Advice Sought: Patek 5127G or VC 87172G

[SoylentGreenChi]

Seeking the wisdom and experience of the forum, as I’m genuinely torn on a decision.

Context is that I am looking for a white dial dress watch to fill a gap in my collection. It needs to have a date complication, as I cannot do a time only piece (I’ve tried). Also, I have a black dial 5227G, and this white dial watch will complement it. I have three Pateks in my collection, a Royal Oak, and a Rolex. I do not have a Vacheron in the collection.

Options: I have always been drawn to the PP 5127G, the quirkiness of the screw down cap, the off-white dial. But I can only get preowned models and finding ones in terrific shape is a bit of a challenge. On the other hand, I can find many options for a VC 87172, like new condition, box/papers. And I have always loved the VC Traditionnelle line. A used PP 5127G is going to cost about $5K USD more than a like new VC 87172.

Advice: Does anyone have experience or advice with a similar decision point and add words of wisdom? My heart says get the 5127G, but my head says that it makes sense to 1) get a newer quality watch 2) save money and 3) get a VC into my collection rather than yet another PP (maybe wrong forum to ask!)

Thoughts?

Be well, all!

[Calatrava r]

You should know the 5127G is 37mm but wears small for its size. May not have the wrist presence you want if you like 40mm type watches.

[uniqueMR]

Go with Patek. Won't let you down :)
5127G

[namelesswatchguy]

Very similar to the 5227 but much smaller. I might branch out a little! How about Lange 1815 white dial?


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[jsobral]

Patek

[ts3]

Not a fan of that particular VC as I find small seconds (= traditional / old style) and date window (= a more modern feature, especially for a dress watch) don't go well together here.

Some of VC's no date dress watches are very pretty but with date I'd go Patek. That said, I slightly prefer 5107G with its wider bezel over 5127G. Personally I got a 3998P instead years ago as I like platinum over white gold (and wouldn't want any plated white gold). With 6.6 inch wrists I don't mind a small dress watch.

[SoylentGreenChi]

All these thoughts align with my own, such that I’ve decided and just purchased the 5127G. Try as I might to diversify, I just need to face the fact that I’m most comfortable with Patek (design language, brand, etc).

Thanks, all!

[jsobral]

Congratz, good call!

[Vasco]

That's an interesting project but which I don't know that much about.

I noticed your heart goes towards the 5127 instead of the VC: that's a very important point. I think I can say that every time I made a decision with the heart it was something I enjoyed a lot. Every time I went with my head because I thought it was logically the right decision, without enough heart side, I ended being wrong.

Diversifying is nice as it helps refueling pleasure from a watch to the other but if you feel the 5127 is really for you, maybe going for a VC instead isn't the right move?

What I usually do is imagining during the day if I had the watch on my wrist (e.g. the VC): if you feel you'll enjoy it very much then maybe it is worth a try?

I know you don't want a watch without date but that VC 1955 ultra-thin Historiques is so beautiful...

Edit: I've seen you got the 5127, huge congratz!

[vitalsigns]

Good choice. The 5127 is the very best of the modern Calatravas. A nice blend of classic and modern styling and its rounded surfaces make it a beautiful and sensual watch.

It can be dressed up or down (somewhat) with a different strap, and it doesn't scream "look-at-me" so it retains Patek's historic subtlety.

Unlike another poster above, given the crown guards, I think it wears a bit larger than its 37mm would indicate....more like 38mm.

Its successor, the 5227, is arguably a bit large for what it is, but others would disagree.

While I like the Vacheron Traditionnelles, especially the date-free versions, the 87172 doesn't appeal; and the date function seems like an after-thought and not well integrated into the full design.

Enjoy your 5127! I've had mine for 15 years and it still draws my affection.

John

[SoylentGreenChi]

Thank you for the advice, everyone. Posting two photos to close the loop.





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[Chute]

Great watch and congratulations!
I was going to suggest a 5296g as a nice compliment to the 5227g you already have but your choice best me to it