The Patek Philippe Celestial ref. 6102R-001 was launched back in March at Baselworld 2015. This exceptional reference, was originally launched as reference 5102 in 2002 and discontinued in 2012 when it was replaced by ref. 6102P-001 in platinum with blue dial. One of the main differences between the ref. 6102 and its predecessor ref. 5102 besides the relatively different case construction is the addition of a date function. For those of you in love with gold, we have some great news, the legendary Patek Philippe Celestial ref. 6102 is now also available in 18K rose gold with a stunning black dial. Fitted with robust, yet elegant case measuring 44 mm in diameter and a dial featuring what is called a 'Sky Chart', this reference is one of the most fascinating horological complications ever developed by Patek Philippe. The 'Sky Chart' is composed of three different sapphire crystal disks. A black sapphire crystal disk for the sky background, a black sapphire crystal disk for the moon phases and a transparent sapphire crystal disk for the sky chart and Milky Way. Equipped with a black alligator strap with square scales and a fold over clasp, the Patek Philippe Celestial ref. 6102R is just out of this world.

As the sky disc rotates counter-clockwise, the watch shows the progression of stars relative to the meridian passage of Sirius thus, allowing for simultaneous reading of the meridian passage and phases of the moon. A disc, decorated with golden stars and two golden moons against a blue or white background representing the sky, rotates within an aperture. The disc is cut from a wafer of corundum crystal. Gold was condensed onto the disc by means of a vacuum process through a photographic mask to create the shape of the moons and stars.  The aperture is cut at its upper edge in order to represent the lunar cycle. During the first days of each lunar cycle, the leading edge of a golden moon becomes visible as a crescent on the right of the aperture and appears to wax as it emerges beyond the curved edge of the aperture representing the lunar terminator. Half way through the lunar cycle, the moon appears full. It then wanes as it disappears behind the terminator on the left of the aperture. The watch is fitted with leaf skeletonized white hands and a 'lunette' tipped hand for the date indication.

As the moon vanishes, the second moon on the disc is ready to appear on the right. The date is indicated via the flange with a red 'lunette' tipped hand.

Powered by the Patek Philippe calibre 240 LU CL C with 22K off-centered mini rotor, the movement has a diameter of 38 mm and a thickness of 6.81 mm. Composed of 315 parts, 12 bridges and 45 jewels, this calibre provides a power reserve of 48 hours when fully wound while beating at a frequency of 21,600 vph —3 Hz. The movement is fully visible via the display case back.

On the wrist, what can we say. The watch wears true to its size and with exceptional elegance. While the previous iteration of the Patek Philippe Celestial ref. 6102 was a complete stunner, we feel that this new model is way more interesting and less subtle thanks to the black dial and the white and red accents. We have added a wrist shot of the platinum version with blue dial at the bottom, so that you can form your own opinion. If you are a lover of astronomy and anything celestial, this watch is just perfect.

Sticker Price $324,000 USD. For more info on Patek Philippe click here.