BEST OF THE BEST - Watches

In a rarefied field where excellence is the baseline, Patek Philippe’s Quadruple Complication Reference 5308G-001 raises the stakes for technical sophistication in fine watchmaking.

- Haziq Yusof, Oren Hartov, and Paige Reddinger

WATCH OF THE YEAR

Patek Philippe Quadruple Complication

Ref. 5308G-001

The watch combines a splitseconds chronograph, a minute repeater, and an instantaneous perpetual calendar in a showcase of mechanical virtuosity and aesthetic elegance.

The minute repeater chimes the hours, quarters, and minutes with crystalline precision, resonating from twin traditional gongs activated by a case-side slide, an acoustic signature honed over generations. To this, Patek Philippe adds a split-seconds chronograph capable of tracking concurrent events, bolstered by two patent-pending innovations. One is a flexible-tooth clutch wheel that eliminates chronograph hand jitter without drawing additional energy; the other is a precision-boosting system that momentarily disengages a component during split-second timing, reducing friction, and enhancing reliability.

The third complication is no less impressive. The patented instantaneous perpetual calendar executes a simultaneous, mechanical ballet at midnight, with day, date, and month all switching in unison, regardless of month length, in just 30 milliseconds. These indications, arranged in an arc of apertures, are joined by discreet windows for the day/night cycle and leap-year indication, while the moon-phase display is integrated into the small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock.

Housed in an elegant white gold case with an ice-blue sunburst dial, the Ref. 5308G-001 is a horological masterpiece that upholds and advances Patek Philippe’s formidable legacy.

REVIVAL

Zenith G.F.J

Zenith’s horological legacy runs deep. This is, after all, the