Patek Philippe - the basics of building a great collection

I think this is a handsome and elegant watch. At 38.5m it is a lovely size, especially for those with slightly smaller wrists. The sunburst dial with black gradient rim has depth and presence. The diamond baguette markers are playful but still elegant but will not be to everyone’s taste. The annual calendar and moon phase are attractive and practical complications. The sweeping second hand is attractive and gives life to the dial. The sapphire crystal case back gives a stunning view of the movement. The white gold case gives a sense of importance to the piece, but being on the softer side will scratch and ding which will lead to a lovely patina over time. This is an understated watch for the connoisseur.

It’s is not a beloved reference and it will lose value from day one, probably around $10-$15k. It probably doesn’t have the pull to move the needle with the AD so this is a reference probably best bought lightly pre-owned. If it is your grail watch and you will wear it forever, throw caution to the wind and buy from your AD and enjoy.

I would be impressed if I saw this on someone else’s wrist, but I probably wouldn’t buy it myself.

 

After $5,397.61 and 12 months the 5370p is back from service!! Nice to have it back, the bill, less so.

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Far more important than the price (negotiate as much as you can) is the fun choice between the two references. Obviously you can’t go wrong with either, but I certainly have opinions on each. What do you like about each reference and what metals are you considering?

 

I rarely use flash but it captured the dial quite well as well as the “patina” on this daily.

The other day I went to the AD and tried on the cubitus. I thought they were fun, didn’t seem as big as they look in pictures and have requested the steel strap with green face. Sadly I had forgotten my phone so didn’t get a wrist shot. Should arrive in January. The complications of the platinum are really nice especially the “datograf” date but I didn’t love the canvas strap as much as the steel strap on the steel watch.

Not that I’m flipping but despite all the controversy the steel one is still apparently trading over $100k. This is a good investment at list if you can get one.


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The 5960p was discontinued in 2014 and was only made for 8 years. Patek don’t publish production figures but given the production run and original asking price which was around $95,000 we can assume it is relatively rare.

The combination of complications is epic, it’s an annual calendar with chronograph, the sub dial has hour and minute counters and there is a small battery reserve under the 12 o’clock which is a feature I love having on a watch. There is a small day/night indicator.

The size is perfect to give it both gravitas and make it wearable at 40.5 by 13.5, the platinum case is hard and will wear well, there are sapphire crystals front and back and as with all platinum Pateks, there is a small diamond on the case at 6 o’clock.

This watch came in suburst blue or grey. Blue is the one to have in my opinion.

The dial has a nice balance and the windows for the day date and month are attractive and clear to read. I don’t know why the central window is framed and the side windows are not. It’s just a feature of the dial and doesn’t detract in any way. The lower half of the dial is dominated by the outer sub dial for the chronograph minutes. If there is anything controversial at all about this watch this is it. Most will like this feature, but it does detract slightly from the classical elegance of the dial in favor of making it feel more purposeful and sporty.

The leather strap comes standard with a buckle, if you are feeling flush, buy a platinum deployment clasp as it makes the watch safer to take on and off and gives a high end feel. I did this for my 5905p but brace yourself for the cost which is high single digit thousands.

Price-wise the blue dial versions vary a fair bit, but for right around $60k you should be able to buy a near perfect one. Always buy any Patek Philippe with original box and papers. If the watch isn’t a full set don’t buy, walk away. Let me say that again, full sets only.

I think this is a fantastic watch, it’s elegant, it’s platinum, has great complications and it has mellowed nicely. You are buying 100% class and you are not paying for any hype. I love blue watches and have a number myself and I have a real weak spot for anything with a chronograph.

So I don’t think you can go wrong with this watch and to answer your question I would say this is an excellent choice to start your collection.

The only last question to consider, is whether there is any other watch in a similar price range you might to consider as an alternative. Others can chime in too, but I would check out 5905p (both blue and black) and for a left field suggestion, check out the 5930g-010 which has an amazing combination of world timer and chrono. I own both blue 5930 and blue 5905 and they are both great. I think the 5930g-010 is a sleeper.

PS the 5960p can be worn on navy, tan, brown and even chocolate brown strap. I’d like to see it on a navy strap with red stitching, you can have some fun with it.


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I like the newly renamed 1916 company, they have a huge inventory and they are also a Patek AD. Ask for Mike Manjos. I know he wouldn’t mind me giving out his info. His email is [email protected]

Actually just checked it looks like they have one. Remember everything is negotiable!

https://www.the1916company.com/pre-owned/patek-philippe/complications/5004074/

 

Absolutely, contact Mike Manjos. Anything they have in stock is available. Like all ADs they get limited numbers of some of the harder stuff to get. I met Mike when he was the head of watches at Betteridge in Greenwich, CT (now owned by Watches of Switzerland), he loves to do a deal and buys and sells.

For the record I am not affiliated with Mike in any way other than being a long time customer and he is a friend.

 

After writing about it above, I felt inspired to wear the 5930g today! Love the dial and the complications and the rectangular pushers.

I’ll try and get a better picture of the dial tomorrow.

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