Patek Philippe Grand Complications Minute Repeater Chronograph Perpetual Calendar REFERENZ 5208R-001

The Patek Philippe 5208R-001 is a standout among Patek watches of the twenty-first century. All 5208s hail from an exalted family of luxury watches; this model was the first wristwatch grande complication offered in series by the Geneva manufacture. Launched in 2018, the rose gold 5208R is the latest in a line dating back to the Baselworld 2011 debut of the 5208P.

Patek Philippe introduced the original 5208P to great acclaim. More than Patek’s first wristwatch grande complication, it became the longtime daily choice of Patek Philippe chief Thierry Stern. Also a celebrated auction star, the 5208T in piece unique titanium form delivered over 6.2 million Swiss francs at the 2017 “Only Watch” charity event. Annual production of the 5208R amounts to a few dozen units at most, and that must be considered against the scope of Patek Philippe’s annual production of over 50,000 watches.

All 5208 deliveries are preceded by a mandatory application by the prospective owner and approval by the Stern family. The opportunity to buy this example preowned presents a rare exemption from the factory’s screening process.

Traditionally, grande complication watches are defined as pocket watches or wristwatches that include at least a chronograph, a perpetual calendar, and a minute repeater. The 5208R includes all of the above and more. The perpetual calendar here is an aperture type equipped with instantaneous jumping action that acts precisely at midnight. Patek fits a monopusher chronograph system rather than a standard double-action stopwatch. Moon phase and age can be read from a display with an accuracy of over 122 years between corrections. Finally, automatic winding ensures convenience.

Each Patek Philippe 5208R includes the technically formidable caliber R CH 27 PS QI. This automatic movement was purpose-built for the 5208 series, and it includes a dazzling combination of 61 jewels and 719 parts in total. A silicon hairspring hardens the movement against magnetic fields, and Patek Philippe’s corporate “seal” is part of a suite of features that allow Patek to guarantee performance of at least -3/+2 seconds per day from the factory.

While standard Patek Philippe watches include a blend of manual and mechanical finishing, the 5208 and similar flagship models receive additional handcraft process. All components are hand-finished including highlights such as black polished repeater strikers, an engine-turned guilloche micro rotor, broad côtes de Genève, and mirrored bevels or anglage. Wheels, screws, and posts are exhaustively detailed.

Any Patek Philippe 5208 represents the apex of haute horlogerie and the ultimate addition to any collection. More than a trophy, this 5208R represents a wearable investment. It is an extraordinarily usable and robust high complication for daily enjoyment.

We back this watch with a 2-Year WatchBox warranty and