Platona vs Patek - the battle of the P's!

[japenney]

First world problems. I see a few posts on this topic and the TLDR seems to be that the Platona is a tank and a better "do everything" watch. Other people say that for comparative money they will always choose Patek. This will be my only expensive watch with about 10-15k left over for a steel piece. Here are some of my thoughts below. I am just looking for a little more insight that anyone can provide as to the +- ve.

*Part of the reason the used prices in Canada are better is because we have lower retail price comparatively so when I convert to USD it is better*

Platona - I found a used example being sold privately in Canada from 2014 for around 42k US which seems good. I love the weight of the platinum and the look of the platona. I have never tried platinum in person. Does it shine brighter than steel and white gold? Does it really make a gold watch feel like steel? I hear people saying its understated but I hope it pops a bit in real life compared to the lesser metals

Patek 5980R-001/5980steel/5990 - I am not sure on which Nautilus chronograph I would go with but I have located a used 5980R-001 only 6 months old in Canada for around 45k US which is also a great price from what I can tell.

Option 3: Spend the extra 10-15k and blow it all on a datograph up/down or patek 5960P annual calendar chronograph (because sometimes you have to be a boss )

Thanks guys,

Inb4: "try whichever you will lose less on when you flip in 2 weeks". I don't intentionally flip guys!!! It just happens

Josh

[breitlings]

I like the platona but I am a simple man. PT is very noble, much more resistant than SS or 18k gold (source: periodic table).

[Rolex addict]

Platinum does shine brighter than steel. Side by side, you will definitely see it. And that ice blue dial is incredible. Pictures really don't do it justice.

[AK797]

5980r blew me away when I first tried it on, but I've heard often it's not the most comfortable. Then a couple of years later the 5711/1r was released and that was the one for me.

[jon_jon]

First question - are you a YG/RG type of person, meaning do you have YG/RG watches and do you wear it regularly? Or are you a white metal (SS/WG/Plt) type of person?

If you like the YG/RG, then I would go with the PP 5980R. However because this comes with a leather strap, it will tend to be more of a dress watch. If you are looking at the 5980/1R with the RG bracelet, then the price will be a lot higher.

If you like white metal, then the Platona, 5980/1A (in SS) or 5990/1A (in SS) would fit the bill.

All four watches are great watches and it really is personal preference.

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by japenney

First world problems. I see a few posts on this topic and the TLDR seems to be that the Platona is a tank and a better "do everything" watch. Other people say that for comparative money they will always choose Patek. This will be my only expensive watch with about 10-15k left over for a steel piece. Here are some of my thoughts below. I am just looking for a little more insight that anyone can provide as to the +- ve.

*Part of the reason the used prices in Canada are better is because we have lower retail price comparatively so when I convert to USD it is better*

Platona - I found a used example being sold privately in Canada from 2014 for around 42k US which seems good. I love the weight of the platinum and the look of the platona. I have never tried platinum in person. Does it shine brighter than steel and white gold? Does it really make a gold watch feel like steel? I hear people saying its understated but I hope it pops a bit in real life compared to the lesser metals

Patek 5980R-001/5980steel/5990 - I am not sure on which Nautilus chronograph I would go with but I have located a used 5980R-001 only 6 months old in Canada for around 45k US which is also a great price from what I can tell.

Option 3: Spend the extra 10-15k and blow it all on a datograph up/down or patek 5960P annual calendar chronograph (because sometimes you have to be a boss )

Thanks guys,

Inb4: "try whichever you will lose less on when you flip in 2 weeks". I don't intentionally flip guys!!! It just happens

Josh

i think the 5960 is less than the 5980 -- but, i'd haver to say 5980 in SS over a platona.

[youthagainsttt]

I'd go for the 5980 or PP Calendar chrono 5960 which is a great everyday stunning piece

[wrist_watcher]

I say just flip a coin either way. You will sell it in in less than a month anyway.

[japenney]

Originally Posted by jon_jon

First question - are you a YG/RG type of person, meaning do you have YG/RG watches and do you wear it regularly? Or are you a white metal (SS/WG/Plt) type of person?

If you like the YG/RG, then I would go with the PP 5980R. However because this comes with a leather strap, it will tend to be more of a dress watch. If you are looking at the 5980/1R with the RG bracelet, then the price will be a lot higher.

If you like white metal, then the Platona, 5980/1A (in SS) or 5990/1A (in SS) would fit the bill.

All four watches are great watches and it really is personal preference.

I think I am more of a white metal person on a daily basis. I tried yellow gold and didn't like it but the rose gold from Patek is much nicer. If I could find a used 5980/90 in steel at a good price I would consider it. What do you think is a good used price for these models? Being on the fence I may just go with the platona because I can find a nice used example in Canada.

[locutus49]

Go for it.

Originally Posted by japenney

I think I am more of a white metal person on a daily basis. I tried yellow gold and didn't like it but the rose gold from Patek is much nicer. If I could find a used 5980/90 in steel at a good price I would consider it. What do you think is a good used price for these models? Being on the fence I may just go with the platona because I can find a nice used example in Canada.

[jon_jon]

Originally Posted by japenney

I think I am more of a white metal person on a daily basis. I tried yellow gold and didn't like it but the rose gold from Patek is much nicer. If I could find a used 5980/90 in steel at a good price I would consider it. What do you think is a good used price for these models? Being on the fence I may just go with the platona because I can find a nice used example in Canada.

