Quick Take

Nobody goes big quite like Patek Philippe. The reference 5078 minute repeater has been around for years, but it has never been executed quite like this. The already impressive minute repeater has always utilized the caliber R 27 PS, which is expertly finished and wound automatically with a relatively hefty micro-rotor. That's no different here, but up front you get an absolutely over-the-top incredible black enamel dial with tonal arabesque patterns and applied white gold markers paired with the white gold case. It's a pretty safe bet that these early press photos don't do this watch justice at all, since other Patek watches with black enamel dials (like the incredible 5370P) are straight stunners in person. Stay tuned for tons of photos of this no-questions-asked mega watch.

Initial Thoughts

There is something so undeniably awesome about a time-only minute repeater in a conservative size. It's a watch that says "I'm a boss and I'd honestly rather you not know it." What's cooler than that? The 5078 in particular is a repeater I've always loved, since it ups the ante with its oversized micro-rotor winding system (it's...dare I say it...a practical minute repeater) and has a bit of extra panache in all of its various incarnations. This latest 5078G is up against some stiff competition, including the previous iteration of the reference, which has a creme colored dial and applied Breguet numerals. I think this black enamel version might be a tad ornate for me personally, but there's no arguing against this being close to as superlative a three-hand watch as human hands can make.

When it comes to old school watches with grand complications, I just can’t help but get excited so here folks is the cool sounding 5078G Minute Repeater in a highly legible black enamel dial.

If you’re looking for a steel case, look elsewhere, here we have white gold which is appropriate for all the goodness the watch represents. Design wise, the case looks stunning but conservative at 38 mm by 10.18 mm, quite thin actually considering the impressive movement ticking inside. Basing on pictures alone, we can see the nice polished finish and the super smooth edge of the bezel and the lugs. The harmony of the elements is really undeniable. I bet it will look even more stunning in person than in pictures which doesn’t really do it justice.

Moving on, the black dial of this impressive time-only minute repeater is really legible. However, I would like to emphasize that the ornate styling here is not really my taste but given the chance, I will grab and use one immediately, and I am sure you would too. The details are perfection, the best that a human hand can actually achieve, pretty impressive to say the least. The arabesque pattern doesn’t confuse much given that it has a centralized point of origin cutting clean only at the sub-dial at 6 o’clock.

Moreover, I believe that the latest 5078G is going to face in uphill battle with older iterations of the reference particularly the one with applied Breguet numerals and a creme colored dial. I bet if you won’t like the arabesque pattern, then you will go for the previous model. Nevertheless, this watch is a marvel of engineering, especially the chimes created by the watch, it’s pretty much enchanting to hear.

Moving on to the powerhouse, we have Caliber R 27 PS boasting of 48 hours of power reserve. This automatic movement features a nice 22k gold off-center micro-rotor visible through the exhibition caseback. It also features Spiromax balance spring and Gyromax balance, all the goodness of Patek Philippe Seal.

Finally, the watch wears on black alligator strap with white gold folding clasp.