Vintage reissues were a thing this season at Baselworld. Apparently, Patek Philippe got the memo as well and turned up with the Ref. 5320G. The design of the latest perpetual calendar timepiece to elegance the Patek Philippe perpetual calendar pocket replica watches collection was inspired by not one, not two, but three classic references dating back as far as 1941. 5320G wasn’t exactly an earth-shattering launch, but it was quite well-received from the opinion community. Here we bring you details and our thoughts on Patek Philippe’s newest perpetual calendar view, the Ref. 5320G.
The 18k white gold instance of the Ref. At this dimension, we believe that the watch is at its diplomatic — it does not disappear on a bigger wrist, nor can it overpower a smaller wrist. While the dial has been receiving most of the plaudits in the neighborhood, we feel that the case deserves as much love. Immediately grabbing our attention were the exact nuanced three-tier lugs. This retro lug design was inspired by the mythical Ref. The stepped case design is quite fitting of the look that Patek is attempting to attain with this timepiece and is very charming. Notice, however, the situation is stamped from one piece of gold then finished. This will probably upset traditionalist collectors; but Patek Philippe perpetual calendar nautilus imitation watches ‘ stance is such that when a superior method to do something presents itself (e.g. technology), stated method will be adopted.
A so-called box-form sapphire crystal was also utilized to maintain the flanks slim and endow the eye much more of a classic look. It visibly extends across the bezel and can be dramatically cambered with parallel inner and outer sides to prevent optical stimulation of the dial whatever the viewing angle. This is why readily formable plexiglass was frequently chosen, regardless of its susceptibility to scratching and cracking.
The lotion lacquer dial appears luscious and is supposed to evoke the vibe of an aged dial. The opinion has the same face that has been the brand’s paragon for perpetual calendars because 1941 (the Ref. 1526 was the initial ): a dual aperture for the month and date displays at 12 o’clock along with a sub-dial at 6 o’clock for the radial date and moon phase. The Ref. 5320G does nevertheless boast extra useful signs over the Ref. 1526 in the shape of two round apertures for the day/night and leap year cycles. The layout for a whole is very reminiscent of this Ref. We adore how intuitive and uncluttered all the indications are laid out, thanks in part to this judicious of apertures, and this also helps to keep the dial clean and classy. 1591). These components come together to make what’s a gratifyingly legible perpetual calendar watch, something which Patek Philippe perpetual calendar rose gold replica watch has a knack for.
The movement
The self-winding movement, which is outfitted with the manufacturer’s Gyromax balance and Spiromax spring, has a maximum energy reserve of 45 hours while operating at a modern 4 Hz beat rate. The movement originates from the base Calibre 324 that is normally utilized in the brand’s annual calendar versions (think the Ref. 5205 along with the Ref. 5726). The perpetual calendar module of the movement cannot be viewed from the situation back since it’s concealed just beneath the dial. Four discs, each completing a revolution at different prices, are utilized to show the day, month, leap year and day/night cycle. The moon period function of this Calibre 324 S Q includes a fidelity of 122 decades, meaning that it only requires a one-day correction after over a century.
The bridges from the Calibre 324 S Q feature Geneva striping on the top surface and glistening chamfers on the edges. Additionally on the surface of the bridges are gold-filled engravings and polished screw heads, all course done by hand. The unidirectional 21k gold rotor is decorated with perlage and circular Geneva waves, as well as an engraved Calatrava cross. On request, the sapphire crystal case back of this watch can actually be replaced with a solid 18k white gold. This naturally has the unfortunate side effect of covering up the beautifully finished motion.
By no signifies is this a small sum of money, however, the watch is reasonably priced based on what the brand’s closest competitors are charging. The white gold Langematik Perpetual, the flagship perpetual calendar timepiece out of Saxon maker A. Lange & Söhne, is priced at around USD84,200. The Lange is marginally smaller than the Patek in terms of both case diameter (38.5 mm) and thickness (10.2 mm), something which almost never happens as Langes are inclined to be more”overbuilt”. And though the movement in the Patek is without a doubt finished to high standards, the finnisage from the Lange is much better still. Therefore, unless one dislikes the smaller dimensions or the more modern layout of the Lange, it would make more sense to choose the better-finished Langematik Perpetual within the Patek Ref. 5320G when they’re priced so equally.
Closer to home is the Patrimony Perpetual Calendar by Geneva-based Vacheron Constantin. The new SIHH 2017 rose gold/slate grey version is priced at about USD74,000, almost USD9,000 less compared to Ref. 5320G. Though the watch is negligibly larger than the Patek in review (41 vs. 40 mm), it is quite a bit thinner at 8.96 mm. It is also worth noting that the movement employed from the Patrimony Perpetual Calendar is based off of their Jaeger-LeCoultre-designed Calibre 1120 (though the perpetual calendar works is fully Vacheron’s). This base calibre is considered a legend among watch enthusiasts as it has been used by all 3 members of this Swiss”Holy Trinity” (Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin). Regardless, the movement isn’t fully in-house and that would probably have contributed to the decrease cost of the Vacheron. The finishing on the motion of the Patrimony Perpetual Calendar is excellent and bears the Hallmark of Geneva; that said, we’d still give the Calibre 324 S Q from the Patek Ref. 5320G a very slight advantage. The Patrimony additionally lacks the moments and day/night functions while the Ref. 5320G comes with them. Simply speaking, the price premium of this Patek over its Vacheron equal is warranted by additional functions, marginally better ending (contentious) and the use of a fully in-house designed and manufactured movement.
Concluding thoughts
The Ref. 5320G has lots of admirers but that doesn’t make it perfect. We believe that it tries a bit too difficult going for the classic appearance. It is apparent that the cream dial has been chosen to mimic the look of an aged dial out of a classic watch, but it just looks way too pristine. The usage of Superluminova also gives a sterile, almost cartoonish appearance on the hands and numerals; plus, Superluminova just does not age the same as tritium. The simple fact that the instance was stamped from a single piece of gold will even irk traditionalists. What we do enjoy though are the tiered lugs, the box-form sapphire crystal and the unique syringe-style hands, in addition to the neat layout of all the indications. 5320G is a finely crafted timepiece (albeit a little derivative) that increases the brand’s 92-year-old history of perpetual calendar watches and is deserving of this revered Patek Philippe perpetual calendar ref. 5320g clone name.