Patek for a noob

[TokyoExpat]

Considering buying a used Patek as a daily wearer and my 1st Patek, for a bit north of $20,000. Work in an office on weekdays and typically wear business casual on weekends (shorts in summer). Can't stand Patek sport watches (Nautilis, Aquanat, etc.) Prefer yellow/pink/rose gold to white gold/platinum. Going against the Patek aesthetic, I like watches that attract attention, so a larger size would probably be best .

Saw a 5170J with silver dial in person and loved it vs. the few other (smaller) Pateks on display but at 45-50K used, it's way out of my price range. A 5205R-001 would probably also fit the bill but again too expensive. Considering stretching to a 5146. (I've never seen any of the latter two watches in person.)

Any recommendations?

[sctp39]

5110?

[GB-man]

I know it’s not what you asked for but a Vacheron 1921 in RG fits the bill and more striking than most pateks in that price range.

[jon_jon]

Patek 5135 is larger and may attract attention, but probably over $20K USD.

[AK797]

Lange would also be worthy of consideration here, Saxonia, 1815 or Richard Lange, classy and they have presence too.

[soundserious]

5035, dearly miss mine

[TokyoExpat]

Thank you all very much for your advice!

Some thoughts:

The Vacheron 1921 is an intriguing prospect and I will try to hunt one down to see it/try it on in the flesh. Maybe an unusual choice for a daily wearer, but it would be a conversation piece and (as I am an American outside of America) would be fitting and could lead to a discussion of the utility of the twist while driving/on a computer, art deco precedents, etc.

As for the 5135, I will try to find one of those in the metal as well. Which got me thinking, do people hold strong views on round vs. cushion/square shaped wristwatches? Do people tend to like them equally and consider having both to add variety to a collection, or do many prefer one shape to the other?

As for the Langes, I went to see some in person recently and while I liked them, they didn't jump out at me as much as I thought they would (though they may have been WG models; I will go to try out a Grand Lange moonphase in YG/RG in person - but again out of my price range used).

A 5035 would probably be too small/subtle for me.

I went to a shop offering a few Pateks the other day and was actually drawn to a rose gold 44mm Roger Dubuis monegasque, though that would probably get me teased in the office by my seniors who wear simple/inexpensive watches. And changing the thing out/in for an "office watch" every weekday morning/night would also be a hassle, especially since it doesn't have a deployant buckle. Still, if acquired at a good price on the used market, it offers a lot of "bang for the buck" in terms of volume of gold and wrist presence vs a Patek (it really stood out next to a Patek being sold for more than double the price, though yes I know - nouveaux riche bling styling vs subtle, sophisticated class etc.).

[Vetracer]

if you want a “showy” watch, why bother with Patek at all? With your budget, if you want an everyday in-your-face watch, you should consider:

- Rolex 11618LB
- Rolex 11618LN
- Blancpain Fathoms 18k Rose gold ($13000)
- Panerai PAM 513 Rose gold ($12000)

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Vetracer

if you want a “showy” watch, why bother with Patek at all? With your budget, if you want an everyday in-your-face watch, you should consider:

- Rolex 11618LB
- Rolex 11618LN
- Blancpain Fathoms 18k Rose gold ($13000)
- Panerai PAM 513 Rose gold ($12000)

Was trying on this beauty recently, retail is nasty but at that price I'd be so tempted.

[francoamerican]

5296G-001 Sector. Should be able to get new from an AD for 23k