Ahead of Baselworld 2016, much of the press attention afforded to Patek Philippe centered on the upcoming Nautilus 40th Anniversary timepiece, but that is now expected to be unveiled later in the year instead. As a consequence, the focus at this year’s event was primarily on updated versions of previous models, with one or two exceptions.
Nevertheless, some treats were served up for fans, including a 20th anniversary celebration of a different model. Here, we take a look at some of the most exciting Patek Philippe watches set to be released this year.
World Time Chronograph Ref. 5930G
As a brand, Patek Philippe is strongly associated with the ‘world time’ concept, having been one of the first manufacturers to bring the idea to life in a legible way. This year, the company used its Baselworld 2016 appearance to showcase a new timepiece, which combines world time with another classic Patek complication – the chronograph.
Featuring a classic round 39.5mm case, the timepiece also has a blue opaline dial and is powered by the Calibre CH 28-520 HU movement. In terms of its world time feature, there are a total of 24 different time zones displayed on the outer ring and the time zone can be adjusted easily by pressing the pusher button at the 10 o’clock position.
The new World Time Chronograph Ref. 5930G has a recommended retail price of around $73,700.
Perpetual Calendar Ref. 5327R, 5327G and 5327J
Replacing the Ref. 5140 this year is the new Perpetual Calendar Ref. 5327, available in either rose gold, white gold and yellow gold. Perhaps the most notable change is the move from a 37mm case size up to a 39mm case size, in-keeping with modern tastes for slightly larger watches.
The other main change is the use of applied numerals instead of the previous dial markers, while the timepiece still features a number of complications, including the perpetual calendar, moon phase indicator and day, date and month display dials. It should be noted that the Ref. 5140 is still available in platinum.
The new Perpetual Calendar Ref. 5327 has a recommended retail price of between $82,000 and $85,100.
Annual Calendar Ref. 5396R and 5396G
The year 2016 marks the 20th anniversary of the release of the first Patek Philippe Annual Calendar watch and to mark the occasion, the company has released a new model, the Ref. 5396, which is available in either white gold or rose gold. It is, however, a refined version of the previous model, rather than a limited edition anniversary release.
When compared to the Tiffany anniversary model, released in 2012, the model has several notable differences, including a switch to Dauphine hands. The primary features on the watch include an annual calendar function, which only needs to be corrected once a year, as well as 24-hour time display and a moon phases indicator.
The new Annual Calendar Ref. 5396 has a recommended retail price of around $48,000.
Ladies Complications Moonphase Ref. 4968/400R
Finally, a stunning new addition to the Ladies Complications collection comes in the form of the Ref. 4968/400R, which features an integrated moon phase indicator. The case has a 33mm diameter, helping to provide a distinctly feminine aesthetic, and the watch is powered by the Calibre 215 PS LU movement.
In terms of its appearance, the most obvious feature to point out is the fact that the bezel, lugs and dial have been set with a total of more than 600 diamonds, which predominantly form a spiral pattern. In addition, the hours are marked on the dial through 12 rubies and the watch has an 18K gold dial plate.
The recommended retail price of the Annual Calendar Ref. 5396 has yet to be announced.
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