Buying an older Patek that has sat in a safe

[116680]

Good morning,

I am looking at a Patek 5712/1a and have been offered a reasonable deal on one that is still factory sealed in its "coffin box", but which dates back to 2008.

Is this something I should avoid ? Should I factor in the cost of an immediate service ? I have read a lot of debate on the forum about the "settling" of oils, though I would have thought a 2008 watch was modern enough that the synthetic oils used would remain evenly coated across the train and the watch would be as good as new. As a relative newbie, however, I may be showing my ignorance.

Also, are any of the Patek experts here aware of any changes on the 5712/1a between 2008 and today ? In pictures it looked to me that the dial is now perhaps a lighter shade of blue, but that may just be a trick of the light.

Very grateful for the guidance of the forum.

[116680]

I should add that I can get a 2014 version for the same price, but that would involve a lot more hassle with international postage, worries about insurance in transit etc. and the 2008 one is with a local seller whom I could go and see in person if there were any problems.

[HL65]

I would have no problem at all buying that and no watch would not need a service. Plenty of people I know have bought double sealed older watches and opened them up and put on wrist without an issue whatsoever. Buy it, open it, wear it and enjoy!

[joli160]

I would go for the newer one
You may need to service the 2008 one rather quick and than it will be gone for quite a while. People sent watches all over the world, I don't see any problems with that, just insure it.

[116680]

Thank you both. May I clarify what "double-sealed" means ? Is that more than sealed in the original vacuum packed plastic bag ?

[116680]

Think I've worked it out - it seems to be where the inside vacuum packed plastic bag is sealed AND the watch is in its original shipping box, which itself is sealed with a Patek embossed / coded sticker.

[gtbguy]

Buy new.

[Vincent65]

It's a new sealed watch - where's the problem?! I'd get the local one.

[incontrol]

I would buy the new older one, much less to worry about in your situation.

[RussW]

I'd get the new one for the Spiromax balance spring. Might as well have the newer technology.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by RussW

I'd get the new one for the Spiromax balance spring. Might as well have the newer technology.

Good point!

[Vipes]

I'd get the one with the valid warranty. If both comes with the warranty then get the local one.

[RussW]

Originally Posted by Vipes

I'd get the one with the valid warranty. If both comes with the warranty then get the local one.

Another good point. I'm guessing the 2008 watch is the one just listed on watchclub, in which case not an AD so no patek warranty.

[bentley07]

If its the same price.. I'd get the new one.
1. Warranty
2. Certificate in your name

[Passionata]

Originally Posted by HL65

I would have no problem at all buying that and no watch would not need a service. Plenty of people I know have bought double sealed older watches and opened them up and put on wrist without an issue whatsoever. Buy it, open it, wear it and enjoy!

Ken ,6years old seals?might be goodmay not?
MY2008 features the older type moonphase wheel?

[HL65]

Originally Posted by Passionata

Ken ,6years old seals?might be goodmay not?
MY2008 features the older type moonphase wheel?

I would have no problem buying a double sealed 5070 or 5970 all day long as those movements were built to last workhorses and can go forever without a service! In this example I would rather have newer watch given the changes and new parts.

[topcat30093]

I saw this watch and thought that the price was good compared to MRSP.

Then pondered the facts the watch was nearly 7 years old and never used.
Prior to Watch Club were had it been kept?
No original Certificate with your name on it.
Possibly, may need checking.
Likely to have the Geneva Seal rather the PP Seal.
On the other hand how good and trouble free is the 2014 offer?

[lapince]

Originally Posted by RussW

I'd get the new one for the Spiromax balance spring. Might as well have the newer technology.

From what I found on Patek site it was introduced in 2006, so I think the 2008 model should have it but I am not sure, anyways I would get either one, of course if the one from 2014 is sealed and obviously still under warranty I probably would get it if you are sure about the seller, my 5712 I got sealed from 2012, so no more warranty but the price difference is more than enough to have paid servicing, anyway good choice I love mine

Here's the link about the spring: http://www.patek.com/contents/defaul...novations.html

[RussW]

Originally Posted by lapince

From what I found on Patek site it was introduced in 2006, so I think the 2008 model should have it but I am not sure, anyways I would get either one, of course if the one from 2014 is sealed and obviously still under warranty I probably would get it if you are sure about the seller, my 5712 I got sealed from 2012, so no more warranty but the price difference is more than enough to have paid servicing, anyway good choice I love mine

Here's the link about the spring: http://www.patek.com/contents/defaul...novations.html

I don't think that's quite right about the spring. Yes it was introduced in 2006, but not rolled out across the product line straight away. The 5980 for example did not get it until some point after the Basel 2010 releases (link to press release shows still had the old spring) http://www.patek.com/press/en/2010_5980.pdf

Likewise for the 5712 it was at some point after 2010/11, so a 2008 model would have the giromax spring.

[dysondiver]

the day you buy its the day you sell it ,,,
open the box , wear it once ,,, then its instantly seven years older than the new one when you come to sell ,,,
to me thats financial suicide

[116680]

I hadn't realised this thread had kept going ! Thank you for the advice and the considered responses. I went for the newer one, but might have gone for the older one had it not been sold in the period between me getting on the train to go to Watch Club and turning up at the shop !!

[Littlelad2]

Congratulations on your new watch, I think you made the right choice. My AP was imported from Florida (to London) without any issues.

[Ziggy323f]

Get some pics up :-)

[116680]

As requested !!! Pretty thrilled with this :-)

I'll try and find some time on the weekend to do a compare and contrast with my 5167. Puffy did a photoshoot with his and a 5711 a while back that is largely responsible for my conversion...

[HL65]

Big congrats!

[zama]

Very nice

[lipjin]

Congrats on the new acquisition!

[116680]

Thank you gentlemen.

At the moment I am certainly seeing the logic in Jorge's 3-4 watch club - quite liberating.

[joli160]

Congrats, lovely piece

[arnage]

I believe the earlier 5712/1a utilized screws in the bracelet, whereas the later models are pin-based. Something about owners messing up the threads / screws when resizing, due to their fragile-ness from the band design being so thin (not sure how much truth there is to this). I'm uncertain as to when this change was put into place, but I would venture to guess the 2008 still had screws