Latest to Patek’s Ladies Complications Collection…Patek Philippe 4968G-010 18kt White Gold Full Pave Diamond Bezel and Mother of Pearl Arabic Dial

Latest Model — “An Instant Hit”

The Patek Philippe 4968 Diamond Ribbon comes in a 33.3 mm white gold case which was designed to be glamorous enough to be worn with an evening gown and subtle enough to be worn each and every day. This is a balance that I found to be more scarcely present among women’s watches than with men’s timepieces. The iridescent mother-of-pearl dial creates a rainbow of structural colors achieved by the natural configuration of the material. The key design element, however, still has to be the engraved spiral on the periphery of the case, highlighting the twirling ribbon effect on the bezel. The diamonds set into the swirls have to be of an almost constantly changing size to follow the widening of the swirls. It is a design element that is not only difficult to pick out on images, but also in person; from afar, it looks as though the Patek Philippe 4968 Diamond Ribbon had your
standard one-tier diamond-set bezel, with the different levels becoming apparent only upon a closer look. Anyhow, it a very welcome design that adds that much-needed uniqueness to an otherwise more restrained piece.

Eleven Arabic numerals in black ruthenium were applied on the dial, ensuring an optimal level of readability. Ruthenium is a transition metal of extreme rarity and part of the platinum group on the periodic table. Ruthenium is tarnish and corrosion resistant, as well as highly resilient. The shiny hand-stitched taupe leather alligator strap is very comfortable on the wrist, while a prong buckle set with 32 diamonds fasten the strap and secure the timepiece to the wrist. As with most jewel encrusted watches, the watch is water resistant to 30 meters.

Clearly, a lot of thought went into the creation of the Patek Philippe 4968 Diamond Ribbon, and it shows. I especially enjoy the more joyful double-pattern of the diamonds, paired with the classical mother-of-pearl dial and large Arabic numerals. Despite the fact that we are looking at a refined ladies’ watch here, let us briefly mention the details of the movement within. The Calibre 215 is equipped with a Gyromax balance, beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour, ensuring an abiding, steadfast precision. The Gyromax balance is unique in that, instead of using a balance rim with threaded holes and screws, this system uses weights set down into the rim which can be rotated on their mounting pins in order to move the mass of the weight inward or outward. In addition, the extensive angling of plate and bridge edges enhance the movement’s aesthetics and eliminate debris during servicing. All 157 movement components are individually designed to ensure the precision, longevity, and reliability of the entire timepiece. The movement is capable of a power reserve ranging from 39 hours to 44 hours. The entire movement is visible via a sapphire crystal case back.