I'm over the moon... Incoming 5712!

[tng11]

When I first got to know about Patek, the 5712 was one of those pieces that really caught my attention. It was sporty, yet sophisticated, and in many ways fit the image of what I had always envisioned a Patek to be. The dial with the chaotic layout that just somehow seemed to work, calibre 240 with the micro rotor movement, and the classic slim Nautilus profile seemed to be all what I wanted in a Patek.

Along the way, I told myself I would slowly work myself up to one, and I was ready to buy my first Patek mid-2017. By then the market was heating up, and the 5712s were much harder to find than they were just 6 months earlier. I ended up buying a 5167 as my first Patek to tide me over for a 5712, which I had hoped I could get simply by putting my name on a list and patiently waiting.

Well, then things escalated from there. I watched the price creep up from the low 30s to the high 30s. Then to the mid-40s. Then came the 20% price increase on March 1st, and the prices went to the mid-50s. I was convinced it was never going to happen - there was no "list" at the ADs to speak of, and I had been effectively priced out of the market for one. I had wasted dozens of hours calling ADs around the world, walking into ADs and asking on my travels, etc, with no watch to show for my efforts.

When I visited Geneva in May, I saw the 5712/1A for the first time in the flesh at the Salon. It was absolutely everything I had imagined it to be - the chaos of the dial against a beautiful chameleon blue dial, with the classic Genta proportions and stunning calibre 240. Then that night, one of my friends who I was meeting in Geneva brought along a WIS friend of his, and that friend happened to be wearing a 5712. Coincidentally, we both shared the same wrist size, and we swapped watches for the entire night (he was smitten by my day old FPJ CB.) After that night, I knew I had to have one, but was still at a loss as to how to get one.





Divine intervention came a Friday night earlier this month. With the help of a TRF member, I got my hands on one at list price. I was ecstatic. Floored. Screaming like a child on Christmas Day. I was counting down the clock as it was scheduled to arrive on Monday night.

After a few curse words uttered during the resizing of the bracelet (and having accidentally bent a bracelet pin), she was ready to go!







And I must say wow, this is a piece that really exceeds my expectations. The shade of blue is absolutely stunning. Pictures do not do it justice. It gives a mean and deep look in certain angles, and absorbs light very well, illuminating all of the details of the dial. I spent most of my day staring at the dial. The weight and profile of the watch is perfect - it is slim and feathery and very comfortable. It seems to disappear on the wrist, unlike the 5990, which has real masculinity and presence. Again, my only complaint would be the clasp, which feels tacky and can be hard to open at times, but still feels plenty secure.

The last 4 weeks have been an absolute whirlwind for my collection. I pulled off a hat trick of a FPJ CB, 5990 and now this. Granted some of my favourites had to go to make way (namely the 5164 and AP 15202), but I look back on those decisions with no regrets, and wear all 3 now with an ear-to-ear grin on my face.

This acquisition felt particularly sweet because the search was a particularly arduous and frustrating one at that. That feeling of excitement and satisfaction when I finally had it in my hands last night is something I cannot forget. Moreover, I will look back on this (and my 5990 acquistion) as a stunning example of how great this community can be and the power of collectors helping each other out, in stark contrast to the ugliness of a Daytona incoming thread that happened yesterday. I can only hope to fulfill my role and pay it forward down the road.

And now, I close off with a few more snaps (not taken in ideal lighting at 6 in the morning.)

[jrs146]

Congrats! The 5712 is my favorite dial of all time. Enjoy it. You deserve it!


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[watchtabs]

Congrats man!!!

Ah I wish I could buy mine with an AD mainly for it to have my name.

I can’t wait myself!


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[tonupbklyn]

u r on a roll, to say the least... big time congrats!

(and what's the reference about ugliness re: someone's incoming Daytona??)

[CDub Rolex]

Gorgeous pics! Congrats! I’m just trying to find one to wear to see if I really want one or not :)

[5Zigen]

The perfect trifecta, congrats again!

Looks great on your wrist.

[OP15]

Congrats!

[debner4]

Congrats!!!

Gotta ask.... in your opinion what is the better pairing with the 5712, the AP 15202 or the FP Journe CB?

[SL BRABUS]

Congratulations Tom...

You on a roll here, not to long ago you just got the 5990.....!!!

[GB-man]

Congrats Tom

[Ichiran]

Massive congrats! Great acquisitions!

[sensui]

I agree with everything in that post. I had no idea I'd be this smitten over the 5712 versus the 5711 until after finally owning it. Congrats to finally joining the club and good karma to the member that helped you. A lot of guys have helped me along this journey too so I know the feeling of being grateful. It all comes around. Awesome incoming.

[cdnwatchguy]

Dead sexy.

[nyc2la]

Congrats on the coolest watch around. Classy, with an edge.

[MCMartiny]

Congrats one finally getting the 5712, such a nice watch

Recently I was also fortunate to finally source one. Agree fully with your discription of the magic of the “chameleon” dial...still smile every time I look at mine:

[benlee]

Big Congrats on this hard to get piece Tom. And wear it in the best of heath.

Btw, nice pics

[Victorx88x]

Congrats!!!

[Swearengen]

Its a fantastic piece congratulations

[HL65]

Congrats Tom and 3 amazing incomings!

[tyler1980]

[Busyboy]

I love it too


But I can't get my hands on one except the guy in the boutique in Hamburg was wearing one when I visited. I like you, have been obsessed since

[justdate]

Really happy for you man! And a very nicely written and photographed incoming post too.

[Fat_ninja]

Congrats man. I have my name on a list but it’s suppose to be 1-2 years out. Well done OP

[Zippy+]

Superb!

[Urosfan]

Congrats

[1William]

Congratulations.

[RussW]

Congrats, looks perfect on you.

[Helmi]

Congratulations Tom. Your patience and persistence paid off. Wear it in good health

[hughiee2]

Congratulations!

[AK797]

Congrats Tom you are having the best summer! And just when I was about to start calling you Arnaud 2.0 for all the waiting and 5712 talk.