The very first time we ever ran into a Patek Philippe Grand Complication ref. 5208P was at the 175th anniversary party of Patek Philippe at the Rainbow Room in New York City. You can read our special feature here. That same night is when we spotted this Grand Complication on the wrist of Mr. Thierry Stern —President of Patek Philippe— and luckily for us, this was a 'once in a lifetime' type of opportunity where we were able to snap an epic wristshot with him. A few weeks ago during our Minute Repeater training at Patek, we were finally able to peruse and photograph the legendary Patek Philippe ref. 5208P. The Patek Philippe Grand Complication ref. 5208P is a timepiece that needs very little introduction and not too much explanation as it is simply one of the most exceptional timepieces from Patek and a true horological grail among grails.

The Case

Fitted with a 42 mm case, this is the largest modern Patek Philippe out there. Exclusively available in 950 platinum, the Patek ref. 5208P is a triple complication with instantaneous perpetual calendar, minute repeater and monopusher 12-hour chronograph. In terms of looks, the Patek Philippe ref. 5208P is simply perfect and one that from afar can be mistaken with the Patek ref. 5207/700P-001 which instead of a monopusher chronograph is equipped with a tourbillon, a brown dial and a 41 mm case. One very unique feature on the case construction of the Patek ref. 5208 are its cutout hollow lugs and the chrono pusher is soft as butter when pressed and with a rectangular shape with slightly rounded corners. The minute repeater lever is located in its traditional position on the left case band.

The Dial

The Patek ref. 5208P is fitted with a gorgeous charcoal gray sunburst dial with instantaneous perpetual calendar apertures between 10 and 2 o'clock, at 9 o'clock a 12-hour chrono register with small day/night, at 3 o'clock a 60-minute chrono register with leap year indication aperture and a seconds subdial with moon phase indicator at 6 o'clock.

The Movement

The beating heart inside the legendary Patek Philippe ref. 5208P is the automatic Patek calibre R CH 27 PS QI with Minute Repeater, monopusher 12-hour chronograph and instantaneous perpetual calendar. The movement composed of 719 parts, has a diameter of 32 mm and is equipped with two gongs, a micro-rotor and 63 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 —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 ref. 5208P 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 Grand Complication ref. 5208P.

Sticker Price Approximately $1,000,000 USD. For more info on Patek Philippe click here.