5935a opinions

[Armis]

When this initially was released, I was enamored at first sight. A beautiful, salmon-dialed Patek AND in steel. Indeed, I had requested this (amongst others) from my AD, before Patek pulled their contract. But now that prices in grey have been coming down, I see that this piece is close to msrp, and might even go to msrp.
My question is whether any 5935a owners on the forum are still satisfied with their purchase, or did your initial feelings cool down (or even reverse)?
I ask because I’m not sure if the unique combination of complications i.e. world time and chrono is something that I value enough to justify the cost. And I don’t think that a salmon dial and nice aesthetics should be enough of a justification [for me], since there are other salmon dialed brands out there.
World time is cool, and fun when traveling overseas (but I wouldn’t dare wear this in public overseas). Plus, I have a 5130p. And I like chronos, but do I really need it on a world time? (rhetorical question).

I figure people will say that if I’m questioning the choice then I shouldn’t proceed. But I don’t want to ignore all the positives because of overthinking technical points, especially if existing owners have really enjoyed their experiences. Thanks for your thoughts.

Source: Patek website


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[pam66]

i was very intrigued to the watch first - after all it is steel patek with two serious complications, and pulled the trigger when my AD offered it to me. after a month or so - wearing it on and off- my appreciation of the watch cooled off, mainly for two reasons:
1)i feel the dial should be hand guilloche for the price point of the reference and not stamped
and more serious 2) i started to dislike the chrono counter which for me ruins the balance of the dial. this is much better resolved on the 5930P and on the (discoed) 5930G, where the counters are ton-sur-ton.
it had to go and honestly speaking it is not missed. but that is just my take on the watch, yours may very legitimately be totally different.

[Coolcamden]

I own a 5930G, not a 35 so I can’t talk to the aesthetics. But functionally, there are short comings that need to be said: there is no date, there is no lime, the cities fonts are hard to see, and it is not very accurate compared to other PP I have. Plus side the functions are nice, my blue dial is exquisite. Mine is a keeper.

[thetahoess]

I have a 5935a and love it. I am in suits M-F and it works great with blues in particular. To me it's a neat hybrid of dress and sport. But I'm also a sucker for world timers.

B

[Armis]

Originally Posted by pam66

i was very intrigued to the watch first - after all it is steel patek with two serious complications, and pulled the trigger when my AD offered it to me. after a month or so - wearing it on and off- my appreciation of the watch cooled off, mainly for two reasons:
1)i feel the dial should be hand guilloche for the price point of the reference and not stamped
and more serious 2) i started to dislike the chrono counter which for me ruins the balance of the dial. this is much better resolved on the 5930P and on the (discoed) 5930G, where the counters are ton-sur-ton.
it had to go and honestly speaking it is not missed. but that is just my take on the watch, yours may very legitimately be totally different.

Thanks pam66. Honestly, the stamped guilloche, when I found out, is something that bothers me. It is a fair point. The chrono counter is something I like more on 5930, but for now this hasn’t struck me on the 5935…maybe because I’m not wearing one regularly:)
Thanks for sharing your experience.

[Armis]

Originally Posted by Coolcamden

I own a 5930G, not a 35 so I can’t talk to the aesthetics. But functionally, there are short comings that need to be said: there is no date, there is no lime, the cities fonts are hard to see, and it is not very accurate compared to other PP I have. Plus side the functions are nice, my blue dial is exquisite. Mine is a keeper.

I like the 5930s too. Thank you for highlighting the functions as a positive!

Originally Posted by thetahoess

I have a 5935a and love it. I am in suits M-F and it works great with blues in particular. To me it's a neat hybrid of dress and sport. But I'm also a sucker for world timers.
B

Thanks, B. I’m a fan of WT, with Patek being special in this regard. It’s helpful for me to hear that you use it with more formal work wear, as would I. And your point about the sporty twist is well taken.
I’m curious, does the stamped dial bother you at all, or no big deal?

[TunaTuna]

I'm sure most owners don't use their world time or chronos frequently.

I can't remember the last time I used one of my chronos, and when I did I found it running a few days later. Never turned it off.

It's a beuatiful cool watch, you don't need to travel every week or race cars to enjoy it

[Armis]

Originally Posted by TunaTuna

I'm sure most owners don't use their world time or chronos frequently.

I can't remember the last time I used one of my chronos, and when I did I found it running a few days later. Never turned it off.

