There still are a few months until the next privileged timekeeping event, the September 2013 Only Watch. The first timepiece we’ll preview in advance to the event is the elegant Patek Philippe Ref 5004T.
This is a fantastic split-seconds chronograph with perpetual calendar. The original version, the Ref 5004, used to be produced for around 6 years until it was replaced by the Patek Philippe 5204, back in 2011. The current piece though is every bit as similar to the previous model except the case, which is reportedly crafted from titanium. This is in fact the fourth ever Patek Philippe wristwatch to be fully encased in titanium, according to Perpetuelle.
At a closer approach, the PPP Ref 5004T boasts a quite interesting dial crafted from solid gold and engraved to look like carbon fiber. The strap looks similarly, made of calf skin and embossed to resemble the same carbon fiber pattern. Rather interestingly, the Ref 5004T fully imitates carbon fiber instead of using any. If you ask me, imitating carbon fiber may seem cheap, while using it is a bit radical for a watch. The Only Watch 2013 auction will definitely have this as one of its centerpieces.
Technically, the titanium case measures 36.7 mm in diameter, the dial boasts a guilloche motif and a titanium pin buckle is mated to the strap. From deep within, the Ref 5004T is powered by the Patek Philippe Caliber CHR 27-70 Q, based on the Lemania 2310 caliber. The engine was introduced back in 1986 by Patek Philippe and is a manually wound mechanism based on a Nouvelle Lémania movement blank manufactured exclusively for the brand and completely revamped by Patek Philippe.
[Perpetuelle]
