MASTERFUL PIECE
Fine watchmaking excellence reigns supreme at the heart of this timepiece. Once again, Patek Philippe gifts us with a majestic visual and acoustic performance.
Patek Philippe doesn’t do things by half when it comes to grande complications. The new 5303R-001 model once again center stages the extent of the manufacture watchmakers’ talent. The host of creations imagined in the past has constantly enriched the brand’s savoir-faire in particular in the field of chiming motors. Yet, until now, there has never been a watch equipped with a minute repeater and a visible dial-side striking mechanism. Well, now it’s done with this novel timepiece which, for the occasion, integrates the permanent collections. As such, its openworked architecture invites to admire not only its tourbillon set at 6 o’clock through its carriage but also the musical complication’s hammers and gongs.
In a totally relief-styled scenography, the openworked hands tick over the hours and minutes, driven by the R TO 27 PS caliber adorned with remarkable finishes like circular Côtes de Genève and ever-so fine satin-brushing. This hand-wound movement nestles in a rose gold case topped with a large cambered and polished bezel. This 42 mm-diameter case moreover stands out with its gray-gold inserts on the caseband enhanced with engraved foliage motifs. The same pattern sets off the pusher which is used to trigger the minute repeater.
The Minute Repeater Tourbillon’s mechanism is also unveiled via the sapphire-crystal caseback, framed by a gray-gold amphitheatre with openworked décor.
Price: CHF590,000
By Dan Diaconu