John Reardon discusses one of the most signature looks of the Patek Philippe design vocabulary, the hobnail bezel, also known as Clous de Paris decorated bezel.
The Calatrava is the pinnacle of elegant dress watches. For me, a Calatrava should have Roman numerals, clous de Paris pattern on the case, time only without seconds or small seconds. I own a 5120G 35mm and I love it!
I remember a guy at one of my ADs (Mallory's in Bath) telling me that the Calatrava references with clous de Paris have historically always been very popular dress watches with buyers and that they were glad Patek has reintroduced them in the catalogue. I have to say, I don't really get it myself. When they showed me one of the new Calatrava 6119Gs in the metal, I thought: "Eeek! Why did they have to do that to the bezel!?" Each to his own, I guess. But for me, this kind of fancy decoration flies right in the face of the Bauhaus aesthetic...
@@johnreardon3158 I can see that removing the clous de Paris from, say, a 5120 would tip it over from minimalism towards blandness. So I guess that design works in aesthetic terms. It still wouldn't be one for me, though - I like cases to be chunky and plain. I tried on a 5930G at Spiers in Truro when I made my most recent purchase(s) and I was blown away. If I could stretch to owing that reference I'd put it on a brown calfskin strap...oh yeah...for me that would be a watch you could wear literally anywhere from the beach to Buckingham Palace! :-)
Great point! The 5039J should have been mentioned given it is one the first perpetual Pateks with a hobnail bezel. I wish I had one to show in this video!
I really am pleased that I have found this channel. Thank you.
Thanks for following! More Patek content in the works for the release this summer.
The Calatrava is the pinnacle of elegant dress watches. For me, a Calatrava should have Roman numerals, clous de Paris pattern on the case, time only without seconds or small seconds. I own a 5120G 35mm and I love it!
Watching this while wearing my 3919J :). Wonderful video!
Thank you for your kind comment. Enjoy your 3919!
Iconic Pateks… 3919 is a legend!
Agree!
I remember a guy at one of my ADs (Mallory's in Bath) telling me that the Calatrava references with clous de Paris have historically always been very popular dress watches with buyers and that they were glad Patek has reintroduced them in the catalogue. I have to say, I don't really get it myself. When they showed me one of the new Calatrava 6119Gs in the metal, I thought: "Eeek! Why did they have to do that to the bezel!?" Each to his own, I guess. But for me, this kind of fancy decoration flies right in the face of the Bauhaus aesthetic...
I felt the exact same way about the new 6119. I don’t like it. Too ostentatious
In my opinion, less is more with hobnail and that is why is works best with 3919, 5119, 5120 etc. Simpler the better!
@@johnreardon3158 I can see that removing the clous de Paris from, say, a 5120 would tip it over from minimalism towards blandness. So I guess that design works in aesthetic terms. It still wouldn't be one for me, though - I like cases to be chunky and plain. I tried on a 5930G at Spiers in Truro when I made my most recent purchase(s) and I was blown away. If I could stretch to owing that reference I'd put it on a brown calfskin strap...oh yeah...for me that would be a watch you could wear literally anywhere from the beach to Buckingham Palace! :-)
I love hobnail. I have a beautiful ST Dupont lighter that's adorned with the pattern.
That is awesome!
i have 3919 with wite gold i love it! hope my next will be travel time
Wonderful video as always! I was hoping you would cover the 5039 within this theme… The 3919 was actually my very first Patek.
Great point! The 5039J should have been mentioned given it is one the first perpetual Pateks with a hobnail bezel. I wish I had one to show in this video!
I love your videos.
Thanks so much for your kind comment. We are so glad you enjoy our videos!
Thanks for the video. Could you please let me know the size of your wrist?
Thanks for watching - wrist diameter is 7.25"