Another new model from Patek Philippe for the Bi-Compax chronograph fans. The new model, which sets the standards for craftsmanship quality and elegance, already divided the brand’s fans into two sides with its larger case.
It is impossible not to get excited when Patek Philippe and chronograph get together. One of the best luxury watchmakers of the world doing such a special and nice complication guarantees the outcome to be excellent. The chronographs of Patek, which has been produced over the years, still attract attention as a fetish object by the collectors. Here we are with another timepiece which I guess will be treated the same with the previous ones. However, the specs made me think that I might be a bit early to say that.
It is likely to say that Patek Philippe 5172G is the newer version of the recently ended Ref.5170 model family. Considering the 5170 has been offered in various versions like yellow, pink, white gold and even platinum, there is no doubt that, the 5172 will be offered in different combinations later on. The only basic difference between 5170 and 5172 is the case. Patek Philippe 5172G comes in an 18K white gold case measuring 41mm x 11.75mm. We are talking about a classic Patek with a diameter of 41mm. I think it is unfortunate for a traditional and conservative brand like Patek Philippe being effected by the ever-growing case size hype. After the 39mm diameter of the 5170, believe me you will feel the extra 2mm. The dose of thinness is perfect, like the rest of the case that is equipped with scratch resistant sapphire crystals on both sides and is water resistant to 30 meters. It is impossible not to admire the 5172G while looking at the details. It is clear that a large amount of labor is spent on every square millimeter, from the chronograph pushers to the large Arabic number indexes.
The tachymetric scale in the dial is definitely one of the most special details about the model. No, I do not think that almost no 5172G owner in daily life will use the chronograph for calculating the average speed. Nevertheless, having such a feature like that will please many watch enthusiasts. Thanks to the phosphorus applied in the hands and indexes, even though it is not customary for Patek Philippe, legibility under dark is achieved.
The model is powered by the hand-wound manufacture Caliber CH 29-535 PS. The 29.6mm x 5,35mm movement is composed of 270 parts (33 jewels). Beat rate is 4Hz (28.800vph) and the power reserve provided when fully wound is 65 hours. It is very difficult to explain the sense of silk smoothness of the buttons that activate the chronograph. Is it the best? No. Surely above standards. Those who seek better may go for the obvious German brands. The movement bears the Patek Philippe Seal, which guarantees superior precision and production quality.
The Patek Philippe 5172G is available with a blue dial, a blue crocodile leather strap and an 18K white gold case. I have no doubt that we will see the yellow and pink gold case versions in the following years. If you can rationalize the big 41mm diameter on your mind, there will be only one obstacle to have this special timepiece, which will only appreciate in value through the years. And that would be the EUR 66,320 list price. Although hard to believe, let me add that the 5170G had a much higher list price.
