Swiss Made 18K Rose Gold Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 5227 Replica Watch

Swiss Made 18K Rose Gold Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 5227 Replica Watch

A model which elicited a gasp of delight and a nod of appreciation from this self-confessed watch replica fanatic was the Calatrava Ref. 5227.

 

Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 5227

By virtue of their reputation, the name Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 5227 replica watch needs little introduction. The Genevan brand is considered horological royalty with impeccable credentials.

Several years ago, I visited the Patek Philippe Museum where I surveyed an amazing collection of clocks and watches. Although the name was familiar beforehand, nothing quite prepared me for the spectacle presented.

 

At Baselworld 2013, Patek Philippe released several gorgeous new models. A particular model which elicited a gasp of delight and a nod of appreciation from this self-confessed watch replica fanatic was the Calatrava Ref. 5227.

The Museum is open to the public and is a must-see for anyone who has even the merest hint of an interest in watchmaking.

It was whilst I examined many of the exhibits with incredulity and awe, I vowed that one day I would own a Patek Philippe. Earlier this year, my dream was realised and I became the proud owner of a white gold Gondolo. This handsome timepiece has become a cherished possession, united with my wrist in a loving marriage which no man will put asunder.

The grand complications which Patek Philippe create are mouth-wateringly incredible and I still dream of owning a 5033P. It remains one of my favourite timepieces of all time, albeit sadly it still remains beyond my financial grasp.

Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 5227

This 18k yellow gold fake patek philippe mens calatrava ref. 5227g watch is the very antithesis of the highly complicated Sky Moon Tourbillon with 12 complications and 686 parts. It is seemingly simple in its presentation. However, simplicity in form should not be misconstrued as simple in execution. Close examination of this watch replica reveals the elevated craftsmanship synonymous with the best.

The dial

A cream coloured dial provides a wonderful canvas in which to express time. It bestows a slightly antique persona. The chosen hue has a warm, indulgent tone which coveys luxury but with sufficient restraint as not to appear too rich or sickly.

Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 5227

 

Five words appear on the dial. The words “Swiss Made” are presented at the southerly aspect of the dial. The brand’s nomen and place of origin proudly reside beneath noon. Indeed, it is these three words which have adorned some of the finest watches ever produced. No further explanation is required, one glance at the prices attained at the most prestigious auction houses will validate this comment.

Gold dauphine shaped hands impart the hours and minutes with clear diction. Their faceted form wonderfully toys with light and shade.

Hours are marked with faceted, trapezoidal shaped markers. Their tapering sides, brilliantly interface with the hands, communicating with the wearer with charming eloquence. In between the hour markers, simple golden dots convey the minutes. Nothing is extraneous.

A central seconds hand, lithe in form, points to the aforementioned dots, virtually kissing their spherical form. It facilitates ease of read off with matchless legibility.

At 3 o’clock the date aperture resides, framed in gold. The date disc is brilliant white with black Arabic numerals presented with clean delivery.

The case

Patek Philippe provides two figures for the height, 9.24mm to 9.58mm, depending whether you measure the case height from the crystal to the dust cover or the crystal to the lugs. This brings us to the first detail of the case, the curved flutes which emerge from the caseband and taper to the lugs.

The case measures 39mm in diameter. It is available in three variants, 18-carat yellow, rose or white gold. Ordinarily this size would prove too small for my larger than average physique but the concave bezel fools the eyes into believing the watch replica is larger than it actually is.

Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 5227

The lugs are short, allowing the strap to nuzzle the wrist and envelope the arm in a comfortable embrace.

The crown has three positions: to wind the watch, correct the date and to set the time. It is charmingly adorned with the Patek logo, the Calatrava cross, on its vertical flank and traditionally knurled, aiding adjustment.

Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 5227

Patek Philippe have an holistic approach to watch replica manufacturing exampled not only with being a manufacture of movements but also producing the cases of its watches in-house. The case of the Ref. 5227 features a wonderful secret.

I lament that my own 5111G lacks a sapphire caseback, depriving my eyes of the view within. It was whilst handling the 5227 that I shared a similar pang of disappointment. However, the case incorporates a hinged dust cover revealing the inner beauty of the watch replica and sight of the Caliber 324 S C via a sapphire-crystal glass.

I confess I was fooled into thinking the watch replica had a solid caseback, but the dust cover is blessed with an invisible hinge, hidden from the most scrutinising eyes. The only tell is a discreet catch adjacent the crown. It was a moment of serendipitous joy, when my host at Basel, revealed the inner beauty of the watch.

The movement

Haute horology connects with me in a profoundly emotional way. I feel a connection with a beautifully presented movement. I always appreciate the joy of seeing a finely executed piece of mechanical artwork within. Patek Philippe have indulged my eyes with the Caliber 324 S C.

Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 5227

The gear wheels are snailed.Perlage is visible on the mainplate and the bearing rubies reside within polished sink holes.

The pattern on the bridges repeats the Côtes de Genève polishing but this time it is delivered in straight form.The oscillating weight is made from 21-carat gold and is beautifully decorated with Côtes de Genève motif, presented in circular form. The two styles of polishing charmingly complement each other.

All aspects of the finissage stand testament to the elevated craftsmanship which the cognoscenti have grown to expect of movements which bear the Patek Seal.The chamfered edges of the bridges are magnificently polished with uniform angles.

Screws are polished to a brilliant appearance with wonderfully defined, chamfered slots.

Whilst traditions have been respected, some aspects are cutting edge. The patented Spiromax® balance spring is made of Silinvar®. It oscillates at 28,800 vph (4Hz) and provides an accuracy said to be -3 to +2 seconds per day.

Conclusion

The lack of complications does not deprive the wearer, but rather confers a timepiece at a more accessible price point than the deliciously complicated watches for which Patek Philippe are renowned.

The finish of the Ref. 5227 is sublime. It is distilled to perfection. However, don’t be fooled by its simple form, it has a profound intellect within its handsome case. This is the result of adroit skill and patient endeavour practised by the talented artisans who work at Patek Philippe.

 

A constant remains true to the ideals of the Stern family, that of creating timepieces which will pass from father to son and from mother to daughter. Like many fathers, I can think of no finer expression of love than bequeathing a Patek Phillippe Calatrava Ref. 5227 to my lovely boy.

Technical Specification

  • Model: Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 5227
  • Reference: 5227G (white gold); 5227J (yellow gold); 5227R (rose gold)
  • Case: 18-carat gold; diameter 39.00mm; height 9.24mm (crystal to dust cover); water resistant to 3 bar (30 metres); sapphire crystal to front and sapphire caseback fitted with hinged dust cover.
  • Functions: Hours; minutes; central seconds; date.
  • Movement: Caliber 324 S C, self-winding; frequency 28,800 vph (4 Hz); 29 jewels; power reserve (max – 48 hours / min 38 hours).
  • Strap:  Hand-stitched alligator with square scales, shiny black (white gold), shiny chocolate brown (yellow gold) or shiny dark brown (rose gold); 16-mm prong buckle in 18K gold to match the strap.

The elegant replica patek philippe Calatrava 5227 watch was first launched in 1932 and now celebrates 81 years in the Patek Philippe range. It is a worthy member of the Patek family.