Patek Philippe's Charcoal-gray Dials and Complications, Watches and Wonders 2022

Many eyes are on Patek Philippe during this time of year as the brand releases their new watches to set the tone for the upcoming year. Many anticipated an update on their Nautilus (the 5711 being discontinued and all) but that did not materialize. Instead, we saw a grouping of watches that showed the complication excellence of the brand and also the diversity in look that they can create with their classical designs.

Patek Philippe released an Annual Calendar Travel Time, reference 5326G, a 41mm white gold cased watch that definitely turned some heads. The watch features a charcoal-gray dial with beautiful light yellow applied hour markers and hands which takes one back to vintage watches. With 48 hours of power reserve and almost the perfect complication for anyone, the watch packs a huge punch for its offering. Along with this watch, Patek Philippe expanded these unique dials to their Calatrava family - one that is mostly an entry into the brands watches. The reference 5326G is a white gold cased 40mm watch that features hours, minutes, seconds and date complication. Most watches in the Calatrava line are classic in their look, but this one they decided to expand their aesthetics with their charcoal grey dial. It gives collectors variety in finding an entry watch with the historic brand.

The brand also released an annual calendar moon phase watch, reference 5205R, with an olive green dial. The reference is not a new one, but the olive green dial certainly changes the aesthetic of the piece. The watch has a 40mm rose gold case with the perfect placement of complications. The deep green dial reflects so well with the gold tone of the case setting this watch up to be one of the most beautiful combinations of the year.

They also released a piece that really belongs with “Huate Joaillerie” watches - a 5274/300P Minute Repeater and Perpetual Calendar with beautifully placed diamonds and blue sapphires. The platinum cased 42mm watch is definitely up there when it comes to both complications and materials used. This adds to the collection of ‘once in a lifetime’ watches that the brand owns and tastefully mixes the jewelry side of watchmaking with complications.

To add to their impressive line of World Time watches, Patek Philippe also released a new 5230P in platinum. The watch is loved by many, and now comes in a platinum case with blue, hand-guilloched basket-weave dial.

The brand also leaned into the salmon dial craze, releasing a 5320G annual calendar and a 5172G chronograph. Both watches feature salmon dials. The annual calendar, which was introduced in 2017, demonstrates the beauty of Patek Philippe complication. The chronograph has a nice two sub-dial display with round chronograph pushers. Both watches hands have very bright luminescent hands and hour markers.

The breadth of releases demonstrate a wonderful selection of watches that will get collectors excited about the upcoming year. Congratulations Patek Philippe!

Enjoy!