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Good evening everyone.
As some of you may have noticed, February 1st is the day that Patek Philippe announces the models that will be discontinued. I was also paying attention to it, but this time, "that" very popular model has been discontinued.
So, this time I would like to introduce some models that I found particularly interesting among the models that have been discontinued! Please stay with me until the end.
"Ref.5712/1A-001"
"Nautilus Petit Complication" SS
The "Ref. 5712/1A-001" was released in 2006 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Nautilus.
Like its predecessor, the Ref. 3712/1A-001, this model features a gradient black-blue dial, a small second hand at 4-5 o'clock, moon phase and date hand displays at 7-8 o'clock, and a power reserve display at 10-11 o'clock, all in an exquisite design with no wasted space.
The movement visible through the sapphire crystal skeleton case back is the Cal.240 PS +IRM +C +LU, which is based on the Cal.240, an ultra-thin automatic movement equipped with a micro-rotor released in 1977. Despite being equipped with this complex mechanism, the case diameter is kept to just 40mm and the thickness to just 8.52mm, significantly reducing stress when wearing the watch, which I think is an indication of Patek Philippe's high level of technical expertise.
The sales period was fast approaching 20 years, but since the production of the leather strap models "Ref. 5712G-001" and "Ref. 5712R-001" was discontinued in 2024, I had a feeling that it was about time. However, this is still the most shocking of all the models to be discontinued this time.
By the way, the specifications of the buckle have been changed in the final version, but since the production numbers are said to be so small that I have not seen one myself yet, I expect the price will continue to rise in the future.
"Ref.5167/1A-001"
"Aquanaut Extra Large" SS
The Aquanaut Extra Large, Ref. 5167/1A-001, was released in 2008 with a stainless steel case and bracelet.
Along with the tropical band version, Ref. 5167A-001, this model was one of the driving forces behind the popularity of the Aquanaut, but production of this version with a stainless steel bracelet has now been discontinued.
In recent years, this model has been particularly difficult to obtain from authorized dealers, and its availability on the secondary market has also been declining, leading to an upward trend in the market price. When you hear the name "Aquanaut," many people may associate it with a tropical band, but the bracelet version is rugged and masculine, and I personally like it very much.
It is said that units sold from April to May 2022 onwards will be equipped with the new movement "Cal. 26-330 SC," which has a hacking function (stop-second function) and eliminates the period during which the date cannot be changed, but there seems to be particularly few of these on the market.
It may appear to be thicker than the tropical band model, but contrary to appearances, it is only 8.1mm thick, so it is comfortable to wear in a suit in business situations, and also looks great when paired with a short-sleeved T-shirt in private.
It is very unfortunate that it has been discontinued, but I have a feeling that this rugged, heavy-looking model will attract more attention and the price will continue to rise.
"Ref.5524G-001"
"Calatrava Pilot Travel Time" 18KWG
It is no exaggeration to say that the Calatrava Pilot Travel Time, Ref. 5524G-001, was the most popular watch at Baselworld 2015.
I remember that when it was announced, the watch industry was quite abuzz because of its look, which was unlike that of a Patek Philippe. By the way, I'm sure many people remembered seeing similar watches from brands such as Hamilton, IWC, and Zenith. (laughs)
This is no surprise, as it features an 18KWG (white gold) case, a striking new dial design in a matte navy color, and curved leather, a material that has rarely been used in Patek Philippe watches until now.
The new 18KWG (white gold) buckle was also inspired by the metal fittings on the harnesses that secure the parachutes worn by pilots.
In addition, while the only drawback of Patek Philippe's popular model, the World Time, is that it does not adjust for daylight saving time, the mechanism of this Travel Time has no effect, and I think it is also excellent for everyday use.
A locking mechanism has been added to the local time change button, so you won't accidentally press the button and cause the local time to become incorrect.
It's unique in many ways, but it's one of my favorite models. Fortunately, we currently have some in stock at Commit, so if you're interested, I recommend you take this opportunity to purchase it.
Click here for product details
"Ref.5370P-011"
"Split-Second Chronograph" PT
The "Split-Second Chronograph" "Ref. 5370P-011" was released in 2020 and features a beautiful "Grand Feu enamel" blue dial.
This watch has a different dial than the "Ref. 5370P-001 (black)" that was released at Baselworld in 2015. It features a sophisticated design with Breguet numeral indexes, white gold hands, and a tachymeter scale painted on the outer edge of the dial, as well as a vibrant blue dial that gives it a modern impression.
"Grand Feu", which means "great flame", is a technique in which the glass is repeatedly fired at high temperatures of about 800 to 1000 degrees to create a strong enamel surface with a beautiful glass film. Even for experienced craftsmen, it is considered an extremely difficult task to create a dial that meets the company's own standards.
The heavy platinum case is 41mm in size and 13.56mm thick, giving it an impressive finish. The concave area in the center of the case has a satin finish, giving it a design that reflects Patek Philippe's attention to detail. The split buttons and large crown are also design accents, making it a very cool piece.
The hand-wound movement, "Cal. CHR 29-535 PS", which can be viewed through the skeleton case back, is a complex mechanism that features a split-second function as well as a proprietary Gyromax balance. This artistic, three-dimensional movement is so beautiful and skillfully crafted that you will never tire of looking at it.
We are very sorry to announce that production has been discontinued, but we are fortunate to have some units available in our store!
Click here for product details
We also have in stock the "Ref. 5370P-001" with a different dial color, which was announced at Baselworld in 2015, so be sure to check it out!
Click here for product details
summary
What did you think?
This time, there were more than 10 models that were sadly discontinued, but I have selected models that were particularly popular and models that I (at Commit Ginza) have a special attachment to.
It's a big shock that the Nautilus and Aquanaut will be discontinued... But! I think new models will be announced in April, so let's look forward to seeing what the lineup will be!
We will continue to introduce as many attractive and highly recommended models as possible, so please look forward to our next article!
See you next time!
