Patek Philippe

Hi everyone,

Unveiled in 2012, the Patek Philippe 5235G is a very special piece in the brand's collection and history.

Indeed, the 5235 houses the new wonderful micro-rotor 31-260 caliber (and is, as of today, the only one to) in a 40.5mm white gold case. Not only is the watch called regulator because of the way the time is displayed but also because of its accuracy.





I had a look at several threads concerning this watch but thought an update could be cool, especially as I'm interested in your feedback. I have this watch in sight since quite a long time, even if, as always, the problem is that it is not the only one.

I'm opening that thread to give it an updated presentation since its launch and also because I would really like your honest opinion, whether you are owners or not, on that reference: positive but also negative (wearing experience, material, finishing etc...)

By the way, I read Hashluck's feedback ( www.watchprosite.com ) and, if interested, you can read Julian's delightful owner's review here: www.watchprosite.com


Of course, I have my own opinion but this is such a special reference that I may not see all what this watch is about.





The whole design whether we talk about the case (especially the straight lugs) or the dial is extremely pure, very sober as in the early 60's period. It has also a very original layout, not only because of the "regulator" time positioning but also because the case design and all the printings participate to make it very different from the classical references. This is a very unique watch to wear in terms of design but also when considering what's inside. I think it must be very rewarding when you're wearing it.

Some people may perhaps find there isn't enough going around here and others may think it is perfect design.

It is certainly not show-off or difficult to understand but for sure a unique layout and "spirit" in what Patek has produced until today.





The blue colors used for the hands or the printings (though darker for the hands when observed in the metal) are a very nice choice, especially as it matches really well with the dial's light grey color.
I also like the brand engraving very much and I heard it is enameled.

It remains below 11mm of thickness thanks to the micro-rotor caliber, which is a very nice result considering the automatic winding mechanism and the Annual Calendar complication.


Oliver's wristshot is among the best I could see:




As I said before, the new 31-260 caliber (33mm x 5mm) is my favorite automatic movement in Patek's collection (aside from the Minute Repeaters of course). What I particularly like, aside from the width, is the bridges cut design: the shape consists of a single en continuous soft curve progressing from the top to the bottom. The wheels, the way they are aligned the same way, are a characteristic of this movement I also appreciate very much.

Last but not least this movement houses the Spiromax and Pulsomax features (Silicon-based escapement wheel, Swiss anchor and spiral) that were available in the Advanced Research 5550P reference. As a reminder those silicon parts are anti-magnetic, they don't corrode and don't need lubrication. It is also offering less friction and wear which are also good for accuracy, longevity and energy savings.





It is the first regular reference to receive these improved elements and I like that as it proves Patek isn't only making "show-case" watches with the Advanced Research program but that it tends toward being integrated in some selected reference (not all) of the collection.





It also has a hacking second feature, which is not frequent in the collection.


Now, I'll be delighted to read you: tell me if you tried it or not, how you felt and, even didn't hold it yet, what is your opinion about this reference.

Thank you!

Cheers, Mark

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This message has been edited by Mark in Paris on 2015-11-16 14:23:46

And I loved everything about the watch specially the dial colors the only thing that I still can't get over it is the separate hand for minutes and hours I beileve its not that easy to read the time at a glance.
I would love to own one in the future but I think I have the same problem of having to many watches on the list. i.e. 5905P , 5960A and 5712A
Best,
Ahmed

So many interesting reference we would like to possess one day.

I must say I'm quite sure I won't have a problem with reading time personally.

Anyway, thank you for your input and sharing your appeal for this watch!

Cheers, Mark

but No 2 on my list.

Best

It looks fantastic and I find the shine in the brushed work I saw when I tried it.

Can I ask what's your N°1?

Thanks Phileas

Cheers, Mark

I need to balance my collection with something on a bracelet for summer wear.
Best,

No message body

when you discover a new reference (from any brand) and wish you won't like for the sake of your bank account!

I remember we had this discussion about the Nautilus and we'll open that thread again around January about the upcoming Basel fair.

The 31-260 is a fantastic movement and your idea of including it for higher complications (in replacement of the 240) is great. It always bothered me a little to have the 240 in 30K or 200K watches, even if it  remains imho better that many 100K watches from other brands. I second that.

You pointed out several of the elements people who won't go for it raised. I didn't ask to see it either but it was shown to me when I was trying something else and I must recognized it has awaken my attention.

I think it could have looked nice with more usual elements too (lacquered, dial, black colors etc...) but it would then not be a very original and unusual reference for Patek as it is today. I think I like that: they don't do it half-way and then people like it or not.

Thanks for sharing your honest opinion in a respectful way, this is what I'm looking for.

Cheers Kari.

Mark

As for for the 5524.
Cheers, Mark

tell my impressions and take a couple of photos.

260Q in platinum ~ 5236!

I don't really like: the date aperture at that cuts out of the small second sub-dial. Any incomplete subidals, not just on the 5235G, but on any watches would put me off.

Incomplete subdials or cut numerals, we all have the things we don't like, whatever the brand is.

I don't have this specific problem on this one but I understand your feeling.

Glad you like it too, it is a very unusual and interesting reference though it won't please everyone.

