Patek Philippe introduced a new white dial version of their Nautilus "Jumbo" at Baselworld earlier this week. And to match the new dial, they switched to black oxidized hands and markers, with white luminescent paint. The new look is sporty and refreshing; a nice change for a brand that rarely dares to venture outside of their traditional design code.

READ MORE

I. Breitling Montbrillant Navitimer

The Breitling Montbrillant Navitimer Caliber 01 is a vintage inspired timepiece that looks like a chronograph from the 1940s or 1950s. The case is downsized 40 mm case, for a more vintage feel. It has the old Breilting "B" logo on the dial. Breitling has fitted this special timepiece with their in-house column-wheel chronograph movement, the Caliber 01.

Retail from $8,540, Breitling

READ MORE

Today, is press day at Baselworld, and although some brands do not begin exhibiting their novelties until the official opening day, which is tomorrow, March 24, 2011 -- most brands do begin revealing their novelties a day early. Patek Philippe, for example, just unveiled a beautiful 41 mm perpetual calendar chronograph timepiece. The chronograph movement features a column-wheel, which is preferable when compared to the more economical cam and lever chronograph design (both chronograph types are reliable, but the column-wheel design allows for a smoother actuation of the start, stop and reset functions, plus it is more luxurious, and looks great when you are examining the movement). The case is 18K white gold, and features interchangeable casebacks (one is solid and the other is an exhibition caseback). Check back and I should have some in-person images of the new Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Ref 5270 very soon.

READ MORE

(Click image for gallery - 2 photos)

Patek Philippe recently opened a new production facility in Le Brassus, which is in the Vallée de Joux (famous for fine watchmaking, and home to brands such as: Audemars Piguet, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Breguet, Blancpain). The new facility houses 25 watchmakers, and according to the press release, this location allows Patek to be close to the Vallée's specialized schools. Patek's facility was previously located in Le Sentier, which is also within the Vallée de Joux. In fact, Le Sentier is only about five minutes away from Le Brassus.

For Baselworld 2010, Patek Philippe has introduced one of their sportiest looking watches yet. Their new chronograph maintains the classic Patek feel, while offering a sporty new look. And best of all, it looks nothing like the hideous, sports oriented Nautilus collection. The new Patek Philippe Ref. 5951P is powered by the thinnest split-seconds mono-pusher chronograph movement with perpetual calendar. The Patek Philippe CHR 27-525 PS Q movement, which was designed specifically for the new 5951, is based on the Patek Philippe CHR 27-525 PS movement, which is already the thinnest column-wheel controlled split-seconds chronograph movement.

READ MORE

A Patek Phlippe Sky Moon Tourbillon in yellow gold, Ref. 5002, sold for $1.2 million at auction in New York on October 7th. According to Patrizzi & Co. Auctioneers, this is the highest price paid for a wristwatch at auction since the beginning of the recession. And, of course, it's a Patek. As you probably already know, Pateks are in high demand among collectors, resulting in consistently high auction prices.

READ MORE