The Patek Philippe Grand Complication Minute Repeater ref. 5078 is one of the most elegant and simple looking minute repeaters; however, at its core, a double-gong chiming mechanism marks the hours, quarter hours and the minutes. Only available in platinum or 18K rose gold, the Patek ref. 5078 is as good as it gets. The use of bells and sounds to signal time or mark important events has been part of human history for centuries. Whether we think of traditional church bells or iconic clock towers like the 'Big Ben' at the Palace of Westminster, the use of sound to mark the hours or to tell time is simply magical. Other than being the ultimate horological complication, the use of Minute Repeaters helped people before electrical power was available to tell time in the middle of the night without having to light up a candle and risking setting their homes on fire.
The Case & Dial
Fitted with a 38 mm case in either platinum or 18K rose gold the Patek Philippe ref. 5078 is an extremely classic looking timepiece that holds one of the nicest sounding minute repeater mechanisms at its core. Featuring a double gong, the glassy chime on this minute repeater is one of our favorites out there. Available in platinum with a black lacquered dial or a white enamel dial, the 18K rose gold model is only available with white enamel dial. The elegant and timeless looking dial features a Roman numerals chapter ring with seconds subdial at 6 o'clock and leaf shaped hands. As it is the norm at Patek, the platinum references include a legendary flawless Top Wesselton diamond on the case at 6 o'clock.
The Movement
The beating heart inside the legendary Patek Philippe ref. 5078P and 5078R is the automatic Patek calibre R 27 PS with Minute Repeater. This elaborate automatic movement is equipped with two gongs, a micro-rotor with à grains d'orge —barleycorn— guilloché motif and 39 jewels. The movement beats at a frequency of 21,600 vph to provide a power reserve of 48 hours maximum. For those of you that might want to maintain the movement hidden —which we wonder why would anyone want to do that—, Patek Philippe sells this timepiece with an interchangeable full back and display sapphire case back.
On the Wrist & Pricing
On the wrist, there's not much to say other than that this amazing timepiece is simply perfect. The Patek Philippe Grand Complication Minute Repeater ref. 5078 is what watch dreams are made of and a timepiece that wears simply impeccably and true to its size. The sound of its minute repeater is captivating and one of our top five favorite repeaters in the world. Pure perfection here and nothing else. There are special watches and then there's this Patek Philippe Minute Repeater.
Sticker Price Approximately $500,000 USD. For more info on Patek Philippe click here.
