Patek Philippe - the basics of building a great collection

I got offered the Pilot Travel late last year but did not want it as my first "Patek". I have a vision of my first serious Patek as a complication dress watch. I have a 6119G already. I am still kicking myself for turning down the 5935A. But I knew nothing about the world traveler line. And they do not give you days to think (study) about it. Goes to the next patron. But glass half full part is I saved the funds to wait for that serious Patek. I was asked if I wanted the orange Aquanaut. I gave that "meh" reply. Now they have the new 5990/1A in the showcase. If they offer that to me, I cannot turn that down.
I was told new Patek's placed in the case has to wait 30 days before they can sale it. But I went back after 30 days and it was still in the case. I was then told it cannot sale until they get a replacement from Patek. Hmmm. But realistically I know at best I am probably 50 to 100th in line for it. They have a green 42 gold Aquanaut in the case as well. Meh.
But my AD offered me a gold Sky Dweller on Oyster Flex. There went my funds lol.
I am trying to be good and hold off for a 5295R, 5235 or the 5905/1A. Prefer the 5905R, but cannot afford that tier of pricing. Everyone needs a goal when it comes to collecting.
I think I saw a photo where someone swapped out the metal band on the 5905/1A for a leather strap. Could have been mistaken. I prefer the green dial over the chocolate dial on the gold version. I see prices on Chrono24 are close to retail on the 5905 steel. I need to resist as I like buying retail.

 

You should absolutely buy what you want but the 5524, 5868 and 5168 are some of my favorite pieces and they wear so well. Not meh by any means.

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Btw- those watches in the case are most likely non working demo models. Highly doubt they have a 5968, 5168 and a 5990 just sitting around.

 

Wow! Those are stunning sitting side by side. Did not see my first as an Aquanaut but then again who knows. I am an impulse buyer too so I guess I will know once I get anything offered to me again. So do not get me wrong, if I could afford several Patek's at once, then Aquanaut would hit my collection in a heart beat. To me meh is for "not my first choice".
The ones on display had plastic on them. Not sure what that means.

 

Doesn’t mean anything. Like I said- more than likely demo units with non functional movements or used pieces. Regardless- I hope you enjoy your journey to your first Patek. It’s been a great ride for me.

 

Anyone excited to see the new models at the end of the month?

 

I am, not sure if my wallet is

 

Same my brother! same!!

 

Used to be, but given the watch market and how ADs have behaved over the past few years I am losing (lost) interest in most things. If AP calls with something special (like they did when I got my 15416) maybe but definitely not seeking anything out anymore.

 

Totally get it. Its become a bit ridiculous whats happened. Luckily Im still good with my AD but god knows that could end on a moments notice the way things are. Regardless, Im excited to see whats coming. Brand new sports line- curious to see what else they have in the works.

 

Got the call today. Got an Aquanaut much faster than I thought.
SoCal... does your 5968A's rotor make a sound when you move your wrist? Like a rotating bezel sound.
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They all do. My 5711, 5524, etc. Bery common on Patek (unlike the oyster case of Rolex.

 

Congrats! Amazing piece. Yes. Rotor makes a noise.

 

What’s next for you?

 

I would love to add the 5205R. Like the 5905R but honestly, a chrono on a dress watch is not important to me. Plus I love the green dial on the 5295. I am on a green kick right now. I want the 116508 green dial too, but just can't pull the trigger on paying double retail for a Rolex.
And I would not mind a 5811, but I have a feeling that will be a tough one to get.
I am curious to see how long it takes my SA to text me on my next one. Glad to hear some are getting calls more often now.

 

Market is going back to normal where only true enthusiasts and not flippers are starting to buy again. The hype and crazy prices have died down.

 

Was looking around yesterday (purchase a year out) and I saw attractive Calatrava Travel (5134R, early 2000s) in the $20-$23k price area. Any downsides making this a first PP purchase?

 

nope. if you like the watch- go for it. it might need a service but thats fairly cheap- $1000 or so...

 

I had that exact watch. Also ordered the deployant. Yup- platinum deployant from Patek not cheap. I traded it back with the dealer when I got the 5270 as I felt both were redundant. I replaced the 5905p with the steel version. Its truly a spectacular watch. Wears very well.

Have you tried out new straps from www.camillefournet.com? Ive gone nuts. Am ordering a bunch of colors for my various watches. Makes it so much fun. A bright blue with silver stitching would complement that watch well.

 

So your saying there is a chance, chance to get the 5811 again? lol. Dumb & Dumber. They had one but it went to someone else. I have a feeling true PP enthusiasts do not have the 5811 top of their list. But to me, the sport design with dress attire appeal (plus it is now in gold) with the 3 hand dial makes it desirable. The same reason I prefer the 15500 series compared to my 26240 AP. Chrono function serves me no purpose except that they have 2 buttons on the case. Wish I liked the 5905 more as it is more sporty than the 5205 but I am not sold on the bracelet. I need to see it in person I guess. I lose track of what day of the week it is all the time. 5726 would be great also just wish it was in white gold.
I got more calls last year than this year "so far."

 

I will fight you for the JM 116508. I hope you get it (after me). Hope it is not discontinued.

 

one thing to keep in mind about Patek service is it is very slow. I mean very slow. You may not get much use during the first year if it goes in for service.

 

I think this is my favorite thread in F-Chat.

Next time I visit my AD, I am going to give him some ref #s so he can indicate interest with Patek.