First Patek Reference Suggestions for Newbie

[macrowatch]

Hi everyone, first time venturing into the Patek sub-forum after being a long time sub-forum lurker.

Curious for everyone's wisdom and experience here as I contemplate adding a Patek to the collection. I already have a wide range Rolex sports (PM and SS), 1 Panerai, and Omega Speedy, so looking for some diversity instead of just adding a PM Rolex.

Besides the obvious usual unobatnium suspects for a first time buyer (5711, 5712, 5767, etc), are there any past references you would recommend looking at? I've been mulling over a 5960/01 or something like a 5230, but wondering what else might be worth looking at that I don't even know exists. The number of models is dizzying to say the least for me, and hard to research given how many of them there are.

Also, being fairly familiar with the dealer game of the current Rolex market, is there a similar suggested benchmark of prior spend before a 5164 is a possibility? Thanks in advance!

[RussW]

I’d take a look at the 5524g rather than one of the dressier pieces.

[Fat_ninja]

Originally Posted by RussW

I’d take a look at the 5524g rather than one of the dressier pieces.

I’d recommend taking a look at the 5524g as one of the sportier pieces. :)

[MilesB]

What style are you looking for? That'll help narrow down the suggestions. I went for an annual calendar to start with because I felt that was a classic Patek complication. The 5905P is a great looking watch.

[James444]

Ya what style r u looking for? I also went for the annual calender as my first patek. 5960/1a black dial. Why?
1) rarity, production run less then a year, steel sport watch this is the main thing i like about it.
2) useful complication ( annual calender, PR n day night indicator but the flyback chrono is less useful to me. The PR indicator is really useful.
3) i like the bracelet which add a touch of elegant to the watch. Elegant sporty imho.

[tchaic]

5960P $45k

[Bearxj86]

Hi there, what budget are you on? I presume you are going to have to pay grey since its your first Patek.

$10k to $20k - 5196R/J/G
$20k to $30k - plenty of options here, 5227R, some 5146 series
$30k to $40k - All the annual calendars open up as well as 5196P, 3940J etc
$50k to $60k= Nautilus territory, 5711 white, chronos like the 5170, some perp calendars
$70k = 5170P

Originally Posted by macrowatch

Hi everyone, first time venturing into the Patek sub-forum after being a long time sub-forum lurker.

Curious for everyone's wisdom and experience here as I contemplate adding a Patek to the collection. I already have a wide range Rolex sports (PM and SS), 1 Panerai, and Omega Speedy, so looking for some diversity instead of just adding a PM Rolex.

Besides the obvious usual unobatnium suspects for a first time buyer (5711, 5712, 5767, etc), are there any past references you would recommend looking at? I've been mulling over a 5960/01 or something like a 5230, but wondering what else might be worth looking at that I don't even know exists. The number of models is dizzying to say the least for me, and hard to research given how many of them there are.

Also, being fairly familiar with the dealer game of the current Rolex market, is there a similar suggested benchmark of prior spend before a 5164 is a possibility? Thanks in advance!

[locutus49]

I prefer the sportier models even though they are only available via greys. So it depends on what you are looking for.

[Ichiran]

If you want an Aquanaut from your AD, you probably need to start off with one or two non-sports Patek from your AD first. I thought AC like 5146 and 5205 are great first piece. Better if you can stretch into the grand comp.

[AK797]

5170 is cool, but I'd probably look more at a Lange Chrono nowadays.

[jag32]

My vote is for the 5130/5230 or a 5170. Cant beat the 5170....if I was lucky enough to own one I would put the strap on upside down!

[sokoloka]

Originally Posted by RussW

I’d take a look at the 5524g rather than one of the dressier pieces.

This is the one I've been eyeing as my first Patek piece. Find the 5524r quite handsome as well.

[ts3]

Originally Posted by bearxj86

Hi there, what budget are you on? I presume you are going to have to pay grey since its your first Patek.

$10k to $20k - 5196R/J/G
$20k to $30k - plenty of options here, 5227R, some 5146 series
$30k to $40k - All the annual calendars open up as well as 5196P, 3940J etc
$50k to $60k= Nautilus territory, 5711 white, chronos like the 5170, some perp calendars
$70k = 5170P

This is a good way to think about the playing field...

In the 10-20k bracket you also have numerous discontinued Calatrava models, including 5096, 3998, 5107, 5127, 5296. A simple Calatrava is a great way to start, just pick what you like in terms of design and size and rather buy preowned than new.

In the 20-30k bracket I'd add the 5110 world timers.

In the 30-40k bracket I second the 3940J, a classic that will always be loved.

Personally I don't like the look of most Patek annual calendars and annual calendar chronos except for the 5905P which is too large for my taste at 42mm. I am also not sure if the 5524 has much long-term staying power and it is again large at 42mm. Admittedly I wouldn't want any travel time piece in the first place as that information is always very present in my head, but most people love the complication.

[macrowatch]

Thank you everyone so far for all the guidance, especially the recommendations by the tiered budget!

Style wise, I think my tastes have changed so much over the years. 10 years ago when Patek was still out of reach, I remember thinking the 5070 would be my ultimate grail, and a 5980 seemed ugly. Fast foward to today, I tried on a 5070 again and felt the design hasn't aged very well for some reason in person, and looking at my friend's 5980, thought...not too bad after all. Of course I don't know how much hype has distorted by tastes here.

I love all chronographs generally, hence the speedy and daytona's left and right in the collection.

I would also confess, I think it was a prior bearxj86's post talking about regretting adding endless Rolex's instead of Pateks swayed my thinking quite a bit, especially since it's between a Platona or a Patek right now (budget wise this means up to the Platona range as well). In the back of my mind, I'm also seriously debating if to just bank the money and way overpay on the secondary market for the newly announced ceramic AP open work perpetual calendar when it finally arrives.

Anyways, found an AD that had the 5524G. Thank you Ninja and RussW for that recommendation. Interesting, but still mulling over. Trying to find a 5170P to try on to see how it feels compared to the 5070. Haven't seen a 5905 yet in person so added that to the list. Will keep everyone posted, thank you (and open to any addition suggestions that might not be on the radar yet).

[golfski]

Originally Posted by macrowatch

Anyways, found an AD that had the 5524G. Thank you Ninja and RussW for that recommendation. Interesting, but still mulling over.

Get the 5524! Especially if you are not looking for something overly formal but on a leather strap. Best value for the money IMO, next would be an AC or World Time but they are too formal and small.

IMG_9630.JPG

[locutus49]

This was too big on my wrist but it looks great on yours. 5524 is a great reference IMO. Sporty and will stand the test of time.

Originally Posted by golfski

Get the 5524! Especially if you are not looking for something overly formal but on a leather strap. Best value for the money IMO, next would be an AC or World Time but they are too formal and small.

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