My first Patek, HELP! 5980, 5968, 5905?

[Socal81]

Hi All, so I have decided to up my game a bit and transition into a Patek Philippe. I currently own 4 Rolex’s (Pepsi, Hulk, Yellow Gold Sky Dweller, Rose Gold Daytona black dial) and I own 1 AP (Rose Gold Offshore on strap).

The time has come to jump into Patek but I need some help on how to acquire and any suggested tips or tricks would be greatly appreciated.

My first would be to acquire is a 5980 Nautilus Rose gold on strap or two tone, but their obviously going for 30k over retail. I believe they both retail in the 60-65k range and these 5980’s are literally impossible so grey market pricing is 90-95k.

My next choice would be the 5968 Aquanaut and that gets even worse, retail is 44k and grey market is pretty much double at 80-85k. Also impossible to find at Patek dealers.

My third choice which has actually been attainable at Patek is the 5905 in Rose Gold with the brown dial. I absolutely love this annual calendar, size and it just looks and feels so signature “Patek with a contemporary look”. Sorry if I sound like a rookie with the brand lol, but that’s the vibe the 5905 gives me. A classic Patek look and feel without the overpriced hype of the Nautilus/Aquanaut. Now I know the 5905 retails for 65k at the moment. I see greys selling for 55k BNIB.

So here are my questions,

I obviously choose the sports models first for a reason, they are stunning and iconic pieces, is it actually possible to obtain these at retail “IF” I were to buy say a 5905 with them? Do Patek AD operate the same way as other brands where you can obtain the grail piece if you buy in bulk 2-3 pieces in one shot?

On the 5905, is it possible to get an AD to discount a model like this in the 20-25% off range if this is the only piece I’m buying at the AD?

I’m new to the brand and these AD so your guidance and suggestions is greatly appreciated.

Bottom like here is I prefer the sports models and I’m willing to buy others with them to get at retail.

Or if I just do the 5905 alone I’m hoping for a sweet deal if possible

[Ichiran]

5905 will be great for your AD relationship if you are heading that way. You can only get 5% discount max from them now, and do get it before 1 Oct as there will be a price increase.

Once you get the 5905, you will have higher chance to get the more popular pieces. Maybe you can even bundle the 5980R or 5980AR with it. The 5968 will be a little more difficult. Have a conversation with your AD in terms of your chance, and good luck!

[7sins]

I think bundling will create a good opportunity at your AD. Especially if you go two-tone 5980 (that all blue dial is GORGEOUS), that is probably the least desirable of the nautilus line and I have heard of people getting access to them on a short wait list. IMO, the watch looks much better in person and I am not even the slightest two tone fan.

[Pateks]

Start with 5905. Attainable. 5968 and 5980 will be difficult initially. But buy the 5905 and see where it leads you.

[AlyRba]

IMO, a 5905R bundle should get you a shot at 5968. It should also give you a shot at either one of 5712 or 5990 (5726 blue is relatively new) in case you want a Nautilus instead of the aquanaut. 5980, strap or twotone, should be a minimum that I would be looking for as a bundle with 5905R, unless your AD is in NY or California. But if you are looking for a bundle, it will be difficult to get a discount in 5905.

[cascavel]

Since you already own 5 modern watches, don't you have a relationship with an AD?

[LJubel328]

Originally Posted by AlyRba

IMO, a 5905R bundle should get you a shot at 5968. It should also give you a shot at either one of 5712 or 5990 (5726 blue is relatively new) in case you want a Nautilus instead of the aquanaut. 5980, strap or twotone, should be a minimum that I would be looking for as a bundle with 5905R, unless your AD is in NY or California. But if you are looking for a bundle, it will be difficult to get a discount in 5905.

Look at OPs location. There is no way he is walking away with a 5968, 5712, or 5990 spending only 65k on a 5905.

To OP, depends largely on what your end goal is. If it is a) develop a long-term relationship with an AD and forgo immediate gratification; or b) satisfy the urge to have it on your wrist as soon as possible. As another member, there is a price increase in October so best decide soon.

Let us know what you decide, and best of luck in the hunt!

[Pateks]

Originally Posted by LJubel328

Look at OPs location. There is no way he is walking away with a 5968, 5712, or 5990 spending only 65k on a 5905.

To OP, depends largely on what your end goal is. If it is a) develop a long-term relationship with an AD and forgo immediate gratification; or b) satisfy the urge to have it on your wrist as soon as possible. As another member, there is a price increase in October so best decide soon.

Let us know what you decide, and best of luck in the hunt!

Yeah- LA is not going to be easy. Too many heavy hitters there. I have a 25 year relationship with my AD in LA so I can get most pieces (have a 5905 and a 5968, sold my 5980) but if I were to start now- would be difficult indeed.

Good luck to the OP

[AK797]

The 5980R was the Nautilus that first drew me into the range so I would make that the priority however you have to get there.

[7sins]

Going to be near impossible in LA, too much money floating around and VVIPs. Try Polacheck in Calabasas, might have a shot there and really nice guys.

[noshake]

Are Patek cases as empty as Rolex at the ADs? So you're left ordering/waiting on a watch you've only seen online and never tried on.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

[cascavel]

Find a Patek AD. Buy a 5905, don't ask for a discount. In two months, go back and buy any 5227 that they have. Don't ask for a discount. Two months later go back and order a 5172 (I think that's the correct reference for the current chronograph) and at the same time ask for a 5980ar. You can sell all of your Rolexes except one (keep the Pepsi) and sell the AP to fund this.

[SSDAYTONAHULK]

I’m biased, been loving this watch since 2016! Wear it almost daily!

[7sins]

Originally Posted by noshake

Are Patek cases as empty as Rolex at the ADs? So you're left ordering/waiting on a watch you've only seen online and never tried on.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

They are full of non-nautilus/aquanaut Pateks, for the most part.

[cascavel]

Originally Posted by SSDAYTONAHULK

I’m biased, been loving this watch since 2016! Wear it almost daily!

Superb piece. Back in 2015 or 16 I had a choice of white dial 5711 or white dial 5980 and chose the 5711 thinking that, even though I loved it, the 5980 was so unpopular that I'd always be able to get one. Brilliant.

[wholecz]

My AD is in NY. From my experience, buying a 5905R and waiting for two months is enough for you to get a 5980AR.