Purchasing a new watch is an exciting endeavor. There are a number of factors that can make the decision difficult, but the benefits are worth it. With the wide variety of options available, you can find a watch that meets your personal style and budget.
Minute repeater
Having made a name for itself as the maker of complex timepieces, Patek Philippe has now re-introduced its minute repeater. A minute repeater is a timepiece that is able to strike a specific number of minutes, hours, or quarters on demand. These are rare mechanical complications.
The Patek Philippe Minute Repeater was first introduced in 1924. At the time, minute repeaters were considered valuable devices for telling time before electric lights. However, the demand for minute repeaters dropped during the 1960s and 1970s. Many manufacturers stopped making them. Thankfully, Patek Philippe decided to restart production in 1989.
Patek's minute repeater is a mechanism that strikes different tones for hours, quarters, and minutes. It uses 21 types of gongs. These gongs are micro adjusted to provide the perfect acoustic sound. The minute repeater is powered by movement-powered hammers that strike the gongs. The gongs are positioned inside the watch case.
The minute repeater can take up to 24 months to produce. The case is generally made of gold or platinum. The dial is often covered by a sapphire crystal. The minute repeater also uses an amplifier to boost the sound. It is not water-resistant.
The Patek Philippe Minute Repeater is available in a variety of styles. Some are made from rarer steel. The models range from 33mm to 43mm in diameter. The prices range from $400 to 800,000 USD.
The automatic calibre R 27 PS QR LU has an off-centred 22k gold microrotor. It has a 38-48 hour power reserve.
Calatrava
Initially introduced in 1932, the Patek Philippe Calatrava collection is one of the most popular dress watches of the brand. This line is inspired by the Bauhaus art movement in Germany and is characterized by clean lines and elegant sophistication. This classic style features round cases with lugs.
The Patek Philippe Calatrava is available in a variety of materials, including Yellow Gold, Gold, and Rose Gold. The prices of these watches vary based on the material used and demand. The most expensive Patek Philippe Calatrava watches are priced between $20,000 and $40,000, depending on the model. The price range of the entry-level models is between $18,000 and $200,000.
The Patek Philippe Calatrava has always been known for its clean, minimal design. The brand's signature cross, which appears on the watch's caseback, is a symbol of Spanish Catholic tradition. This cross is also the emblem of the Order of Calatrava, a Catholic order of knights. The brand is also famous for its Calibre 324 S C movement, which boasts a 45-hour power reserve.
Although Patek Philippe originally launched the Calatrava collection in 1932, the brand has introduced subtle updates to the collection over the years. Most of the models in the Calatrava collection have remained true to the original design, but some have added features. For example, some models feature decorated bezels and Breguet numerals. Some have also been fitted with in-house calibers, like the Calibre 30255 PS.
Grand Complications
Among the world's leading watch makers, Patek Philippe has produced an extensive collection of Grand Complications. With up to 1,300 individual parts, Grand Complications are a true test of the skill and artistry of a watchmaker. The collection contains 35 models. Patek Philippe's Grand Complications range from minute repeaters to perpetual calendars, and are available in a wide range of materials, including white, rose, yellow gold, and platinum.
Grand Complications are among the most complicated watches ever produced, requiring a 10-year development process before being released. Patek Philippe's philosophy on Grand Complications emphasizes elegance and balance. They incorporate several horological complications into a masterpiece.
Patek Philippe's Grand Complications collection includes minute repeaters, perpetual calendars, tourbillons, and split-seconds chronographs. Each of these complicated watches possesses over three functions, and they are crafted with unrivaled materials and craftsmanship. The company's platinum cases are often elaborately engraved, and are guillocheed by hand.
Minute repeaters are the most complicated type of Grand Complication. These timepieces are coveted by watch collectors. They have cathedral gongs, full sonorous tones, and are considered mechanical masterpieces.
Patek Philippe's Grandmaster Chime is another highly complicated timepiece. It has 20 complications, including an alarm function and chimes minutes. The Grandmaster Chime is one of the most complicated watches ever manufactured, and was released in honor of the company's 175th anniversary.