It's a beuatiful cool watch, you don't need to travel every week or race cars to enjoy it

Well said, TT. Personally, I have to agree…as cool as the functions are, I’m not going to really use them for a practical reason. Maybe the chrono sometimes, for fun. So I viewing my whole interest in this piece more realistically, which basically comes down to whether I appreciate it for its wearability, pedigree, looks, and complications (even though I won’t use them).
Thanks to the forum for helping me “talk this out.”

[dragonliondog]

dress watch on a steel.....seems not a choice for me
just my own opinion

[patlex]

Had the opportunity to spend some time at my AD handling the timepiece. Was very drawn to it and AD was kind to call me when he received one in store. However, the experience was so so. Dial color contrast and the small font size made reading the timezones a significant real challenge for me as i age. Personally i prefer 5230P instead.

[rboman32]

I got my 5935a at retail from my AD...and love it. Its not a daily for me...but I love the salmon dial and I just ordered a dark navy nubuck strap from my AD to throw on this...see how that looks....

For me....the salmon dial w/complications at not a crazy high price makes it totally worth it...

My $.02 anyway.....

[lukey77]

I borrowed my friend’s for a weekend - he’d just put it on dark brown leather strap. Looked amazing.
My issue with it was that the supplied straps don’t provide enough contrast vs dial.
On dark brown croc , or blue, it’s amazing.


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[thetahoess]

Originally Posted by Armis

I like the 5930s too. Thank you for highlighting the functions as a positive!




Thanks, B. I’m a fan of WT, with Patek being special in this regard. It’s helpful for me to hear that you use it with more formal work wear, as would I. And your point about the sporty twist is well taken.
I’m curious, does the stamped dial bother you at all, or no big deal?

Are you talking about the center guilloche? If so, that's a hand engraved guilloche with a translucent lacquer that is applied over the top. Part of the beauty of the Patek world timers is the center guilloche patterns, all of which are unique.

As for the strap, I ordered darker straps in black and blue, and yet at the end of the day found myself prefering the OE tan strap. It's brilliant with a blue suit; particularly if you're into dark or medium blues. Also works great with gray suits if you're willing to go gray with brown shoes/belt.

To me the watch is a winner. It's a weird hybrid between casual and professional, which in my world is what I love. I wear dress watches both in suits, as well as casual gear. If you're a bracelet guy, throw some 4-6mm tiger's eye beads with it, and you've got yourself a killer look.

B

[Armis]

Originally Posted by thetahoess

Are you talking about the center guilloche? If so, that's a hand engraved guilloche with a translucent lacquer that is applied over the top. Part of the beauty of the Patek world timers is the center guilloche patterns, all of which are unique.

As for the strap, I ordered darker straps in black and blue, and yet at the end of the day found myself prefering the OE tan strap. It's brilliant with a blue suit; particularly if you're into dark or medium blues. Also works great with gray suits if you're willing to go gray with brown shoes/belt.

To me the watch is a winner. It's a weird hybrid between casual and professional, which in my world is what I love. I wear dress watches both in suits, as well as casual gear. If you're a bracelet guy, throw some 4-6mm tiger's eye beads with it, and you've got yourself a killer look.

B

Thanks again, B! Yes, I was indeed referring to the center guilloche. I didn’t realize it’s hand engraved, which is a big deal to know. I agree about the different center patterns on Patek WTs. I guess I need to get a closer look at this one in the metal.

[johnsonsxusfrt]

Originally Posted by lukey77

I borrowed my friend’s for a weekend - he’d just put it on dark brown leather strap. Looked amazing.
My issue with it was that the supplied straps don’t provide enough contrast vs dial.
On dark brown croc , or blue, it’s amazing.


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Agree, for me the strap can completely change the aesthetics of a watch. I've owned watches that I was contemplating selling until I found the right color strap :)

[Breitling1972]

I bought at retail when it first came out and wore it 3-4 months. I thought it was and still is beautiful. My problem like with others was the colors and font size made it very hard to read. To the point I had to put on readers and turn it in the light to see everything. In the end I traded it back to my AD towards a 5326G which is super easy to read and I love the Leica dial. ( this one has been on straight for 2 months with the dark strap). I know its steel and Salmon but I just couldn't get alot of wrist time out of it.
Thank you
Andrew

[Armis]

Originally Posted by Breitling1972

I bought at retail when it first came out and wore it 3-4 months. I thought it was and still is beautiful. My problem like with others was the colors and font size made it very hard to read. To the point I had to put on readers and turn it in the light to see everything. In the end I traded it back to my AD towards a 5326G which is super easy to read and I love the Leica dial. ( this one has been on straight for 2 months with the dark strap). I know its steel and Salmon but I just couldn't get alot of wrist time out of it.
Thank you
Andrew

Thanks for sharing your experience, Andrew. I can easily imagine having difficulty with reading the dial in certain lights and angles, although I can say the same for a couple other pieces I have. But your point about wrist time is key, since I don’t want this to sit in the box. I like the size very much, and unique look, so I convincing myself I will give it proper attention…but I’m going to find a grey dealer to try it on to test my assumption.
The 5326g is a home run, enjoy!

