Help with my first Patek.

[shammad10]

Hello Patek enablers,

I am after my first (and probably only) Patek. I am looking for the jewel in the crown of my collection, and possibly an exit watch. I have a smattering of SS rolex in the collection, and have owned most 'hot rolex'. But I want the one special watch. I have relatively small 6.5inch wrists.

I have around a budget of £30k gbp on the secondary market and would like more than a simple Calatrava- I think it would be too boring in the end, although beautiful.

Currently on my list is:
5212a
5110g
5130g (though wish it was smaller)
5146g
5205g-001 (the silvery dial)
7234g
5396g (if I can get lucky- but probably out of budget atm).

Anything that you would recommend? Anything that I have missed? Which out of those would you think would tick the boxes for a first and only PP? For example some people have said the 5110/5130 world timers are more for a collector than an only patek.

Intersted to hear your opinions!
Thanks in advance.

[Chute]

Of those I would lean towards the 5110g since you want something on the smaller size.
Plus I don’t care for the hour hand on the 5130g.
5212a is an odd duck with that script and since it’s not an annual or perpetual calendar, what is it really?
The world timer is a genuine Patek complication going way back.
And if you’re not going to wear the watch every day, why get an annual calendar?
As my collection has grown, I’ve found the easiest to set watches make it into the rotation more frequently, and a world timer isn’t hard to set. Plus I love the micro rotor.
Either the 5110/5130 are great one and done Pateks

[Watchdoyouwant?]

I started my Patek collection with a 5146p, which I think is a really special watch. It has multiple complications (annual calendar, moon phase and power indicator) in a pretty classic design—all of which was which was appealing to me. I don’t think you could go wrong with a 5146g.

[SoylentGreenChi]

5146G or P would be ideal. Wears well in terms of size, and interesting complications (including power reserve).

[GGGMT]

5130. Or 5524. Both road less traveled. Both sick.


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[byow]

OP, from your list, I would go with the 5146G: it has a complication invented by Patek (AC), power reserve, moonphase, classic Patek design and a case size that is balanced.

It is also one of the bestsellers from Patek.

[spellmanski]

One of the last two

[Bmats]

My wrist is about your size. I got a 5146R and it fits well. Perfect size. If anything, wears small almost because of the bezel.




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[Vipes]

5212 gets my vote. Unique, SS and strap monster. I briefly had the 5110p and it was a good size but the hands are really short.

If you want an annual calendar then I like the 5205

[John Doyle]

5212a or 5235r

[shammad10]

Thanks all, interesting views.
A lot of love for the 5146! Will try and get one to try on. Have tried a 5212, 7234g and a 5205, and they were all lovely on the wrist. I guess there may not be a wrong answer when it comes to PP.

[vitalsigns]

5146 or 5205....classic or modern.

The 5146 is somewhat more versatile IMO.

I like the 5205 more but bought the 5146 instead because I feel it can be worn in more situations, casual, business casual, dress...

[Kliminator]

Many of the ones that you have listed earlier in your list are a bit too busy for me. Looks like a lot of love for the 5146 but there is just something about the case and dial layout that seems off to me as well.

Between all of these, my picks would be the 5205 or 7234g.

Best of luck on your search!

[shammad10]

Feel like the thread needs some photos. Have added the Lange’s in there as they could be a good alternative!









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[Bmats]

I love Lange. But I will note that if your wrist is smaller (like mine) the 40mm models can look a little awkward — at least to me — because of the case shape. In the end, I just stopped wearing because of that—even though it was awesome. I probably needed the 38mm one.

That’s what led me to the 5146.

Continuing the pictures…



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[Kliminator]

Originally Posted by shammad10

Feel like the thread needs some photos. Have added the Lange’s in there as they could be a good alternative!

Those all look spectacular on you. I love the 1815 line from ALS and one of the watches from it would be my pick. The Lange 1 while is a very signature model doesn't 'do it' as much for me compared to 1815 line -- but still beautiful!

[ts3]

Among the Pateks on your list I like 5110G best. Not sure if I'd want a Rhodium plated watch though which most if not all 5110G seem to be (please correct me if I am wrong).

Compared to Patek's ACs I prefer the cleaner look of a simple Calatrava. With a similarly small wrist size as yours I got a preowned 3998P as my first Patek years ago. You might say it is a little and slightly boring watch but it remains my fall back if I want to wear a nice watch w/o attracting any attention whatsoever.

