Patek Philippe Neptune 4881/1J

Patek Philippe Neptune 4881/1J Quartz Black Diamond Dial 18k YG

Released in 1996 as an evolution within Patek Philippe's sports watch offerings alongside the Aquanaut, the Patek Philippe Neptune was designed with the intention of being ideal for sportswear while also being supremely elegant. Merging some classic elements of a stereotypical sports watch design such as crown guards, a heavily-lumed handset and a thick engine-turned bezel and some more delicate flourishes such as diamonds and Roman numeral hour markers punctuating its dial (depending on the variant), the Neptune ultimately failed to meet Patek's commercial expectations due to its inability to penetrate a particular market and was ultimately discontinued in 2005. However, this ref. 4881/1J still lives on as a wonderful celebration of Patek's goal to create a sports-infused dress watch, with its unique 18kt yellow gold construction, distinctively-styled textured bracelet and black diamond-set dial combining to create a stunningly luxurious aesthetic that speaks to modern tastes as we seek increasingly luxurious sports watch options. Perhaps the Neptune was just ahead of time, and should it have been released today it would fare much better. One thing’s for sure, we love its unique design and special place with Patek’s historical catalog. THE DIAL Boasting a black dial with applied Roman numerals and diamond-set hour markers and heavily lumed hands, the Neptune speaks to both the utility required of a sports watch and the dressier nature of Patek's more classical offerings. THE CONSTRUCTION While measuring 27mm in diameter, the Naptune's intricate integrated bracelet allows it to wear slightly larger than one might expect and thus making it a great watch to wear daily. THE PROFILE Thanks to its quartz movement and unique design, the Neptune is a relatively sleek timepiece that expresses a different side to Patek Philippe's design language.