[mickyd329]

I've noticed there are three categories of watches for me when released. Some watches I fall in love with and stay in love it. Some I love initially and then it doesn't appeal to me after time. Some watches I don't like at launch and then they grow on me.

For me the 5935a was a watch I really liked initially, but found myself not wanting it after some time. It was initially on my wishlist at my AD, but taken off at a later time.

@Armis, if you have to question yourself on whether you should or shouldn't buy this piece, I think you know what the answer is. I've bought pieces that I wasn't 100% sure of in the past and always regretted it.

[ts3]

Originally Posted by mickyd329

I've noticed there are three categories of watches for me when released. Some watches I fall in love with and stay in love it. Some I love initially and then it doesn't appeal to me after time. Some watches I don't like at launch and then they grow on me.
...

Same, plus add that fourth category of watches I don't like at launch and that don't grow on me later. This is where 5935A squarely sits for me. In my eyes it got stuck in the "grey" between sports and dress in an effort to draw up a very sporty WT. The small black chrono counter throws me off each time and the (stamped) checkered pattern is a world apart from the guilloche on the beautiful 5230P.

[EUguy]

I have seen it in the flesh quite a few times and this piece is IMHO – like many PF watches – a true stunner and way more beautiful IRL than in pictures. The way that the sun catches the dial and plays with the carbon motif is something very, very special and not seen on many other PF references.

While I do appreciate the previous comment on steel for a dress watch I tend to disagree here since steel perfectly fits with a traveller’s lifestyle. For someone who travels through various zones the steel case must be a huge benefit since you don’t have to be too careful as is the case with a PM watch and focus on your traveling/business instead. Apart from that the steel and the case finishing is so gorgeous and matches so very well with the salmon dial that this watch can be worn perfectly with a suit as well as smart casual but equally so with jeans and a t-shirt.

While the legibility of the city ring is indeed a bit difficult this is the case with more watches with ‘busy’ dials and this is also mostly compensated by the fact that the size is increased from the 5930G. This is a true difference IRL.

To top it off and contrary to what I first imagined with a salmon dial, the watch is a real strap monster. Watch this YouTube video from Jewels By Love starting with 3 mins 50 seconds (I placed a space before ‘youtu’) and you will be surprised.

https:// youtu.be/mzKSWPqAjQI?si=WN257pM9GG8_G39m

Just my 2 cents.

[Chelsea1986]

Originally Posted by pam66

i was very intrigued to the watch first - after all it is steel patek with two serious complications, and pulled the trigger when my AD offered it to me. after a month or so - wearing it on and off- my appreciation of the watch cooled off, mainly for two reasons:
1)i feel the dial should be hand guilloche for the price point of the reference and not stamped
and more serious 2) i started to dislike the chrono counter which for me ruins the balance of the dial. this is much better resolved on the 5930P and on the (discoed) 5930G, where the counters are ton-sur-ton.
it had to go and honestly speaking it is not missed. but that is just my take on the watch, yours may very legitimately be totally different.

Did your AD contacted you after you sold the watch?

[pam66]

Originally Posted by Chelsea1986

Did your AD contacted you after you sold the watch?

no, why? i didn't bother to tell them. my money my watch.

[Bbp]

Hi Armis, sorry to hear your AD is off patek list, hurts wallet to start all over again on patek with new AD. Not easy to get allocation on this as i have 2
friend who are still waiting for it since launch. Anyway, i have the 5935a for a year and it is still one of my fav among my pp, ap and rolex.

I have no issues at all with the stamped carbon motiff. In fact, I actually find it more alive and interesting then the guillioche counterparts. Also in the right lighting conditions the city rings are showing off some sunburst effects which not many noticed. It is also a strap monster that allows me to dress up, down or even paired very well with funky color strap and to top it off with the icing on the cake is that stainless steel and salmon combo!

This is a piece that I truly enjoyed and cant recommend enough!






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[Armis]

Originally Posted by Bbp

Hi Armis, sorry to hear your AD is off patek list, hurts wallet to start all over again on patek with new AD. Not easy to get allocation on this as i have 2
friend who are still waiting for it since launch. Anyway, i have the 5935a for a year and it is still one of my fav among my pp, ap and rolex.