The prices you were offered for the Platona and 5980R are quite reasonable. For a 5980/1A, I would say $40K USD is a good price. Pricing may depend on the dial color and what is available for sale on the market.

The 5990/1A has been out since 2014, but the production numbers are still quite low and it is hard to get one for a good price as demand seems to exceed supply. US list price is $53K USD and Swiss price is 47K CHF. However many resellers are pricing pre-owned pieces at higher than new AD price. If you can get one at list price or less from an AD, it would be a good deal.

[Jaycnyp]

Get the platona, it's well, the platona. Oh where is DR. Tom with his enabling pictures.

[nyc2la]

Get the Platona, and with the residual $$, backfill with a 5167a. Problem solved.

I just took this photo of the Platona. It really is as awesome as advertised.

[Quailhunter]

Have you researched cost to service each watch? How about average time to get the watch serviced? How about average time between service?

Purchase price is only part of the decision.

[scrappy]

I'm fortunate to own a Platona, 5980/1A (blue), 5990, 5980/1R (bracelet), 5960R (black dial) and a Dato up/down. In my opinion:

Dato > 5980/1R > 5990 > 5980/1A > 5960 > Platona

[japenney]

Originally Posted by scrappy

I'm fortunate to own a Platona, 5980/1A (blue), 5990, 5980/1R (bracelet), 5960R (black dial) and a Dato up/down. In my opinion:

Dato > 5980/1R > 5990 > 5980/1A > 5960 > Platona

Dang. Impressive collection. Dato in rose gold or platinum do you think?

[scrappy]

Originally Posted by japenney

Dang. Impressive collection. Dato in rose gold or platinum do you think?

Platinum. It's a very masculine looking (and feeling) watch.

[Le Chef]

The Datograph is the real deal. That movement is second to none.

[Chiboy]

I really like ALS watches and the Datograph is beautiful. But if this is going to be one of two watches, I think the Daytona is more "practical." IMO, a bracelet is more practical than a leather band. Hot and sweaty? No problem? You can just wash it off.

I have never owned an ALS, but get the impression that you are not going to be waiting ten years between services, and that the services will be significantly more expensive and more like a six month process than a six week process.

The Daytona looks, IMO, great in every situation and would be much more appropriate with a pair or shorts, or a pair of jeans than the Datograph.

I am under the impression that the PP watches would have similar drawbacks to the Datograph, and are equally "problematic" for an every day watch or as part of a two watch collection.

I admit that I made my choice, and am biased.

[Le Chef]

Servicing is neither as expensive or as lengthy as you believe. Lange is not Patek thankfully! If you're interested in knowing more about those practical issues contact a Lange Boutique or ask Datograph owners here what their experience is like.

Given the choice I would take a Datograph and add a Speedmaster Pro on a bracelet to cover both bases. My personal version is to substitute the 1815 Chronograph for the Datograph. I see no point in the Platona where the movement is identical to the base ss version. You're just paying a big premium for pt that's all.

[GB-man]

Yeah on the contrary Alkis has a fantastic reputation for Lange service when compared with HSA.

[GB-man]

My concern is that you sold the BLRO citing it didn't really feel special as the WG was so discrete. Same will go for the 116506

[jschmidtdmd]

The datograph is a very very very special watch.

I prefer the rose gold to the platinum as the platinum is just too heavy.

I don't equate the datograph and the 5980 to being the same though as imo the 5980 is much sportier.

Despite the difference in complications, I equate the datograph more to the 5270.

[aes7.5x55]

I would choose the Platona in this case. While I'm sure they're fantastic, Patek's sport offerings don't do anything for me.

[Headshrinker]

I have both the Platona and the Patek 5980-1R. They are very different watches. The Platona is robust and heavy, while the Patek is more elegant and detailed; more of a dress watch. Both are fantastic timepieces. Getting closer to 60 yrs. old, I am not afraid to wear the rose gold 5980 with a polo shirt and shorts, but if I were younger, the Platona would probably get a lot more wrist time with its sporting nature.

[Old Expat Beast]

Whatever it is I hope you really like it and keep it. You must be getting an idea of what you really want by now.

[THC]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Whatever it is I hope you really like it and keep it. You must be getting an idea of what you really want by now.

so true

[Chiboy]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Whatever it is I hope you really like it and keep it. You must be getting an idea of what you really want by now.

Maybe he's just run out of watches under $30k to try!

[Vipes]

Originally Posted by Chiboy

I really like ALS watches and the Datograph is beautiful. But if this is going to be one of two watches, I think the Daytona is more "practical." IMO, a bracelet is more practical than a leather band. Hot and sweaty? No problem? You can just wash it off.

I have never owned an ALS, but get the impression that you are not going to be waiting ten years between services, and that the services will be significantly more expensive and more like a six month process than a six week process.

The Daytona looks, IMO, great in every situation and would be much more appropriate with a pair or shorts, or a pair of jeans than the Datograph.

I am under the impression that the PP watches would have similar drawbacks to the Datograph, and are equally "problematic" for an every day watch or as part of a two watch collection.

I admit that I made my choice, and am biased.

Agree. I have the first generation Datograph and it is one of the best chronographs, IMO. Only thing is I don't wear it very often because it is on a strap and less versatile esp. in hot Texas weather. The Platona is more versatile and once you have it on the wrist you can tell it's special. The feel and the shine of platinum is amazing. I thought about getting the platona but I was able to get the Daytona-c.

[cdm765]

5960-1a