LADIES
PATEK PHILIPPE
REF . 7150 / 250R-001 CHRONOGRAPH
When Patek Philippe introduced its premiere in-house column-wheel chronograph in 2009 , the Geneva firm surprised almost everyone by introducing this prized complication in the form of a watch intended exclusively for feminine wrists . That Ladies First Chronograph Ref . 7071 , a now-prized cushion-shaped example of Patek Philippe ’ s technical and design finesse , remained in the collection until 2016 .
This year Patek Philippe puts a new face on that groundbreaking design with new Ref . 7150 / 250R-001 , a 2018 debut that underscores Patek Philippe ’ s rich history as a maker of complicated wristwatches for women . More than a few of the brand ’ s technical debuts can be found within its collections made for women , including its first wristwatch ( from 1868 ) and its first chiming model ( from 1916 ). A Patek Philippe movement originally designed for a ladies pendant watch served as the basis of its – and likely the world ’ s – first perpetual calendar wristwatch ( 1925 ).
With the new piece , Patek Philippe replaces the earlier edition ’ s cushionshaped case with an equally elegant , 38mm round rose-gold case set with a 72-diamond bezel . The new look is actually vintage-inspired , with a fluted and curved lugs , round chronograph pushers ( each guillochéd by hand , naturally ) and a cambered sapphire-crystal “ box ” glass .
The silvery opaline dial also mixes old and new as it features Breguet hour and minute hands in rose gold , but places them within a contemporary dial layout . Patek Philippe adds a pulsimeter scale here as an “ ode to the tradition of classic chronographs that can measure the cadence of an active lifestyle or the slightly increased heart rate of its proud owner ,” according to the company .
The movement inside the relatively small case is Patek Philippe ’ s manually wound caliber CH 29-535 PS movement with an instantaneous 30-minute counter . It can be seen in all its highly finished glory through the box-type sapphire-crystal case back . Now that Ref , 7071 has been retired , this new Ref . 7150 / 250R-001 is the only chronograph in Patek Philippe ’ s collection specifically made for women . Price : $ 83,918 .
SUMMER 2018 | INTERNATIONAL WATCH | 99