Patek Philippe’s Chronographs Appeal to Different Lifestyles

Narrowing down a Patek Philippe chronograph to acquire can be a difficult decision. Here are five notable references that each suit a particular lifestyle and personality type.

For many collectors, adding a Patek Philippe chronograph watch to their collection is an important milestone. Ever since the watchmaker introduced its in-house produced chronograph movements in 2005, it has unveiled new patents and innovations that deliver precision and performance improvements. An additional benefit of these technical improvements is a reduction in thickness of its chronographs. The 5.25mm thick Caliber CHR 27-525 PS that was unveiled 20 years ago, for example, was the slimmest split-seconds chronograph movement in the world at the time. This was followed by the self-winding Caliber 28-520 the following year, and the Caliber 29-535 PS in 2009. Each movement has its own advantages and highlights; selecting the best chronograph that suits a collector requires consideration on their preferred aesthetics, usage of the complication, and lifestyle habits.

This is for the bon vivants who appreciate the very finest in life, and who rarely use a chronograph for anything other than the pleasure of its enjoyment. Someone who possesses a great passion for the classics in art and design, and appreciates contemporary style. Only one category of Patek Philippe chronographs will befit their style – the split-seconds chronograph with perpetual calendar. The elegant Ref. 5204G-001 manages to be both discreet and down-to-earth, balancing its classic lines and curves with a modern colour palette in olive green. The mirror-polished, stepped lugs and gently curved bezel and case middle elevate its look, adding depth to an otherwise minimalist form. The dial distinguishes between chronograph, time-telling, and calendar displays, using different fonts types and decorative finishes for clarity. The perpetual calendar module is just 1.65mm thick and shows the day and month in two compact windows with a leap year indicator to the right of the date and moon phase sub-dial, mirroring the day and night aperture on the left.

For anyone with a similar profile as the Haut Monde crowd, but would also travel halfway across the world to join a high-octane classic car race without hesitation, the Ref. 5373P-001 Split-Seconds Monopusher Chronograph for Left-Handers with Perpetual Calendar is likely to be the model of choice for them. The modern and polished Arabic numeral hour markers and dashboard-like chronograph and date counters emphasise its sporty image, with a gradient dial and dark brown counters that stand out against the brighter dial centre. Vertically brushed with circular graining on the chronograph counters, it creates a contemporary and sporty look. The chronograph’s functions are indicated with red coloured hands, and the case’s curves are emphasized to really echo the form of a classic sports automobile. The watch strap looks like a woven fabric but is in fact a pattern printed on calfskin, with red stitching that matches the chronograph hands.

For collectors who spend more days of the year traversing the globe, either for business or pleasure, and have a global network that they are constantly engaging, Patek Philippe’s world time complication is an essential. The Ref. 5935A-001 in stainless steel is purposed for travel: the steel case means it is able to handle the inevitable accidental knocks and taps that every frequent traveller is used to. Careless handling by customs agents? No worry. The neutral colour palette of the watch, in a rose gold hue with a brown leather strap, makes it easy to match with any dress code and style. It’s not too formal, but not too casual – alternating brushed and mirror-polished surfaces give it a modern, classy image. The carbon motif in the centre of the dial, which has been used by Patek Philippe on a number of dials, has a young, trendy appeal.

The world time complication was a complication developed by Louis Cottier and used by Patek Philippe for nearly a century now. Its design remains close to the original. There are technical updates by Patek Philippe, such as its patented single pusher operation of the hour hand, city disc, and 24-hour disc, which ensures easy reading and control of the time in all 24 zones. The complexity of the world time display is offset by the minimal presentation of the chronograph with a single 30-minute counter and central chronograph seconds hand. As with any travel watch, it’s essential for accurate time-telling, which is why the self-winding chronograph Caliber CH 28-520 is used as the base movement for Ref. 5935A-001, with a world time module added on to it. This chronograph features virtually frictionless vertical coupling, so the chronograph can be kept running for the seconds hand to be used as a running seconds display. It’s a useful function for anyone who has occasional need for a stopwatch or timer – the 30-minute counter is perfect for this.

Anyone with a fondness for vintage aviation and field watches, rugged construction, and possessing a thirst for adventure will favour the Calatrava Pilot’s design. Based off a siderometer from the early 20th century which can be seen at the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva, the oversized stencil style fonts and practicality of the watch will certainly collectors with an appreciation for functional design and durability in design. Nevertheless the watch maintains a very elegant look, thanks to a sunburst blue-grey coloured dial that reflects light unevenly to create areas of light and shadow. The oversized date and 60-minute counters are presented vertically to balance the dial’s design, and the Ref. 5924G-001 also has a second time zone function, presented with a second skeletonised hour hand on the main dial. Day and night indications for both local and home time are shown next to the 9 and 3 o’clock markers. The additional function makes this a highly versatile watch that can really multi-task.

Collectors who enjoy the limelight and standing out from the crowd will delight in Ref. 7968/300R-010 — Patek Philippe’s first self-winding chronograph designed for ladies, and the first chronograph introduced within the Aquanaut Luce line. The watch is distinguished by a white mother-of-pearl dial engraved with the signature Aquanaut motif. The sporty timepiece has become a collection for bold style in recent years with striking composite strap colours and dial designs that captivate. Although this model may tilt towards a more feminine audience, gents who enjoy jewellery watches can easily don this timepiece, especially with the light brown composite strap if they feel the fiery red option is too eye-catching. Two rows of baguette-cut diamonds and sapphires are set on the bezel adding sparkle and multicoloured radiance to the wearer’s look.

To try on these watches and see if they suit, head to one of our boutiques or reach out to our sales representatives to arrange for an appointment.