For most of us, our holy grails are almost as unattainable as they are exponentially, unfathomably and often excruciatingly expensive. It's hard to wrap our heads around the immense cost of these little pieces of mastery let alone their existence, but be that as it may there is no doubting how extraordinary they are. I've put together a list of seven amazing, complicated and downright perfect examples of a haute horlogerie holy grails for us all to lust over.
Patek Philippe 5204P Split Seconds Perpetual Calendar
The Patek Philippe 5204P Split Seconds Perpetual Calendar is, by definition, the very essence that makes for a grail. The perfect combination of complexity, of beauty, of balance, of poise and of divinity makes the Patek Philippe 5204P Split Seconds Perpetual Calendar a true lore of modern haute horlogerie and the holiest of grails.
Patek Philippe 5372P Split Seconds Perpetual Calendar
The Patek Philippe 5372P Split Seconds Perpetual Calendar does draw some similarities to the Patek Philippe 5204P Split Seconds Perpetual Calendar, however there are some stark differences here. The Patek Philippe 5372P Split Seconds Perpetual Calendar has a rose gold salmon-coloured dial, along with a monopusher split-seconds chronograph function, which edges it just a hair ahead of the Patek Philippe 5204P Split Seconds Perpetual Calendar in terms of mechanical complexity. Either would suit me fine though.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar
Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar in white ceramic is a dream to behold, and for many of us a true grail in every sense of the word. The blend of that gorgeous white ceramic case, matching white ceramic bracelet and the blue Grande Tapisserie dial makes for a scintillating package that is simply extravagant.
A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Lumen
The A. Lange & Söhne Datograph is a marvel of modern chronometry and engineering. That in itself is a grail, and for many of us plenty. But Lange being Lange decided to up itself once again, cladding a Lumen dial atop the A. Lange & Söhne Datograph and making it even more desirable than the legend that Philippe Dufour himself cited as being the best chronograph ever.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Flying Tourbillon
An Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Flying Tourbillon is something. But add to that a bright green "Evolutive Tapsserie" stylised dial and a titanium case, and what you get is a generational masterpiece. Holy grail worthy, no doubt about it.
Rolex Day-Date 228396TBR
Platinum case, check. Olive green dial, check. Diamonds on the bezel, check. The iconic state that is the brand with the crown, check. The final result is the Rolex Day-Date 228396TBR. As far as Rolexes go, this is an end game piece, a true holy grail. And one of those pieces that you know only if you know. You know?
Greubel Forsey Double Tourbillon 30° Technique
The Greubel Forsey Double Tourbillon 30° Technique is the pinnacle of modern haute horlogerie. Anything that comes out of the Greubel Forsey atelier should be deemed holy grail status immediately, and the Double Tourbillon 30° Technique really is no different. Except that it is. Solid gold, two tourbillon inclined at a 30° angle and the sweetest finishing you'll ever come across in a wristwatch. Holy grail. End of story.
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