ...
and regarding my wrist size, you are correct. For you it may be OK, but it depends on personal taste. For me, I don´t see it on my wrist as it was not comfortable for me. Oliver
Part III: NAUTILUS
With Patek Philippe´s first sports watch, the company introduced a timepiece that was both rugged and streamlined. The current Nautilus collection is a result of the subtle evolution of the original Ref. 3700 from the 1970s. Still today it will be hard to...
Lovely pics, Oliver - thanks for sharing!
As I contemplate with Nautilus to obtain for my wife, I am increasingly drawn to either the self-winding movements like the 7008 or perhaps some of the newly introduced references. However, she DOES like wearing slightly larger cases (her daily wearer is ...
Nautilus for the wife ...
I would recommend the new Ref. 7018 or the 5800/1A you mentioned. Put them on her wrist and she will tell you what is right, in a second :-) Thanks for your kind words! Oliver
RG Nautilus is a big hit for me.
This is something quite new to me but, as I saw the RO in full RG or the pictures of this 5980 full RG, I wonder if I'm not evolving positively. I leave in France and in this side of the world the full gold watches (with bracelet) or mixed Steel+Gold watc...
Mark, I am with you ...
and we can call it maturing or next level of madness. Who is the judge :-) AP RO in RG: You probably refer to the new 15202. It looks good and I had to tried it at an AD. It felt good, but not tempting enough and that was not because of the flaw it had on...
I fear
what will follow the try in my head during the next few days... Yes I was talking about this 15202 even if the Nautilus as a base is (I think) more appealing to me. It's going to be a "tough" experience ... Cheers, Mark
thanks for the nice pics...
.... all those that saw the bi-color told me it was the nicest. Apparently the dial is stunning in the metal. If only we could swap dials :)
Fricks, my pleasure.
Still prefer the 5980R, because the AR with its blue is just too much for me. But this comes from someone who used to love "white metal" only, on his wrist :-) Thanks! Oliver
how did you like the 5160R?
... i loved the G version. When you get in the details of how they do it for the engraving to look that good, that's real art. Looks amazing too!
Fantastic!
Relatively new to this forum, but this has to be the most intelligent and comprehensive review that I have seen on any forum or internet medium! Honestly, unless I was there trying these beauties on myself i don't see how i could get a better feel for the...
sam1234, thanks a lot for your very kind reply!
I agree, official press pictures don´t show the "reality" most of the time. That is the main reason why I decided to take my own pictures, even when they are not perfect without professional light set-up. Thanks! Oliver
Thank you for the wonderful pictures and writeup!
I feel Patek got it wrong with regards to the dial on the all RG 5980. The brown with a gold hue doesn't seem to fit, it looks flat combined with the RG.. while the two tone has a beautiful crisp and rich ocean blue. I would have switched the two dials. T...
Thanks Oliver...
for having me forced to set aside some funds for watches (again)... I fully agree with you on the Ref. 7200R and also on the Ref. 5980/1AR and 5980/1R. Both together would make a terrific pair of PP covering all situations. I had dinner with a PP collecto...
My dear Magnus ...
I could imagine both watches in your family, at the same time. Please, don´t shoot me :-) Thanks and enjoy your holiday! Oliver
Great report with great pictures!
Thanks for sharing. The 5200 becomes more attractive every time I see a picture of it. Best regards Georg
I like 5200 too...
However, my wrist is in my opinion perhaps a bit small for this watch. I kept the watch on my wrist in Basel for a good while and admired the same. It's wonderful but quite big. My wrist is 200 mm (8 inches). Best, Kari
Good luck!
The blue dialed is stunningly beautiful. The white dialed is also readable... Best, Kari
Georg, thanks for your kind reply and ...
the 5200 should be perfect on your wrist. Hopefully that is not bad news for your wifes acquisition ... :-) Oliver
Part IV: GRAND COMPLICATIONS
Grand complications represent the paragon of horology and Patek Philippe is known for them. As already mentioned above this year it was not about new movements – inner values. Was it less impressive? Well, have a look and judge yourself. Ref. 5539G The Re...
Part V: COMPLICATIONS
Timekeeping instruments that provide functions beyond indicating the time and date are called complicated watches. Some are useful, some are romantic … and some are just beautiful – noting more, nothing less. Ref. 5960P There have been several versions be...
Final conclusion:
2013 was not the year of BIG novelties. It was more about additions, adaptations, evolutions and one new movement. Nothing is wrong with that if you look at their already very strong and wide collection. There was simply no need for any kind of “rocket sc...
Thank you Oliver,
your report was outstanding. Even I spent one full day in Patek's booth, some issues I could see clearer after reading your report. Outstanding job! Best, Kari
Excellent report, Oliver
Thank you for all the time and energy that you devoted to preparing this well-organized report with such thoughtful commentary. I am among those you predicted will fall for the black-dialed version of the 5960P. Park
5170G all the way...!!!
that one is on its way to my wrist sooner or later! Loved it... little sister of the 5950A :)
Very nice Report Oliver. I would say that the elephant
in the living room is that PP is saving some really cool items for the 175th anniversary next Basel. Buy your tickets early! Best, Tim
Thanks, Oliver
for an outstanding report and really excellent photos! Concerning the strength of innovation in 2013, I agree with other members: Patek did a "ok" job (e.g. 5200 with new caliber) but is of course intensely working on some really new references to celebra...
Many thanks Oliver..........
For a nicely constructed report. As already mentioned,its the best one that I have read to date. For me the 5227 is a lovely addition and is a good replacement for the 5127 I shall be keen to see for myself both the 59060P (Black dial) and the R/G 5205. A...
Thanks for the comprehensive report Oliver.
But let me digest it and I will come back to you. Fx