Patek Philippe - the basics of building a great collection

Thank you

MDS

 

It takes 3-4 months to create each dial for Patek. Was an interesting observation from my visit to the factory a few years back.

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I think may have shared with you in the past- I order all my straps from www.camillefournet.com. There are millions of color combinations you can get. I probably have 40 some odd straps for all my various Pateks.

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Very nice

 

In the picture above I ordered Patek deployant buckled for each of the strap. I have 4. That started to become stupid at 5k each. Now I just order a stock gold buckle from Camille. Theoretically I could take to the AD to swap out original buckles or just get a tool kit and do it on my own.

Frankly I just don’t care. It’s not that critical to me. I just get a regular pin buckle- the large size from Camille for like 30 bucks. Yeah it’s not original but it’s so convenient to swap out straps if I don’t need to worry about the the buckle.

So each strap has its own buckle that stays attached.

 

This is an amazing thread that I have just happened upon. I aspire to acquire a Patek to join my recent first F-car and have started going deep on internet postings. No surprise to see insightful and passionate commentary from @roma1280 and others here. Thank you for sharing your journeys!

I have read the first 10 pages or so and the last 3. Looking forward to reading the rest over the days and weeks ahead.

 

I'm very early into my learnings and research, but I keep coming back to the 5496P-001.

It appears to not be a very well loved reference based on some initial reading, but I am quite fond of it. I want a PC w/ moon phase, love the retrograde and leap year phase complications (I'm a late Feb b-day, so the leap year construct has always intrigued me), and like the simple elegance of the overall design/aesthetic. I will also say, chronometers don't do as much for me as they do for most, so that is not a big consideration for me.

I only have a couple of watches, none this nice, but all were purchased with 'purpose' as to my current lot in life (e.g. a GMT-Master II when I was traveling 10 months a year between US, Europe and Middle East for work). A Patek and this reference in particular seem well suited to my current lot in life...a happily middle-aged father of two small children who are all my focus. This is for my own appreciation in small moments I have to myself; not looking for it or me to be noticed. My F-car is delibreately shield-less and perhaps that is an analogue to how the 5496P resonates with me. I also like the versatility that I think this reference can bring. I see myself being able to wear it often in varied settings/contexts, which also suits the flexibility I need at this moment in life!

 

5496P-015 is feeling more like the one. This is certainly just like F-cars, small but important details really drive up the price!

 

That was a long visit!... :^)

 

Thanks very much, Roma. It came down to the 5370 and 5970. I ended up with a flawless 5970J. Super happy!

 

I haven't pulled the trigger yet. After my last post I met with two ADs to view some pieces and try to establish relationships.

Seeing a few pieces in person helped my perspective but also sent me deeper into the abyss of thinking about what I might want for my first purchase.

I was offered 5320G by one AD, but it didn't resonate with me. I let both know I would be interested in 5327R if one came available but understood that might be a long shot.

More to come hopefully sooner than later if I am so fortunate!

 

Quick iPhone shot
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How do you guys get such clear photos?

 

zoom in with the iPhone

 

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Stunning and Spectacular!!



You can also enhance the image for an even better pic. Love it! Great watch.