GEOMETRIC OBJECT
With this new reference, the Geneva-based manufacture invites us to discover an incredible, elegant newcomer with an ultra-readable display of the most practical complication around.
The extraordinary wealth showcased in the Patek Philippe Museum is an invitation to discover exceptional pieces, icons of state-of-the-art mastery, in particular when it comes to imagining perpetual calendars. One of the watches center-staged here, a 46 mm-diameter pocket watch intended for the American market, boasts a highly-original date and month display. This information is placed side-by-side on a single line. And, this is exactly what inspired the Geneva watchmaker to create its In-line Perpetual Calendar 5236P. As such, here on the blue veering to black gradient-toned dial, we discover this time data, perfectly aligned in a single large aperture. There is, however, a significant difference between the two models. This newcomer uses four discs to initiate the complication display whereas the previous model used three. To achieve this result, the manufacture developed the 31-260 PS QL caliber, which delivers a power reserve of 48 hours.
This selfwinding movement nestles in a 41.3 mm-diameter platinum case. It also drives a day/night indicator as well as leap years, respectively set in two symmetric circles positioned at 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock. At 6 o’clock, the small seconds hosts an opening which unveils the Moon’s phases. The timepiece’s micro-rotor and decorated bridges invite to be admired through the sapphire-crystal caseback.
The pure elegance of this In-line Perpetual Calendar 5236P is boosted even more so by the presence of a navy-blue alligator strap attached by a folding clasp.
Price: EUR113,200
By Dan Diaconu