Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime (Ref. 5175) — Detailed Review
Introduction
Welcome to MUNTAJAT-BILS, your trusted source for in-depth reviews of the world’s most extraordinary luxury timepieces. Today, we examine the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 5175, a monumental haute-horlogerie piece created to celebrate Patek Philippe’s 175th anniversary. This is no ordinary watch — it’s a sonic and mechanical masterpiece.
Brand & Historical Context
- Patek Philippe is widely regarded as one of the finest Swiss watchmakers, known for extremely complicated mechanical watches and traditional craftsmanship.
- The Grandmaster Chime Ref. 5175 was introduced in 2014 as part of the brand’s 175th anniversary celebration. MyWatch EN+1
- Only seven pieces of this reference were made, making it extraordinarily rare. thehourglass.com+1
- It features 20 complications, including several striking mechanisms, making it one of the most complicated wristwatches ever created. MyWatch EN
Key Specifications & Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Reference | 5175 timeandwatches.com+1 |
| Case Material | 18 K rose gold, hand-engraved, reversible case MyWatch EN+1 |
| Case Size | ~47.40 mm diameter, ~16.10 mm thickness MyWatch EN |
| Movement | Calibre GS AL 36-750 QIS FUS IRM (manual winding) MyWatch EN |
| Number of Parts | ~1,366 components, 108 jewels MyWatch EN |
| Power Reserve | ~72 hours (movement) / ~30 hours (strikework) MyWatch EN |
| Frequency | 25,200 semi-oscillations / hour (3.5 Hz) MyWatch EN |
| Complications | - Grande sonnerie - Petite sonnerie - Minute repeater - Alarm with time strike - Date repeater - Instantaneous perpetual calendar (with 4-digit year) - Moon phase - Second time zone + day/night indicator - Power-reserve indicators (movement + strike) - Crown-position indicator - Strikework mode display (silence, grande, petite) MyWatch EN |
| Patents / Innovations | Several: reversible case mechanism, date repeater, strikework differential, alarm mechanism, four-digit year display. thehourglass.com+1 |
| Water Resistance | Not water-resistant — designed as a high-complication, delicate watch. MyWatch EN |
Design & Aesthetic
- The dual-faced, reversible case is one of the most striking features: you can flip the watch to show either of two dials (time/chiming side vs. calendar side). MyWatch EN
- Each side is hand-engraved with a laurel-wreath motif, demonstrating Patek Philippe’s artisanal excellence. MyWatch EN
- The dials are both made of 18K gold, opaline finish, with guilloche and applied Roman numerals. MyWatch EN
- The pushers and crown are ergonomically designed to control all 20 complications: setting second time zone, alarm, repeater, calendar corrections, etc. MyWatch EN
- Despite its complexity and size, the Grandmaster Chime is built with user-friendliness in mind: the crown mechanism is cleverly designed so that a single crown can control multiple functions. Hodinkee
Rarity & Exclusivity
- With only 7 units made, the Grandmaster Chime Ref. 5175 is exceptionally rare. thehourglass.com+1
- It's the centerpiece of Patek Philippe’s 175th anniversary — making it both a commemorative and historical piece. Hodinkee
- The combination of 20 complications, high artisanal finishing, and patented mechanisms makes it a collector’s dream and likely to remain a legend among haute horlogerie pieces.
- Because of its rarity and technical sophistication, it’s not just an investment — it’s a legacy timepiece.
Strengths & Highlights
- Unmatched Complication: 20 complications, including multiple chiming functions, show Patek’s horological mastery.
- Acoustic Excellence: Grande sonnerie, petite sonnerie, and minute repeater — the watch is a symphony on the wrist.
- Design Ingenuity: The reversible case is practical yet artistic, and the finish is purely handcrafted.
- Collector Appeal: Only 7 pieces means this is for the serious collector or investor.
- Technical Innovation: Several patented mechanisms (date repeater, alarm strike, strikework differential) give it a unique place in watchmaking history.
Limitations & Challenges
- Size & Wearability: At ~47 mm and 16 mm thick, it's very large and heavy — not ideal as a daily-wear watch.
- Water Resistance: Minimal or none — must be treated with care.
- Maintenance Complexity: Servicing a watch with 1,366 parts and chiming mechanisms is very expensive and technically demanding.
- Limited Supply: Because only 7 were made, acquiring one (or selling one) is extremely challenging.
- Insurance & Security: Given its rarity and value, it requires very high insurance and tight security.
Investment Potential
- Highly collectible: As a limited edition, anniversary piece from Patek, it is already a symbol of legacy.
- Likely to appreciate: The technical novelty, rarity, and historical importance all support strong long-term value.
- Legacy asset: Perfect for collectors who view watches as heirlooms or museum-level pieces.
- Risk: Very narrow buyer base; maintaining and insuring it comes at a high cost.
Who Is This Watch For?
- Ultra-high-net-worth collectors who want ultimate mechanical prestige.
- Connoisseurs of grand complications and striking watches.
- Investors in legacy horology who treat watches as art, not just accessories.
- Patek Philippe enthusiasts who value rarity and history.
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If you enjoyed our last review, you might also appreciate another remarkable Patek masterpiece — the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime 6300A, a modern interpretation of extreme complication and rarity.
(Link: https://muntajat-bils.blogspot.com/2025/11/blog-post_599.html)
Conclusion & Verdict
The Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 5175 is more than just a watch — it is a horological monument. On MUNTAJAT-BILS, this timepiece embodies the very essence of high-complication watchmaking: technical innovation, artisanal craftsmanship, and exclusivity.
Verdict: This is a watch for the true collector or connoisseur who values legacy, sonic complexity, and the art of mechanical mastery. If your audience appreciates ultra-luxury timepieces with deep historical significance, the Grandmaster Chime Ref. 5175 is among the most compelling pieces you can feature.