Yasuharu Abe's Patek Philippe Theory ~No. 295~ Now's your chance to buy! Introducing the "Perpetual Calendar Chronograph" "Ref. 5270" and "Ref. 5204" series!!

Good evening everyone.

This time, I would like to pick out a few recommended "Grand Complications" and introduce them again.

In recent years, the "Ref. 3970" and "Ref. 5004" models equipped with Lemania movements have attracted a great deal of attention, especially at auctions around the world, and their prices have soared. On the other hand, their next-generation models, the "Ref. 5270" and "Ref. 5204" equipped with Patek Philippe's in-house movements, are still reasonably priced compared to current official retail prices.

It is quite possible that the market prices of these models will rise in the future, so if you are considering buying one, now may be the perfect time!

So, please be sure to watch until the end!!

"Perpetual Calendar Chronograph"
"Ref.5270" series

The first "Ref. 5270G-001" was released in 2011 as the successor to the "Ref. 5970" and was equipped with the fully in-house manufactured movement "Cal. CH 29-535 PS Q."

This watch, with its opaline silver dial, oxidized black hour and minute hands, indexes, and railway track around the outer edge of the dial, has a neat appearance and was in production for approximately three years.

The "Ref. 5270" series has adopted a tachymeter scale on the outer edge of the dial since the second generation model. However, the current model "Ref. 5270P-014" released in 2022 breaks from the previous trend by adopting a railway (minute scale) instead of a tachymeter scale.

In addition to the special specifications of the platinum case and black gradient lacquered green dial, the dial design using this railway track can be seen as an homage to the original "Ref. 5270." Looking back at the history of the series, the fact that it has deliberately returned to a design reminiscent of its origins makes it seem as though this "Ref. 5270P-014" is the final form of the "Ref. 5270" series.

The basic layout of the dial remains the same as previous models, but two small windows have been added, one for the leap year cycle between the 4 o'clock and 5 o'clock positions, and one for the day/night display between the 7 o'clock and 8 o'clock positions. Also, the 30-minute counter hand at the 3 o'clock position and the second hand at the 9 o'clock position have been moved slightly lower to the 6 o'clock position, improving legibility. While preferences may differ,
I believe that the Ref. 5270 is the most sophisticated model of all the perpetual calendar chronographs that have been released to date.

The "Ref. 5270G-019" is a perpetual calendar chronograph, the third generation of the "Ref. 5270" that was released in 2015.

The scale on the outer edge of the dial has a layout that combines the first and second generations, with an overall design that is closer to the center, and the sub-dial hands (second hand, 30-minute counter hand, calendar display hand) have been changed from the traditional leaf shape to a slim, sleek rod shape. Additionally, the calendar scale at 6 o'clock, which was controversial in the second generation, has been changed to a cut-off design rather than a bulge, resulting in a truly perfect finish with a high level of perfection in terms of balance, visibility, and aesthetics.

When people first saw the "Ref. 5270" series, they probably thought the unique stepped lugs were a bit of an "unusual design." However, today, these stepped lugs are highly regarded as the perfect case design that symbolizes the Ref. 5270.

Another noteworthy feature is the elegant, slightly curved bezel. This design was also used in the historic masterpiece "Perpetual Calendar Chronograph" model "Ref. 2499," which can now only be seen at overseas auctions, and is an important design element that gives a sense of its lineage.

The combination of an 18KWG case and blue dial, which is particularly popular among the leather strap models, has a modern feel, but the unique case design gives it an exquisite balance that also gives it a somewhat classical appearance.

It is truly impressive that the watch is only 7mm thick despite being equipped with a perpetual calendar mechanism. Furthermore, even though it is equipped with the complex mechanism of a chronograph and a perpetual calendar, the movement is only 7mm thick and the case is only 12.4mm thick, making it comfortable to wear. Additionally, it boasts a power reserve of up to approximately 65 hours when the chronograph is not in operation, making it highly practical.

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"Perpetual Calendar Chronograph"
"Ref.5204" series

The first model of the Ref. 5204, the Ref. 5204P-001, was released in 2012 and featured a platinum case and silver dial, and was equipped with the new-generation movement, Cal. CHR 29-535 PS Q, which was entirely developed and manufactured in-house.

This movement is based on the in-house manual-winding chronograph featured in the "Perpetual Calendar Chronograph" Ref. 5270, released in 2011, with the addition of a split-seconds (rattrapante) mechanism. It is a configuration that truly symbolizes Patek Philippe's technological prowess.

Although we have handled several models of the "Ref. 5204" series, we have never seen the original model, the "Ref. 5204P-001," in person. It is a special watch that we have always hoped to see, and it is sometimes referred to in the market as a "prototype," a model shrouded in mystery and romance.

There is a small calendar window at the 12 o'clock position that displays the day of the week and month, a window that displays the leap year in numbers between the 4 o'clock and 5 o'clock positions, and a white and blue window that tells the day and night between the 7 o'clock and 8 o'clock positions. The moon phase at the 6 o'clock position is cut out at the bottom, and the layout and dial design of each are perfect.

The chronograph is operated in the same way as usual, with the pusher at 2 o'clock to start and stop the time and the pusher at 4 o'clock to reset the time, but the split-seconds is started and stopped using the pusher integrated with the crown at 3 o'clock. With a case diameter of 40mm and a thickness of 14.3mm, this large crown has an outstanding presence and creates a special feel.

The movement, which can be seen through the skeleton case back, is the "Cal. CH 29-535 PS Q," which was developed and manufactured entirely in-house. Each part is meticulously finished, showcasing Patek Philippe's tradition and high level of technical expertise.

The "Ref.5204G-001" Perpetual Calendar Split-Second Chronograph, released in 2022, is the first "Ref.5204" to feature an 18KWG (white gold) case.

This is the only Ref. 5204 still in existence, and it can be said to be a perfect model. The olive green sunburst dial with a black gradient that darkens towards the periphery is extremely beautiful, and has an appealing design that will captivate anyone who sees it.

While all previous models have featured alligator straps, the new "Ref. 5204" is the first to feature an original calfskin strap. The slightly glossy olive green calfskin strap gives the watch a "soft" finish, in a good way, and the hand-sewn white stitching adds a nice accent.

Product details here

summary

What did you think?

The current domestic regular retail price for the "Ref. 5204G-001" is 55,320,000 yen (tax included), so we hope you can see how reasonable and great value our retail price is.

In addition, in recent years, it is not uncommon for domestic regular prices to be revised several times a year, and further price increases are expected in the future. Given this situation, if you have been looking for this product for some time, now is the perfect time to purchase.

We will continue to introduce as many attractive and recommended models as possible, so please look forward to the next issue!

See you next time!