The Baselworld Fair is the most famous luxury watch trade show in the world and the event, held in Basel, Switzerland each year, attracts significant attention from enthusiasts and casual observers. After all, it is at Baselworld that many of the world’s most beloved luxury watch manufacturers showcase their new models.
Among the very biggest names at the event each year is Patek Philippe, and the Geneva-based company is especially well-known among aficionados for designing highly complicated mechanical timepieces, which enjoy great prestige. In this article, we take a look at the main models introduced by the brand this year.
1. Patek Philippe Ref. 5531R World Time Minute Repeater
The stand out addition to the Patek Philippe product range for 2018 is surely the new Reference 5531R, which combines two of the manufacturer’s most advanced complications – the world time and the minute repeater functions – into a single timepiece, in what constitutes a world first.
As a result of the two complications working in tandem, the minute repeater function always chimes according to the designated local time, rather than simply chiming according to home time. In order to achieve this, the watch makes use of a new in-house caliber R 27 HU movement; one of the most advanced Patek movements to date.
Initially, this watch was actually introduced on a limited edition basis back in 2017, but the model was showcased as Baselworld ahead of general release this year. The case itself measures 40mm in diameter and is constructed from rose gold, while the center of the dial features a colored image of a landscape.
2. Patek Philippe Ref. 5968A Aquanaut Chronograph
Compared with many other timepieces in the Patek catalogue, the Aquanaut has always benefited from a contemporary, sporty aesthetic. This year, those ideas are being reinforced further as the collection is gaining its first ever chronograph model, thanks to the introduction of the Reference 5968A.
While this means that a sweep seconds hand has been added, it is worth pointing out that this is not a basic chronograph function. In typical Patek fashion, the manufacturer has gone further, adding a a column wheel and a close to friction less vertical disc clutch, allowing the chronograph hand to double up as a continuous seconds hand.
Aside from the chronograph addition, the Reference 5968A retains the style and dimensions associated with the collection. Its stainless steel case measures 42mm in diameter and its black dial contrasts with the orange seconds and chronograph hands, helping to provide it with a youthful aesthetic.
3. Patek Philippe Ref. 5740G Nautilus Perpetual Calendar
The other major new addition to Patek’s product line this year is the Reference 5740G, which is the first model in the Nautilus collection to ever feature the perpetual calendar complication. This particular model was heavily rumored in the build up to Baselworld, so its unveiling confirmed previous reports.
Visually, the watch benefits from traditional Nautilus design elements, such as its metallic blue dial, which has a horizontal line motif. The octagonal case, which measures 40mm in diameter, is constructed from 18k white gold, while the timepiece’s integrated bracelet is made from the same material, giving it a uniformed appearance.
The watch is powered by the in-house caliber 240 Q movement, which provides excellent time-keeping precision. Moreover, the dial features a three sub-dial display, with the month displayed at the 3 o’clock position, the date and moon phase at the 6 o’clock position and the day of the week at the 9 o’clock position.
The Final Word
Patek’s new additions always attract a lot of attention and this year has been no different, with the World Time Minute Repeater, in particular, generating mainstream acclaim. Although these new watches have not yet been made available to the general public, you can pre-order them from the Jaztime online store.
