Patek Novice - Help!

[AMCK87]

Hello all,

I have had little interaction with Patek in the last couple of years and am considering making a purchase. My AD has received and offered me the 5235g Regulator model which I have seen/liked from afar but never had the ability to try on. It's still sealed and he isn't planning on opening it for anyone.

I have read some rumors around here that it has been discontinued due to issues with producing the piece, is this true? Also, I see some "grays" offering them at ~15% off on chrono24 but do not know how seriously to take that pricing/availability. What's the right price to be buying this model new? While I don't think of watches as investments, in an ideal scenario I'd protect myself from taking too much of a hit if I decide to get out of it sometime down the line.

Thank you for your help!

[soundserious]

Lovely watch but you want to "buy right" on this one. Honestly not a watch I'd consider as a first Patek.

[Hamish]

Its a great watch.
I wouldn't worry about rumours.

[rollyp]

If your AD has just received one (assuming he did, and hasn't been sitting on it for a while), then chances are that production has resumed and these will be easier to find in 2017. Most dealers I've spoken to have said that the 5235 is NOT discontinued. I guess we'll know in March when Patek updates their model lineup.

An unworn/new piece from a non-AD can be had for around $40K. An AD would most likely not offer that much of a discount unless you have a prior relationship with them. Resale for an individual to a dealer would probably be in the low to mid $30K range.

It's a great watch, completely different from anything else Patek offers. If you decide to pass, please PM me the dealer info as I might go for it!

[Passionata]

Do you really like it or just interested since the rumours?If the scarcity the main factor in your decesion i d walk away and find an other reference.


iPhone/Tapatalk

[jonathan17]

Great watch, my AD here in singapore hasnt received one yet so im still waiting. Go for it love the brushed dial very unique.

[texex91]

Unless you can get a SERIOUS discount, and you're willing to keep the watch forever, I'd just pass.

The 'I just received it' line is used by every AD to drive urgency--don't let that phase you.

Many other pieces I'd entertain before this one.

My .02.

[KarlS]

If you love it buy it....what's the point of buying something you "like" just because it's been discontinued!!! It's definately an intriguing watch which I have never seen in the metal...but would like to..

[jon_jon]

I agree with Passionata's comment that you shouldn't buy a watch just because of the scarcity factor if you don't love the watch. Many people get into this situation and later realize that the watch doesn't appeal to them after the hype has died down.

Also don't trust all the rumors going around. We all have our rumor sources and although they may seem reliable, when it involves products at the $40K+ USD price range, I would trust them as much as you trust people giving out financial advice online.

I don't know if you have owned Patek watches in the past or if you currently own one. However I would not recommend this watch if it is your first Patek watch. I own this watch as do many others on this forum. People who appreciate the watch are those who have several other Patek watches in their collection and understand what makes this watch special.

The 5235 is a watch like no other in that no other watch shares the same movement. Will Patek make other watches with the same movement? No one knows for sure. If Patek retires the watch and the movement, will prices skyrocket? Prices may go up over time, but once again only time will tell.

As with gray market availability and discounts on the watch, unless you call up the dealers on C24 and ask, I wouldn't trust that they have the watch in hand.

Best of luck in your decision! I think it is a very special watch and so do many others.

[lapince]

Like the others said when you get a Patek you need to get one you really love, take your time to see videos and pics of models you like, go to AD's to try them on, but don't rush anything, Patek isn't going away and as much as it's an interesting piece I wouldn't get that for a first Patek at all, get something you really love and have thought some time about...

[ap1]

Easiest to start with a 5711 / 5167 - that's not a Patek starter piece

[AMCK87]

Thank you everyone for your input/messages. I agree, perhaps I am rushing into it and should be more methodical when I look at Patek. I have owned a 5712R 3/4 years ago and it didn't last very long - Nautilus/Aquanat don't really do anything for me, I tend to lean towards AP/Rolex for the sportier stuff.

I'll keep looking around and get my hands on pieces before considering a purchase.

[imcarnuts]

I would not buy as my only Patek. IMHO the only reason to buy any watch is you love it. Discontinuance does not mean appreciation.
It is beautiful.

[.db]

^^ Agreed. Buy it if you love it. I personally think it's fantastic and would be a great choice (and would consider it as my only PP)

[roma1280]

It is quite a polarizing design, so if and when you identify a Patek you would prefer instead, I'm not sure how well this would serve as a trade in, nor am I sure how well it will hold its value.

As with anything that no one needs (fine watches, collectible cars, art etc) you have to buy what you love and on the day of purchase feel like you love it enough to never sell it.