Patek Philippe added a trio of ChronographChronograph A chronograph complication is a feature in a watch that allows the wearer to measure elapsed time in addition to telling the time. It works by having a separate set of gears and levers, called the chronograph mechanism, which is activated by pressing a button or a pusher. The chronograph mechanism starts and stops the chronograph's second hand, which is usually located on the watch's dial, separate from the regular watch hands. The elapsed time is usually displayed on a sub-dial or a register on the watch's dial. [Learn More] watches to their collection. All three offer different complications and an altogether different look as well. Reference 5905/1A is a FlybackFlyback A flyback function on a chronograph watch, allows the user to reset the chronograph back to zero and start timing again with a single button press (no need to first stop the watch). [Learn More] Chronograph with an annual calendarAnnual Calendar An annual calendar is a complication in a mechanical watch that automatically adjusts for the different lengths of the months, except February, and only requires one manual adjustment per year at the end of February. It has a mechanism that takes into account the different number of days in each month and automatically adjusts the date accordingly. [Learn More]. Then there is the 5930P which adds world timeWorld Time Complication A world timer is a complication that displays the time in multiple time zones simultaneously. It typically includes a rotating bezel or a dial with city names or time zones printed on it and a 24-hour hand or a subdial that can be adjusted to indicate the time in a different time zone. The user can rotate the bezel or use the crown to align the city or time zone they want to read with the current time on the watch's main dial, it allows the user to know the time in different time zones at a glance. Some world timers have a day/night indicator which helps to know if the time shown is during the day or night at the selected time zone. [Learn More] to the picture. Finally, there is the 5204R which throws some shade on the previous two as it sits in the Grand Complication family and more on that below.
5204R – Split Seconds Chronograph
The 5204R sits in the Grand Complication family of watches. This means they feature a special complication that requires you to do some serious explaining to your partner when looking to buy one of these. The grander the complication, the grander the explanation required… That is because the price these go for is approximately EUR 270.000.
Jokes aside, this watch is indeed a complicated marvel of horology. Patek Philippe states that this is their reinterpretation of the 5204R split-secondsRattrapante A split-seconds chronograph, also known as a rattrapante, is a complication in a chronograph watch that allows the user to measure two elapsed times simultaneously. It has two second hands, one that runs continuously, and another one that can be stopped and started independently. The user can stop one of the hands to measure an interval and then release it to catch up with the other hand. [Learn More] chronograph and perpetual calendarPerpetual Calendar A perpetual calendar is a complication in a mechanical watch that automatically adjusts for the different lengths of the months, including February, and leap years, and (almost) never requires manual adjustments. It has a mechanism that takes into account the different number of days in each month, including leap years, and automatically adjusts the date, day, month and year accordingly [Learn More] “in a contemporary spirit by combining a rose gold case with a matching slate gray dial and strap”.
The transparent sapphire caseback reveals caliberCaliber The caliber ('movement') is the heart and engine of a watch. It consists of a number of interconnected components that work together. Energy is transmitted through the gear train, to the escapement mechanism. The escapement mechanism releases this energy in a controlled manner. This drives the gear train, which ultimately rotates the hands of the watch and keeps time. [More Info] CHR 29-535 PS Q. It is a split-seconds chronograph, featuring instantaneous 30-minute counter. Also found here is a perpetual calendar featuring day, month, leap year and day/night indications which are displayed in apertures. A moon phaseMoonphase A moonphase complication is a feature found in some watches that displays the phase of the moon as it appears in the sky. It typically includes a small disc with a representation of the moon, usually with a depiction of the lunar surface, that rotates to indicate the current phase of the moon. The disc rotates once every 29.5 days, the same period of time it takes for the moon to go through its lunar cycle. [Learn More] is found at 6 o clock. Being a manual wind caliber, you get a great look at that gorgeous movement with its ‘traditional architecture’ and wonderful hand finishing.
Despite the complications at work here, the size of the rose gold case is just 40mm in diameter and the height approximately 14.3mm.
5905/1A Flyback Chronograph
Most surprising here is a new addition to the collection in steel. Of all materials, I did not see another one coming in steel for this year (neither for next year quite frankly). This watch is not entirely new to Patek Philippe, but it is a first in steel.
While I won’t rehash all the details anymore, you are essentially looking at a self-winding flyback chronograph with annual Calendar (requiring only one correction per year on March 1st). The dial features a “sunburst” pattern in an olive green color. The bracelet boasts contrasting polished and satin finishes. What is mighty cool about this caliber is that the central chronograph seconds hand can be used as a permanent (running) seconds display. The case is stainless steel and features a sapphire crystal case back. Being on the sportier side, this watch has a 42mm diameter and a height of 14,13mm with a 30m water resistance.
5930P Flyback Chronograph World Time
This trio would not be complete without a platinum release, right? With the 5930P we get a green dial in what is essentially a non-limited edition Patek.
The dial center features a circular hand-guilloched pattern. You’re also greeted by gold applied hour markers with luminescent coating. At the outer edge of this green center, you’ll find the silver city ring. The World Time function simultaneously displays the time in 24 time zones, with “an exclusive patented mechanism enabling correction of all displays by pressing the 10 o’clock pusher”.
Visible through the display caseback is the self-winding mechanical movement caliber CH 28‑520 HU.
This is the most slender piece in this release, the platinum case has a 39.5mm diameter and a height of 12.86mm. The wonderful lug design further adds to its sleek looks if you ask me.
A very worthy addition to the chronograph collection and dare I say, something for everyone (if money is no object). While I have yet to see these in the metal myself, safe to say that these will look and feel every bit as fantastic as they do right here.
More info right here
Learned something new about grand complications today 😀