Introducing: The Patek Philippe Quadruple Complication Ref. 5308G-001
The Patek Philippe Quadruple Complication ref. 5308G-001 is a stunning-looking timepiece but with a price tag well beyond what most of us could spare. Let’s take a look.
Today’s Quadruple Complication ref. 5308G-001 is entering Patek Philippe’s regular catalog. Originally, the Quadruple Complication debuted as a limited-edition platinum watch during 2023’s “Watch Art” Tokyo Grand Exhibition. This new regular-production version, however, comes in white gold. It offers a minute-repeater, a split-seconds chronograph featuring two patented mechanisms, and a perpetual calendar. The watch comes in a 42mm size but has a price tag of more than a million euros!
A rather thick but exceptional watch by Patek
The Patek Philippe Quadruple Complication ref. 5308G-001 is also noticeably thick. It comes in at 17.71mm, which is chunky by any standard. The case has a concave bezel and skeletonized lugs. Interestingly, Patek says the watch will come with two interchangeable case backs, one with sapphire crystal offering a view of the movement and the other in solid white gold.
The Maison says the case is not water resistant but will withstand humidity and dust. Fittingly for a watch of this level, all exterior surfaces are polished by hand. The watch comes on a blue alligator leather strap with a white gold triple-blade folding clasp.
The Patek Philippe Quadruple Complication
Patek Philippe opted for an ice-blue dial with a sunburst finish. It features blued white gold applied hour markers with a dauphine-style handset on top. The Maison says that given the number of complications, the dial’s design required a focus on clarity. As part of this, the perpetual calendar’s day, date, and month windows appear in an arc between 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock. Each has a blued white gold frame, partly to create contrast for legibility. Additional openings at 8 o’clock and 4 o’clock provide a day/night indicator and a leap-year cycle.
Caliber R CHR 27 PS QI sits within the 42mm case. It has 67 jewels and a 38–48-hour power reserve. This 10-hour difference is based on how many complications are used. Patek Philippe says that there are 80 extra components for the split-seconds function within this new movement, but these only add an extra 1.93mm in thickness. The total number of components in the movement is 799.
Concluding thoughts
Patek says the integration of a split-seconds chronograph function was a technical challenge. To offset the energy drain that such a complication requires, Patek increased the barrel spring’s torque and used a platinum micro-rotor for even more efficient winding. The chronograph engages via the pusher at the 2 o’clock position, which also allows the wearer to stop and reset it. Another pusher at 4 controls the split-seconds function. The minute repeater utilizes two gongs and is activated by a slide at 9 o’clock. Every chime is personally approved by Thierry Stern, apparently to ensure the “Patek sound.” Finally, the instantaneous perpetual calendar allows all displays to jump precisely within 30 milliseconds. Two patented mechanisms ensure smooth transitions, even with just 10 hours of power reserve remaining.
In summary, this is a highly complex but very impressive watch by Patek Phillippe! And yes, technically, the price is “on request.” Until our team members at the fair in Geneva can get their hands on it, you can find more details about the 5308G-001 here.
