In 2016, Patek Philippe delighted the world with the reference 5930G-010, a watch that combined a world time function with a flyback chronograph. Featuring a blue dial and white gold case, it became an instant favorite of the brand's connoisseurs with a passion for its more complex creations. Last week Patek Philippe introduced a new version that raises the bar to an even higher level, combining a platinum case with a green dial and details.

Patek Philippe's history is a constant stream of highlights, particularly when looking at their more complicated pieces. The brand invented the annual calendar, but not before making its mark on one of the most coveted complications available, the perpetual calendar. The reference 3974 holds a special place in this, as it was the very first perpetual calendar with a minute repeater, powered by an automatic movement.

Complications are great, but a combination of them is even better. The Ref.5905 Annual Calendar Chronograph delivers just that, in a way only Patek Philippe can do. With its first annual calendar introduced in 1996, the brand is actually the inventor of this complication. As it only needs manual adjusting every February of each year, it is less complex and expensive than a perpetual calendar, but far more convenient than a regular one. Ref.5905 also taps into the long-standing tradition at Patek Philippe to merge a calendar complication with a chronograph. No wonder that it quickly amassed its own share of admirers.

Based upon the so-called "Golden Ratio" made the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse quite stir at the watch fair in Basel, Switzerland, when it was introduced there in 1968. Ancient Greek mathematicians already concluded that applying the ratio of 1 / 1.6181 resulted in great beauty, whether it was in architecture or art. The Golden Ellipse proved that this was also true in watches. Ever since its introduction, it has been a staple in the collection of Patek Philippe with a loyal following. Today the watch still looks as elegant and stylish as it did when it was first launched, and one can only conclude that it has a timeless sense of beauty. That doesn't mean that Patek Philippe leaves it as it is, as the watch is also a perfect canvas to create something extraordinary, like the reference 5738/51G.

In the previous eight editions of Only Watch, a total of 70 million euros was raised to support the fight against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. This plays a vital role in finding a cure for this terrible disease. For watch brands, it is an opportunity to do good and showcase their abilities. This works two ways, as it results in truly unique watches that are so tempting that they will only raise more money for the cause. Yesterday we showed you already some of our favorites, and today we do that again, as also the following ones are too good to pass up:

There is nothing quite like owning, and wearing, a watch that was made nearly a century ago. In particular, when this watch is from Patek Philippe. In the early 1920s, the brand has just started the production of wrist chronographs, and this specific watch from 1924 is a perfect example of their lasting beauty. It was part of a production run of just 27 pieces, all equipped with a single-button chronograph movement. Sixteen of them were fitted with a so-called officers-case with double hinges.

The days that the Aquanaut collection stood in the shadow of its famous sibling, the Nautilus, have been long gone. With its powerful yet elegant lines, the Aquanaut acquired many fans, and Patek Philippe delighted them recently with new additions to the collection.

Watches & Wonders was a great success, even though it was with the exception of the event in Shanghai, a virtual event. The watch brands quickly adapted to the new reality and dazzled from abroad through the digital channels. What, fortunately, didn't change was the vast amount of amazing watches that they introduced. For men, but also for ladies, there are plenty of new models to choose from. A current trend for women's watches is that mechanical movements are the new standard, of course, accompanied by a generous dash of elegance.

The perpetual calendar is a complication that has always held an important place in the history of Patek Philippe. In 1925 the brand already launched its very first perpetual calendar wristwatch, and in 1941 the brand introduced Ref.1518, combining a perpetual calendar with a chronograph, something that has never been done before on a watch made in series. Patek Philippe always had a strong presence when it came to pocket watches as well, and in 1972 they introduced a novel perpetual calendar with in-line display. Now, part of its rich legacy in this field merges with the introduction of the new Ref. 5236P-001 In-line Perpetual Calendar.

While digital, Watches & Wonders 2021 kicks off immediately in high gear, showing that the industry is still strong, even during a pandemic. Many exciting new watches have already been introduced, of which the following five in particular caught our eye:

When one of the most desired sports watches in the world is fitted with a refined and complex movement, magic happens. This has for sure been the case with the Patek Philippe Nautilus Perpetual Calendar Ref.5740/1G. Upon introduction, it took the famous Gerald Genta design to new heights as it has never before been fitted with a perpetual calendar movement. It can in many ways be seen as combining the best of both worlds: the iconic look of the Nautilus, with one of the sophisticated, complex movements Patek Philippe is known for.

To watch connoisseurs, the Patek Philippe reference 3448 needs no introduction. When launched in 1962, it became the world's first serially produced perpetual calendar powered by an automatic movement. It immediately also became one of the most beautiful, as even today, few other perpetual calendars can match the pure style of reference 3448. One of its most prominent features is the moon phase display, which is located at six o'clock, and surrounded by the dates, indicated by a hand. But not all reference 3448 have this feature, as some are "Senza Luna."

Despite the pandemic, many brands did not hold back when it came to releasing new models. What usually would be launched at one of the fairs or during a special event was now presented by Zoom- and Skype-meetings. Fortunately, this doesn't make the watches any less impressive, as the following five prove;

In our previous article, we already reflected on the history of the Patek Philippe Twenty~4. This ladies watch was launched in 1999 and quickly became one of the most prominent ladies watches in the market's top segment. Patek Philippe had nurtured the collection by letting it slowly evolve, until 2018 when a revolution replaced evolution.

In 1999, Patek Philippe surprised the world with the Twenty~4, a stylish manchette-style wristwatch for ladies only. In this watch, inspired by Art Deco design, Patek Philippe combined two materials rarely seen together in their collection; stainless steel with diamonds. Launched with three different colored dials, the Twenty~4 was an instant hit.

Perfection often looks simple, but it rarely is. This is also the case with the new Patek Philippe Ref. 6301P Grande Sonnerie. The watch is generously sized, measuring 44.8 mm in diameter, yet rather restraint in its design. Close observation will learn that it is rich in detail, as the platinum case has a subtle concave bezel and stunning countersunk flanks. The black dial is also a thing of beauty, as it is made from Grand Feu enamel, fitted with gold Breguet numerals. Interesting is that the traditional gold leaf-shaped hands feature a luminescent coating. It is a subtle detail, but it gives this classic watch a slight contemporary edge while making it more practical as well.