Return of a classic: Patek Philippe’s signature ladies' watch gets a new face
After more than a decade, Patek Philippe is bringing back the popular Twenty-4 Manchette quartz-powered model it first introduced in 1999, updated with a fresher look.
The new Patek Philippe Twenty-4 Manchette. (Photo: Patek Philippe)
Patek Philippe’s Twenty-4 line was the Swiss watchmaker’s first collection made exclusively for women. Featuring an art-deco inspired cuff design, or “manchette” in French, a rectangular case and a metallic bracelet, it was designed for everyday wear, hence the collection’s name, Twenty-4.
For women, the Twenty-4 timepiece has long been known as the entry watch into the world of Patek Philippe. Relatively simple in styling, the timepiece is well-suited for any occasion.
In 2018, the watchmaker unveiled the Twenty-4 automatic. While the bracelet retained the same design, the timepiece was given a more traditional round case and an automatic movement.
This year, Patek Philippe is bringing back the original classic, albeit updated for a more modern look. Two new versions of the Twenty-4 Manchette have been launched, with new dials in blue and grey.
Just like the original, the Twenty-4 Manchette retains the steel bracelet. The rectangular case also makes a return, but this time, Roman numerals have given way to white-gold applied Arabic numerals, instantly giving the timepiece an updated look more suited for today’s empowered ladies.
Meanwhile, the diamond hour markers are replaced by applied trapeze-shaped hour markers, also in white gold.
The two new references feature a dial decorated with a blue sunburst (Ref. 4910/1200A-001) or with a grey sunburst enriched by a gradation to black at the periphery (Ref. 4910/1200A-010). Their white-gold applied numerals and hour markers and white-gold baton-style hands all have a luminous coating for legibility in the dark.
The new Twenty-4 also does away with the original diamond indices. The distinctive shape of the two-tier rectangular case is instead underlined by two rows of 18 diamonds of approximately 0.42 carats. A Calatrava Cross, symbol of the Patek Philippe manufacture, embellishes the crown.
The watch is powered by Patek Philippe's calibre E15 quartz movement and is paired with a steel bracelet fitted with a folding buckle.
While the 1999 Twenty-4 Manchette is a signature in its own right, compared to the new versions, it appears to be a little old-fashioned. The updated design, with its cleaner and fresher look, is perhaps the watchmaker's way of attracting a new, younger group of consumers.
The Patek Philippe Twenty-4 Manchette is now available at boutiques and authorised sellers in Singapore, priced at S$19,400.
