After the impressive Calatrava 4897 R, the 2010 Patek Philippe Ladies First Chronograph 7071R is somewhat of a disappointment. I mean, do women really tend to buy these things?
I have already stated that I do not understand what kind of jewelry women usually prefer to buy.
So, when it is time for me to buy an anniversary or a birthday gift to my beloved wife, we usually go together and she points at a curiously crafted little chunk of precious metal she would like to have.
If the little thing doesn’t strike a blow to our family budget, I usually buy and keep my opinion to myself. Or else.
And guess what, when it comes to watches, my wife prefers quartz (you don’t need to wind it every 40 hours or so) to mechanical movements and usually chooses tiny, sub-25 mm cases not paying any attention to the monstrous diamonds-stuffed automatic chronographs that look more massive than gents chronograph watches looked only twenty years ago. Like this one.
In other words, if the love of your life is closer to Eva Longoria Parker than to Kathy Bates, then she will most certainly prefer a Longines DolceVita to an Omega Speedmaster, even if the latter is five times more expensive.
Having said that, I do not understand how Patek Philippe is going to sell their new Ladies First Chronograph collection.
At a size of 39 mm in length, 35 mm in width and (OMG!) 10.95 mm in height, this model will cost like a Porsche Boxster, weight like a VW Golf and look like a tactical wrist computer from The Predator movie, but you won’t even be able to detonate a portable nuke with it!
However, if you are a real connoisseur and love watches not only for their exterior look but also for movements that power it, then there is a good chance that this one will strike you right into the heart.
As you can see on the photos, the hand-wound CH 29-535 PS movement (it is reported that the caliber will also power the upcoming Patek Philippe Ref. 5170J chronograph, which is designed for men) features the traditional unrivaled build quality and a beautiful design that you can admire for hours.
Based on the classic column wheel and horizontal clutch architecture, the movement features several innovative design solutions, such as optimized synchronization of the clutch and brake levers, as well as self-setting return to zero hammers that make the dial more reliable and dependable.
See also: Angular Momentum Illum Aqua Ladies
Photos: Patek Philippe
Patek Philippe Ladies First Chronograph 7071R specification
Movement: CH 29-535 PS, hand-wound, in-house, 33 jewels, 28,800 vph, 29.6 mm x 5.35 mm
Complications: Chronograph
Power reserve: 65 hours
Case: Rose gold, 18-karat
Shape: Cushion
Transparent back: Yes, sapphire crystal
Size: 39.00 mm x 35.00 mm
Case height: 10.50 mm
Dial: Silvery opaline
Hands: Baton-style, painted brown
Water resistance: 50 meters
Strap: Hand-stitched alligator leather, matt white (black dial) or brown with white stitching (white dial,) 18-mm prong buckle in 18K rose gold
Crystal: Sapphire, domed
Yep, this is me. Just had my beard trimmed.
I am a founding father of this weblog since 2008.
Bought my first mechanical watch in 1986 and it took me ten more years to realize that I have a problem: at some point in time watches became my passion. Well, it could be worse.