Thanks for your opinion Luis

Cheers, Mark

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This message has been edited by Mark in Paris on 2015-11-17 05:17:59

I will highlight a few positive points about this piece
1. the dial - brushed silver with blue and red enameled letters
2. case - size and brushed sides make it an amazing piece to wear
3. Movement - essentially unique
4. difficult to tell the time initially but you can get used to it. Who uses their watch tell the time anyway??
PS I think this is great watch from PP ( in the vein of the Aviator but soooo much better- ie PP wanted to broaden their range- I think this was a better way to do it rather than the much maligned aviator watch
Julian

I particularly appreciate your feedback in the post I linked and it is helpul for many of us.

Furthermore, I think I share your "PS" opinion: they are two completely different watches and will appeal to different customers but I prefer also the 5235 "unusual" to the 5524's.

However, I must say I wouldn't wear them the same way, so they may not be on the same ground either.

Thanks again Julian.

Cheers, Mark

DId I miss something on my 5235?

Beautiful &  stunning

Happy to see you like it Seconds.

Thank for sharing.

Cheers, Mark

Best Regards Seconds

Take care of yourself

No message body

I have always had mixed feelings about it.

Confession: I don't love any regulator.

But I like a lot about this watch. However, in the final analysis, (sorry!) I 'hate' the 2 windows at the top of the dial. I have just never come around to this Thierry era design. I always feel, when I look at these 2 windows, that Thierry was 'bean counting', figuring out a way to sell thousands of annuals. Trying to take Patek to a more 'accessible' level, which is fine, but I just never loved the 2 windows. I feel they look crowded, and the numbers and letters inside them look very cramped. The 2 windows just make me think of the 3 windows at the top of all the variations of these type Patek dials.

I wish it just didn't have it. If this watch didn't have those 2 windows (apertures)... whew! A whole other ball game.

And if you love vintage Patek, or even up to the late 90's.... you can't really abide anything cramped or cluttered... it's so un-Patek. It is almost heretical. Patek just does not have cluttered or cramped dials! But now they do.

Ok, with that said, I do have a soft spot for the blue 5960.... maybe the blue dial, being bright, and blue, takes it to a modern place where the 3 windows don't bother and almost seems cosmo.

Finally, this is a really striking watch. The texture of the dial. The blued hands... And I like the movement a lot.

And last note: the date. No. No. No. This is not a daily wearer. This is not an everyday watch that should have a date This is a STEEL PATEK REGULATOR. It's just trying to be too many things at once,  I can see, BTW, why a collector might love it for this very reason. It's 'got it all!'

I feel it's a teeny bit gimmicky? And as with almost all modern Pateks... truly undeserving of the price. There was a time when Patek was Patek, and no question, there are certain models that still represent Patek as we love Patek....

And I love to pay for fine watches. This is not the problem.

Only because you asked!




  This message has been edited by Mostel on 2015-11-16 17:48:30

Opinion in a respectful but objective way. Thanks for playing the game so precisely.

You're the first one I see who doesn't like this "2 windows" thing. This is a feature I like very much as it reminds my of 60's watches layouts (even if I prefer the 2-registers way, centered above the brand and below the 12 marker): I particularly love it in the 5905P.

This makes me realize even more how we can see the same thing differently and I respect that!

I found your opinion interesting, you have a strong opinion on what you appreciate (or not) in these watches.

I must say, that's also how I work: I look at everything and if something is wrong to me, then that's a problem.

As for the trend, I think it is nice to see Patek trying to explore new ways. Hope future will bring interesting novetlies in that regard

Thank you Mostel , that was interesting reading!

Cheers, Mark

But somehow the execution seems a bit off for me. I find it a bit off balance , and it looked very flat...

But again it's my personal preference... And I know some people really love the design

Best,

Sam

as they could introduce a very unusual but also attractive new model in the collection.

I noticed indeed that the symetry and strong sobriety of the dial is something people are not always comfortable with.

I think it is opeining new doors thought.

Thanks for sharing your opinion Sam!

Cheers, Mark

I'm not against them coming up with new ideas. And as always there's always a piece for everyone.

Some piece one might like but might not like, but everyone got different taSte.

From what I see, the dial configuration might be open for future development with other complication maybe

Best,

Sam

I wanted to expand my thoughts on this watch, but you said it all!

 I simply don't understand why it appears difficult to read to some: most of the time you are aware of hours and it is minutes matter the most - as such this watch makes it so easy to read minutes. The brush grey dial is great, I also like that the PP signature is “light” because it helps to maintain symmetry.

 The funny thing is that I tried it only 2 weeks ago, fully aware of the usual comments about the non-evenly shaped windows but hey, in the metal, it does not impact the nice aesthetics of this watch.

 I still believe it is and will be a classic, somehow casual and elegant.

 Best,

I think I had the same excitement as the watch was looking really good, with a great new movement and ... so different from other Patek watches.

The dark blue strap is indeed a very good choice and I would also consider a mid grey one.

It seems the 5235G was made for you and I'm glad to see such enthusiasm from a current owner of this reference.

Thank you very much for sharing your impressions, much appreciated.

Cheers, Mark