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20 March 2024, 06:41 AM | #1 |
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First Grand Complication Advice
I’m looking for some wisdom from the assembled brain trust here on the forum. Though I haven't posted, I read a ton, and this has been an incredibly helpful community as I continue to learn and become a more informed collector.
I had a nice business milestone occur, and I plan to mark the occasion with an exceptional timepiece. Right now, from the current line, the two primary pieces I am considering are the 5270P (green dial) and the 5370P, with the 5204G as an outside contender. This would be my first grand complication, and I would get the piece from my AD. From retired references, I also love the 5204R with the grey dial and strap. I would also probably let my AD source this for me, as he has done so (and offered to do so) with other retired references. My budget is approximately $300K or so. I buy a piece or so a year but not at this price point. I expect it will be 3-5 years before I am shopping at this level again. So my question is: which piece would you recommend and why? Are there pieces I’m not considering that I should? I’m not married to buying a current release Patek, so if there are other vintage pieces that I should think about, I’m entirely open to that. Aside from just enjoying the piece, I do care about the long term vision on collecting, including value of the piece, best way to build a collection, and building the relationship with the AD for special or application pieces down the road. Not sure if it would affect anyone’s thoughts, but if I end up underspending the budget on the main piece, I’ll likely buy a 5172G (blue dial), a world time, or maybe a 5170P. All are on the roadmap for eventual purchase, but I’d use this as an excuse to do it at the same time. Thank you all in advance for the thoughts. |
20 March 2024, 08:54 AM | #2 |
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I am tempted to think about this for, oh, 12 years or so, and then provide my insights.
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20 March 2024, 10:06 AM | #3 |
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5370 for the Breguet numbers
5204. Love the chrono PC functions. Not a 5270 fan, especially the green. |
20 March 2024, 12:26 PM | #4 |
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Would pick 5204R
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20 March 2024, 06:35 PM | #5 |
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All lovely pieces and no wrong choices, if you are additionally looking to get recognised by Patek for future grand complications then 5370 or 5204, 5270 will not carry the same internal Patek recognition. 5370 + 5204 are both produced in the high grand comps department, are double assembled and produced to a higher level of finish. But, as always, buy what you like.
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21 March 2024, 01:58 AM | #6 |
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Thank you all for your thoughts. Russell, I did not realize that there was an upper level of build within the grand complications team. That is good to know.
A follow up question: will buying a retired reference matter to Patek when it comes minute repeater application time, or will they dismiss the purchase since it wasn’t new? |
21 March 2024, 07:18 AM | #7 |
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I do love the 5204, I think it is an amazing timepiece, truly special, but if I had a 300k budget to spend I would seriously consider a 5970p.
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21 March 2024, 10:50 AM | #8 |
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What is the difference between 5970 and 5270?
Thank you |
21 March 2024, 10:55 AM | #9 |
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Found the answer using ChatGPT .. interesting
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21 March 2024, 11:04 AM | #10 |
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5740G and save the remaining $100k
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21 March 2024, 11:30 PM | #11 |
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If your wrist size is big enough, the 5370p from the current catalogue is a great watch. I would not choose the 5204 because of the small chin and thickness.
Otherwise, find a mint, unpolished 5970p.
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22 March 2024, 12:27 AM | #12 |
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22 March 2024, 07:38 AM | #13 |
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22 March 2024, 09:38 AM | #14 |
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I vote both.
If you stretch the budget a bit, you could get both pre-owned. I’m not a fan of the 5204. Upside down moonphase, squished date numbers, thickness, etc. |
22 March 2024, 09:30 PM | #15 |
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@Bobernet, asbolutely wonderful, thanks for the shot
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22 March 2024, 10:51 PM | #16 |
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23 March 2024, 04:58 AM | #17 |
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Holy moly that's litterally 2 for 1 - combined this is the price of a new 5370P - prices are really attractive. Combined with the price for the MR I always wanted - what's the point of going straight to patek? Yes, I would love to get wined and dined + factory tour and also pick up a rare handcraft here and there but looking at this, it's tough to justify the journey at this point and that's coming from somone who has a good relationship with my AD and actual wants the lifetime patek journey.
https://diamondsourcenyc.com/product...ions-5178g-001 https://www.europeanwatch.com/watch/...el--52112.html https://www.europeanwatch.com/watch/...18K-52078.html |
23 March 2024, 08:17 AM | #18 | |
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Quote:
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23 March 2024, 10:31 AM | #19 |
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Beautiful pieces. I would go for the discontinued black 5370p over the current production blue anyway and some “bargains” to be had.
The 5170p is a fine watch but the 5370p is a level or two above. I guess it depends if you’re looking for a “ one and done “ grand complication in which case a perpetual calendar chronograph may make sense over a split seconds chronograph. Similarly for PCC would go for the discontinued white gold 5270g over the 5270j. A preowned G here is around 100 usd whereas current retail prices for the 5270j these days are around 200 usd which is too much. The green p is 235 usd vs 140s market for the lovely salmon dial preowned. I know which of these two I’d go for! Have fun shopping around and enjoy the new timepieces. |
23 March 2024, 11:03 PM | #20 |
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Here’s a crappy picture but here’s a side by side. 5370P and 5204G
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11 April 2024, 04:37 PM | #21 |
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with a 300k budget I would highly suggest looking into the 5970P
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3 May 2024, 09:36 AM | #22 |
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3 May 2024, 09:59 AM | #23 |
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5204P is classic and timeless.
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4 May 2024, 06:37 AM | #24 |
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I’m of course very biased, but the black dial 5204p (and its black date wheels) is second to none in this grand comp category. White metal, lume and Patek now says you can even swim with it
What a great dilemma to have. Enjoy the decision making process! |
5 May 2024, 02:38 AM | #25 |
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I would vote for a 5204. Wears very well and is incredible.
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14 May 2024, 04:39 AM | #26 |
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What is the thinking (or the emotion) that leads one to get a 5370P over a perpetual chrono? How does one study and appreciate the art behind a more complicated chrono?
I'm trying to understand this because I thought the 5370P has one of the most beautiful faces I've ever seen. However, I always thought my grail would be a perpetual chrono and I always pause too when I see a 5270P, 5970P or 5204P. |
14 May 2024, 06:59 AM | #27 | |
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