I have no issues at all with the stamped carbon motiff. In fact, I actually find it more alive and interesting then the guillioche counterparts. Also in the right lighting conditions the city rings are showing off some sunburst effects which not many noticed. It is also a strap monster that allows me to dress up, down or even paired very well with funky color strap and to top it off with the icing on the cake is that stainless steel and salmon combo!

This is a piece that I truly enjoyed and cant recommend enough!
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Wow, that is a strong endorsement, Bbp! And your pictures make an even stronger argument! I appreciate you sharing these points.
I am getting confused, however, the central guilloche…is it stamped or hand engraved?? Another owner above pointed out it is hand engraved and lacquered. I’m not making a big deal about it anymore because it is unique, but I would like to know.

[Armis]

Originally Posted by mickyd329

I've noticed there are three categories of watches for me when released. Some watches I fall in love with and stay in love it. Some I love initially and then it doesn't appeal to me after time. Some watches I don't like at launch and then they grow on me.

For me the 5935a was a watch I really liked initially, but found myself not wanting it after some time. It was initially on my wishlist at my AD, but taken off at a later time.

@Armis, if you have to question yourself on whether you should or shouldn't buy this piece, I think you know what the answer is. I've bought pieces that I wasn't 100% sure of in the past and always regretted it.

True, Mike, the fact I started this thread pretty much says it. I was in the category of being head over heels at initial release…and even asked my AD to put on my list…but then PP pulled their AD status. So I am looking at grey sources since there’s not much of a premium…but I find my initial attitude of excitement more colder. However, I wasn’t sure if this is due to not liking the watch as much as at first, or if perhaps due to my considering getting it from grey dealer (instead of an AD). I’m more partial to an AC complication like the 5905a or 5726a, but those premiums were higher. Ultimately, I don’t like the back and forth in my head, but I just don’t want my decision to be just because I’m whining about having to go grey. :)

[mickyd329]

Originally Posted by Armis

True, Mike, the fact I started this thread pretty much says it. I was in the category of being head over heels at initial release…and even asked my AD to put on my list…but then PP pulled their AD status. So I am looking at grey sources since there’s not much of a premium…but I find my initial attitude of excitement more colder. However, I wasn’t sure if this is due to not liking the watch as much as at first, or if perhaps due to my considering getting it from grey dealer (instead of an AD). I’m more partial to an AC complication like the 5905a or 5726a, but those premiums were higher. Ultimately, I don’t like the back and forth in my head, but I just don’t want my decision to be just because I’m whining about having to go grey. :)

I totally understand your dilemma. I think the best route might to see if you can find a grey dealer locally that might have it in stock and try it on first. That'll probably make your decision making process easier.

[Armis]

Originally Posted by mickyd329

I totally understand your dilemma. I think the best route might to see if you can find a grey dealer locally that might have it in stock and try it on first. That'll probably make your decision making process easier.

You’re absolutely correct…I have an upcoming work trip and have identified a couple of greys in the city, so I’m going to reach out to ask about availability. And the AD in that city may have an exhibition model, perhaps.
Thank you.

[Ichiran]

It's stamped. Look at the description in the website of the 5935A vs the one in 5178G. Whenever it is done by hand, Patek will inform the whole world the dial is "Hand-guilloched."

My personal opinion is to wait for the March release (new WT with date?), and get a manual chrono with lateral clutch separately. If you really like the aesthetics of the 5935A, then you shd get it otherwise.

[cascavel]

A world time chronograph seems to be the horological equivalent of throwing spaghetti on the wall. What's the relationship between these functions? Similar, but worse, to an annual calendar chronograph. A chronograph is meant to be used to precisely time events and, thus, needs to be simple and legible. Patek's most successful effort with this complication is the 5968 or the 5172.

[Bbp]

Originally Posted by Armis

Wow, that is a strong endorsement, Bbp! And your pictures make an even stronger argument! I appreciate you sharing these points.
I am getting confused, however, the central guilloche…is it stamped or hand engraved?? Another owner above pointed out it is hand engraved and lacquered. I’m not making a big deal about it anymore because it is unique, but I would like to know.

You are most welcomed!

Agree with Ichiran. Another example is the green dial 5930p which is stated as “hand-guilloched”. The 5935a article by SJX also suggested it as stamped due to the relatively lower price but this are all guessing… who knows it might be really hand guilloched. Only patek knows.

Go with your heart.