One of the most complex timepieces from Patek Philippe is the Sky Moon Tourbillon. The watch features 12 complications. The watch features a micro-rotor movement that allows it to display accurate star charts of the sky. The watch also features astronomical displays and indicators for the Moon's orbit and phase.
Travel Time
Designed for travel, the Patek Philippe Travel Time Watch offers two time zones. The watch has a white dial and features day/night indicators and day of the week. It also has a 24-hour feature sub-dial at 12 o'clock and an additional hand for the second time zone.
The Patek Philippe Travel Time watch is made of 18k gold or platinum and has a sapphire crystal caseback. It is available in men's and women's versions. It also has a diamond bezel. The watch is equipped with a 44-hour power reserve.
The Travel Time complication is a patented system designed by Patek Philippe in 1959. The system moves the local time hour hand in one-hour increments. This ensures that the date relates to local time. In addition, it requires only one set-up and one adjustment per year.
The Travel Time complication is powered by a Caliber CH 324 S C FUS. The movement features a patented Spiromax spring and Gyromax balance. The balance is made of Silinvar, a derivative of silicon. The balance maintains accuracy, even when the watch isn't being worn. It's also equipped with an isolator. This ensures that the balance doesn't change amplitude.
The Patek Philippe Calatrava Pilot Travel Time is a great watch for those looking for an aviator-inspired watch. This watch is not only stylish, but also features the brand's recognizable hobnail guiilloche pattern. It also has superior finishing and offers an excellent value.
5711
Designed by Patek Philippe, the Nautilus 5711 is a steel three-hander, with a case diameter of 40mm. It is a classic, but at the same time ultra-modern. It shows the refinement and mastery of watchmaking at its finest.
The 5711 series is nearing the end of production. As a result, the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 will be difficult to obtain. This makes the 5711 one of the most sought after watches on the market.
Currently, there are two versions of the Patek Philippe Nautilus - the 5711/1A and the 5711/1A-014. The 5711/1A is a three-hander with date display. It features an octagonal-shaped bezel and horizontal lines.
Its caseback is covered by a sapphire crystal, which protects the movement. The movement inside the Patek Philippe Nautilus consists of the Caliber 324 SC, which incorporates some of the Patek Philippe innovations. The movement boasts a 45 hour power reserve and a Spiromax balance-spring in Silinvar.
The Nautilus 5711 is also available in a Platinum version. It is limited to 170 pieces and will benefit The Nature Conservancy charity.
The Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 is also available with a white dial, with baton-shaped hour markers. It has the same specifications as the other steel Nautilus models. It has a two-year Watchbox warranty and comes with a box and papers. It costs $36,500.
It is difficult to obtain a Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711, but it is worth the wait. A good example has been sold at auction for a whopping $6.5 million. Fortunately, there are plenty of secondhand resellers selling good-quality 5711s for around $100,000.
Aquanaut
Amongst the most popular Patek Philippe watches is the Aquanaut. The watch was created for the masses, and has a casual sporty style. It also incorporates the prestige of the brand. The watch features a sapphire crystal caseback. It is water resistant to 120 metres.
The watch also features a screw-down crown. The strap is made from a new composite material. It is resistant to salt water and UV rays. It also has a textured pattern. It is also cut to fit the watch perfectly.
The dial is white and features a waffle pattern. It has applied numerals and luminescent hour markers. It also features a date indicator. It also has a sweep second hand. It has a diamond bezel. It also features a dual deployant clasp.
The Aquanaut is water resistant to 120 metres. It is also impervious to salt water and bacteria. The strap is made from modern composite rubber. It integrates with the case and lugs. The strap has an orange color, which highlights the chronograph functions on the dial.
The watch is also equipped with a Patek Philippe seal. The watch features a chronograph movement with vertical-disk clutch. It has a 48 hour power reserve. The watch also features a modern Spiromax balance spring, which provides 28,800 vibrations per hour. It also has a four spoke Gyromax balance wheel. The watch also has a railway chapter ring for the minutes. It also has gold applied numerals with luminescent coating.