Fergus Nash
The Patek Philippe 5178G-012 impresses through its flinque blue Grand Feu enamel dial.The 40mm case is made from illustrious 18k white gold.The calibre R 27 PS features a 22k gold micro-rotor and a minute repeater complication.Being perhaps the most famous high-horology watchmaker of the current age, it's never going to be totally surprising when Patek Philippe release a watch with extraordinary complications. No matter how impressive one of their movements is, the high standards we hold them to will always make it feel expected. The way that they can still surprise us is through looks, rather than just refreshing iconic models, and that's exactly how the Patek Philippe 5178G-012 Grand Complications blows us away.Although previous generations of the 5178 have all been gorgeous in their own right, the Patek Philippe 5178G-012 is truly mesmerising thanks to a hypnotic guilloche pattern which has been done by hand. The dial plate, which is made of white gold just like the case, has then been covered with a stunning shade of blue Grand Feu enamel which lifts out all of the patterning's exceptional details. The marriage of the two techniques brings out the best of both, with contrasts of soaring highlights and plunging depths being brought out of the colour and each twist of the oscillating pattern feeling electrified. The magic of the dial is then backed up by the classical yet eccentric character of Breguet hands and numerals, plus crisp white printing around the small seconds subdial and the minute track.Mechanically, the Patek Philippe 5178G-012 still lives up to its Grand Complications name too. You can see the calibre R 27 PS from the sapphire caseback, with a large 22k golden micro-rotor for automatic winding and two lengthy gongs for a loud and clear minute repeater complication. The case is 40mm in diameter and 10.53mm tall, making for a comfortable wrist presence with the lustre of the 18k white gold complimenting the blues.The Patek Philippe 5178G-012 Grand Complications pricing and availability:Visit Patek Philippe's website to find your local authorised retailer and enquire about the Patek Philippe 5178G-012 Grand Complications. Price: on requestBrandPatek PhilippeModel5178G-012 Grand ComplicationsCase Dimensions40mm (D) x 10.53mm (T)Case Material18k white goldWater Resistance0m (humidity and dust protected only)Crystal(s)SapphireDialBlueStrapBlue alligator leather and additional strap in shiny orangeMovementCalibre R 27 PSPower Reserve48 hoursAvailabilityAvailable nowPriceOn request
28.03.23