Among the pics above I like the 7234G best on your wrist with the Lange 1 a close second.

[shammad10]

Originally Posted by Bmats

I love Lange. But I will note that if your wrist is smaller (like mine) the 40mm models can look a little awkward — at least to me — because of the case shape. In the end, I just stopped wearing because of that—even though it was awesome. I probably needed the 38mm one.

That’s what led me to the 5146.

Continuing the pictures…



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Lovely, got a pic of the 5146? How do you find it wears? I kinda wish it didn't have the 3,9,12 on the dial- just feel like they don't need to be there!

[Watchdoyouwant?]

Originally Posted by shammad10

Lovely, got a pic of the 5146? How do you find it wears? I kinda wish it didn't have the 3,6,9 on the dial- just feel like they don't need to be there!

I agree--which is why I think the 5146p is the best 5146. No numerals, only indices. (BTW, this one is not mine. I just grabbed a quick photo) Plus, it's platinum, which is super slick in my opinion.

[jon_jon]

Originally Posted by shammad10

Hello Patek enablers,

I am after my first (and probably only) Patek. I am looking for the jewel in the crown of my collection, and possibly an exit watch. I have a smattering of SS rolex in the collection, and have owned most 'hot rolex'. But I want the one special watch. I have relatively small 6.5inch wrists.

I have around a budget of £30k gbp on the secondary market and would like more than a simple Calatrava- I think it would be too boring in the end, although beautiful.

Currently on my list is:
5212a
5110g
5130g (though wish it was smaller)
5146g
5205g-001 (the silvery dial)
7234g
5396g (if I can get lucky- but probably out of budget atm).

Anything that you would recommend? Anything that I have missed? Which out of those would you think would tick the boxes for a first and only PP? For example some people have said the 5110/5130 world timers are more for a collector than an only patek.

Intersted to hear your opinions!
Thanks in advance.

I would say any of the ACs listed above would be a great one and only Patek. Most/many people forget that Patek patented the AC complication and it is a special complication within the Patek lineup.

Do you need/want fluorescent hands and markers? Do you want a deployant clasp or will a tang buckle be fine? Have you tried on the 5146, 5396 and 5205 in person? Those questions should help you guide your selection between the 3 ACs. You should be able to find preowned watch stores in London that have these references for you to try on your wrist. The 5205 will probably wear a bit larger than thee 5146 and 5396.

The 5110 and 5130 are great watches. But I agree they are better suited as your second or third Patek watch.

[BogdanS]

Originally Posted by Bmats

My wrist is about your size. I got a 5146R and it fits well. Perfect size. If anything, wears small almost because of the bezel.




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I’m on the hunt for this exact one, fantastic watch. Mind sharing your wrist size and shape (round/flat)?

Congrats, can’t get enough looking at it.


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[Bmats]

Originally Posted by BogdanS

I’m on the hunt for this exact one, fantastic watch. Mind sharing your wrist size and shape (round/flat)?

Congrats, can’t get enough looking at it.


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Like 6.5 inches, more flat.

Another to help show size.



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[jbsmith]

The pilot looks great on you. I went with 5524r as my first and only Patek. I love it. Has a bit more wr along with style that can be dressed up or down. Great legibility/lume with useful complications. Good luck.

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[Kliminator]

Originally Posted by jbsmith

The pilot looks great on you. I went with 5524r as my first and only Patek. I love it. Has a bit more wr along with style that can be dressed up or down. Great legibility/lume with useful complications. Good luck.

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Not to mention a useful complication for two time zones!

[Zuger]

I have the same 6.5" wrist and have been wearing a 5146G for many years now. I can vouch for that piece as a great everyday watch. I don't follow the watch market too closely, but I reckon that piece can still be had for a very reasonable price.

[shammad10]

Originally Posted by Kliminator

Not to mention a useful complication for two time zones!

Yep- I would take the 7234g in a heartbeat for around $30k! I can't see any available in the UK though. Damn you and your California sunshine Kliminator!

[Kliminator]

Originally Posted by shammad10

Yep- I would take the 7234g in a heartbeat for around $30k! I can't see any available in the UK though. Damn you and your California sunshine Kliminator!

Make a trip across the pond!