patek 3998 vs 5120

[htc8p]

patek 3998 vs 5120

sorry dont have pictures but have these characteristics listed

3998
automatic
off white dial
hour markers
minute markers
dauphine hands
central sweep seconds
date

5120
automatic
very thin
white dial
unique rotor
roman numeral
no seconds
hobnail bezel

what would be your choice?

[Tony64]

Two very different watches. The 5120 is one of the most elegant watches you can own and classic Patek with its hobnail bezel. Add to that its cal 240 with the superb finishing and microrotor and it's the clear winner imo.

The 3998 might be better for a daily wear, esoecially if you must have a date. I don't think the 3998 has a display back if that's important to you. The 3998 is nice but not in the league of the 5120, at least to me.

[htc8p]

wow thanks for your input.

maybe the classic elegant patek look will last longer than the more modern style.

do you know when that hobnail design was launched?

[jon_jon]

The 3998 is an older watch that has been discontinued for quite some time now. Unless you like the smaller size of the older Calatravas, you can find more modern Calatravas with a larger case (e.g. 5127 or 5296) at slightly higher prices in the pre-owned market.

Patek has been producing watches with a hobnail bezel for several decades and they still continue this design in the current 5116/5119/5120 references. It definitely has that old world charm look to it. However you have to try it out to see if you like it or not. It would look nice with formal attire.

[Tony64]

Originally Posted by jon_jon

The 3998 is an older watch that has been discontinued for quite some time now. Unless you like the smaller size of the older Calatravas, you can find more modern Calatravas with a larger case (e.g. 5127 or 5296) at slightly higher prices in the pre-owned market.

Patek has been producing watches with a hobnail bezel for several decades and they still continue this design in the current 5116/5119/5120 references. It definitely has that old world charm look to it. However you have to try it out to see if you like it or not. It would look nice with formal attire.

I believe the 5120 was finally discontinued by Patek this year also. End of an era. Some find it too formal looking for daily wear, but I think your description of "old world charm" sums it up perfectly.