Mark in Paris
[Purist]
10488
Thank you!
Yes, I think that this part of their work is underestimated and deserves some attention. Not only for aesthetical reasons but also because it is quite harder to achieve 
Indeed the Gondolo shows also a very nice caseback curve which follows the wrist's shape beautifully as well.
Cheers, Mark
[Baselworld 2016] A wide diversity of Patek Philippe case profiles
You know that, when looking carefully at Patek pieces' details , we discover all kind of beautiful elements we didn't notice at first sight. These elements are what, imperceptibly, make these watches so special and refined. Some cases in watchmaking are m...
Seems like Patek has a rule
That split seconds pieces don\'t have a Patek signed crown like the rest of the collection. Interesting!
It is due to the fact that the split second button is located in the centre of the crown;)...
...which I find much more elegant than having a button sticking out at 10 or 8 as can be seen on some brands. Cheers, Francois
In fact, the remaining space on the co-axial pusher is very limited...
compared to a standard crown. Something this big sized picture doesn't show. Hence, a Calatrava cross would have been very tiny. Good observation Alpha Cheers, Mark
Thanks for sharing your insight into the intricacies of case making
which I took for grant yet I knew there is something magical about PP and the level of their craftsmanship. I agree about your comment that watch making is not just about how the movements were finished but rather , the sum of its parts. Your post has fur...
My pleasure Chuck
This is indeed the kind of thing we feel but don't know where it comes from (or miss). You emphasized the main reason I wanted to share this point of view: I don't want to present my tastes but, in this case, more something that everyone can make his one ...
Mark, you did it again. Thank you!
I took a couple of my watches and started to look them literally from a new angle. You mentioned the fantastic lugs of 5975. I have never looked at that watch from that angle but will correct the mistake when I'll get one into my hands next month. The mai...
This is the point!
Everyone can make up his own opinion and decide what he likes... or don't. There are many elements we notice but it is nice to see there are still undiscovered ones Yes, the 5975's case is trully a masterpiece and that's why I deeply wanted to get one at ...
I look forward checking the lugs of 5975.
Like I told you earlier, Patek found "my" 5975P and I will pick it up in less than one month. If you do not mind, I will take some photos and post them here. Best, Kari
I don't mind...
and I'd love you do so! This version is particularly rare to see and be certain we will appreciate the show very much. Again, great move imho. Cheers, Mark
More than great move, it was great luck.
Anyhow, we try to come to Paris in the end of spring. You can then take photos to your "profile gallery". Best, Kari
I have six Patek's travel cases each taking
four watches. I need to load to my briefcase one or two rolls plus one to the left wrist. Put then some film to your camera. And then we can chat about some nice dreams. Best, Kari
Patek profiles are slim or thin even with complicated models.
Compare to the other brands. Asside from the fine elegant finish of their movements. Reliable movements also. Thanks for sharing Mark. Cheers. Geross.
Perfectly summed-up Geross.
I wish, this year to emphasize several elements which are part of the whole picture but we don't pay very much attention too, in spite of the importance it holds in craftmanship and the final result. Even for the 5930, Patek made a lot of effort into keep...
Thank you Mark for bringing this....
secret of Patek's in to the open. Profile of a watch is as beautiful as the whole watch. The 5539 from your list looks to me like most alluring profile of all. Best Regards Edward
I'm glad you liked it Edward!
I thought as I was myself paying more and more attention to these elements that it is indeed not the things we see first while they are though very important. When I saw the profile, I had the same feeling than you had: thos profiles are really pleasant t...
Great side views Mark. Do not forget Gondolo's ;-))
Here is a past photo posted here. Like these curves. Cheers, Patrickh ...
Thanks for the words and for thinking about the Gondolo profile pictures
It is indeed a very unique one and shows also the comfort it brings on the wrist (curved caseback). As I mentionned, it is a post about the Basel 2016 novelties only (thus, no Nautilus either) but I will definitely make another one later in the year with ...
Thank you Gordon, glad you enjoyed it!
I think there is much to discover in these understated details. Cheers, Mark
Here it is :)
It is also a gorgeous one with a very hard work on the case top side, visible from a front picture. The thin height of the bezel is beautiful I think. Cheers, Mark ...
Nautilus
It deserves it for sure but I gathered only the watches presented at Basel this year! so no Gondolo and no Nautilus ("yet" as there will maybe be a little something later in the year if Patek wishes to make a move for the 40th anniversary). I think I'll m...
Thank you!
Yes, I think that this part of their work is underestimated and deserves some attention. Not only for aesthetical reasons but also because it is quite harder to achieve Indeed the Gondolo shows also a very nice caseback curve which follows the wrist's sha...
Mark, do you know the case thickness of the 5930?
It looks slim and well proportioned to say it has the same chrono movement of the 5980, which seems substantially thicker. Great post!
The watch has a perfect size on wrist 39,5mm x 12,86mm.
if you take a look to my last post. Best, patrickh
Thank you patrickh.
I enjoyed your write up very much, but didn\'t recall the case size. Thanks for pointing it out.
Indeed it is as slim as it can be
The 28-520 caliber base has been modified and reduced from 5.2mm to 4.7mm. The World Time module is 3mm. The 5930 is 12.86mm whereas the 5980 (chronograph only with simple date) is 12.6mm and the 5960 (with AC instead of WT) was 12mm (thickness taken in t...
Thanks for the detailed information Mark.
That is indeed great technical advancement to reduce the height of the 28-520 movement. I also was not aware of the integrated dial, will have to watch the video again. Like you said, the closer you look into the details, the more there is to admire about...
Yes, and it is a pleasant exercize to practice on the long term
as everyone can make his own opinion and observe by himself what is important and what is not, what some do and what some don't. I regret sometimes to see collections here and there using only 2 or 3 case shapes (though they may still look nice). Everyone...
This is a fantastic topic...
One that is overlooked quite often. Thank you Mark for completing the "full picture". The profile is something that everyone should take into account as it changes not only how the watch appears on the wrist, but also drastically affects wearability. Sinc...
Overlooked indeed
The big overall picture is important but I think that details count as well, especially if you want to really observe what make a brand like Patek what it is today for many owners or admirers. No matter you possess what or not, this is still very interest...
You were right: there is a vast variety of case designs
I had the impression that case design is getting too uniform but with the consideration of the profile of the cases it is a different picture. I, like many others here, pay also a lot attention to the profile design and enjoy the impressions coming from t...
I must say that when I went closer into the cases' details...
it was only maybe less than 2 years ago. However, I get more pleasure today and am more able than before to study and compare them. That's also why the experience "live" is something mandatory! This is impressive to be able to keep such a diversity in a s...
Creative "angle" for a post Mark
Creates a fresh vantage point on some familiar and not too familiar pieces. Thanks for sharing. Dave
Thank you Dave
I remember when I came slowly to have a closer look at profile pictures in the past and thought it was something interesting to have a closer look at. What you say is true and I must say that the profiles provide some very interesting surprises from refer...