Patek 5127 - Which one?

[lswoboda]

Hello:

I’m shopping for a 5127, but I’m curious about the various options.

Do you have any thoughts on the 315 or the 324 movement? Is one “better” for any reason?

Also, what are your thoughts about the Geneva Seal versus the PP seal?

Thank you in advance for your thoughts and opinions.

LS

[cascavel]

I think the same questions have been asked about the same Movement and the Seal in regards to the 5711 and there is no consensus as far as I can tell.
Either way, the 5127 is a beautiful watch and one of the best looking Calatravas.

[ts3]

Geneva Seal is preferred by most I think including myself.

324 beats faster than 315 and should be slightly more accurate and have lower power reserve as a result but then the 324 also has a better rotor etc if I remember correctly. Not sure about the net implications. Happily owning both in different pieces but never benchmarked them against each other.

Not sure what metal you are looking for but my fav of the 5127 and its predecessor 5107 is the 5107P w black dial, a gorgeous and rare piece.

[SL BRABUS]

Try to find the best condition possible regardless whether it a 315 or 324 movement.......

[lswoboda]

How important are papers? Obviously, watch condition is paramount, but is a watch without papers worth looking at?

This watch isn’t intended to be an “investment”, but I’d like to ensure that what I buy today will be desirable in the future.

Thanks.

[ts3]

I am sure this has been debated many times...

My short answer is as follows... I very much like to get the original papers for any watch that is less than 20 years old. For watches that are between 20 and 40 years old I still prefer papers but it is not a must have but a question of availability and at what price differential. For older pieces papers are a rarity anyway.

[lswoboda]

Thanks. That sounds reasonable and makes sense to me.

[cascavel]

Originally Posted by ts3

I am sure this has been debated many times...

My short answer is as follows... I very much like to get the original papers for any watch that is less than 20 years old. For watches that are between 20 and 40 years old I still prefer papers but it is not a must have but a question of availability and at what price differential. For older pieces papers are a rarity anyway.

There are enough 5127s for sale at a reasonable price that there is no need to buy an incomplete set. Anything less would be a deal killer for me.

[topcat30093]

I have had the pleasure of owning the 5127 in both guises.
And personally, they're no cosmestic differences.
It all depends whether you would like the 315 with the slower beat or the 324 with the higher one. Both were/are foundation movements for many Patek Philippe timepieces and are true workhorses.
I would wish to get a complete set.
Recently, I was looking for another one, but decided tha I wanted a Patek with my name on the certificate, and with a particular date to mark a special occasion. So I bought a new 5227R and fitted it with a deployant.
Which is a beautiful watch, especially with the Officer Case.
But without doubt my favourite Calatrava is the 5127.
Good luck in your search.

[axel23]

Weighing-in (belatedly) on the 5127 discussion. Mine has the 315 movement. What I like most about it is the power reserve. After being fully wound, it ran for over 50 hours. That exceeds any of my other watches. Not sure how the 324 movement performs.

As far as accuracy, my 5127 runs consistently at +5 seconds a day.