The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Old 16 May 2021, 03:34 PM   #1
kip595
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: U.S. East Coast
Posts: 160
Recommendations for a first PP

Hi guys;

While I've had many fine watches come through my little collection over the last decade or so, I have yet to acquire a Patek and think it might be a reasonable goal this year.

My question is simply what do you suggest for an entry piece?

The following are all factors to me; however the only absolute is that it must have a seconds hand of some sort - I appreciate the dressiness of some two handers, but my OCD just can't do it.

I'd prefer SS/WG over YG
Under 20-25k
Used or vintage is completely acceptable.
I prefer at least a 34-35mm case for a round dial, however for tank style such as Gondolo I am open - I enjoy many vintage pieces and a 'smaller' than average watch may not be an issue.

So - any thoughts?

Thanks guys! :)
kip595 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16 May 2021, 04:45 PM   #2
Robine
Banned
 
Join Date: May 2021
Location: Paris
Posts: 271
5109G Gondolo and 5196G Calatrava.
Robine is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16 May 2021, 04:46 PM   #3
IBDOC
"TRF" Member
 
IBDOC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 364
5119G should fit the bill. 35mm, WG, thin, dressy, classic, sub-seconds, good value for money and readily available. 5127G of you want a date and central seconds, 5196G if you want an in-production model and 6000G if you want more casual. All of them should fit within budget.
IBDOC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16 May 2021, 06:39 PM   #4
ts3
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Europe
Posts: 3,199
In the same shoes I got a 3998P which is a basic 34mm three-hander with date with the trusted 315 movement. I had tried on 5196 and 5296 at the AD before but found them a little large on my 6.6" wrists (for a dress watch that is, don't mind 40mm sports watches). No regrets many years later.
ts3 is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 16 May 2021, 06:46 PM   #5
Robine
Banned
 
Join Date: May 2021
Location: Paris
Posts: 271
3998 will be more expensive in non-YG
Robine is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16 May 2021, 06:51 PM   #6
ts3
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Europe
Posts: 3,199
Quote:
Originally Posted by Robine View Post
3998 will be more expensive in non-YG
Nope. Even the P can be had for under USD 25k that OP suggested and the G will be cheaper.
ts3 is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 17 May 2021, 03:08 AM   #7
Lemieux66
"TRF" Member
 
Lemieux66's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2016
Real Name: Greg
Location: UK
Watch: $10 Casio
Posts: 521
The Nautilus is a good entry-level Patek which meets all your criteria except price!
Lemieux66 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 May 2021, 03:03 AM   #8
gqmagic
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Near LA
Posts: 244
My first, can be found at a good price nowadays.
gqmagic is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 May 2021, 03:12 AM   #9
jon_jon
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 4,340
In that price range, you are mainly looking at Calatravas, Gondolos or a Golden Ellipse. You may be luck enough to find an older Annual Calendar for under $25k. It may be more difficult to find non-YG older Calatravas. Recent model WG Calatravas are your best bet.

As for a Gondolos and Golden Ellipses, unless you love rectangular shaped watches, I wouldn't recommend that as your first. You can add it to your collection after having a few Pateks in your collection.
jon_jon is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 May 2021, 04:00 AM   #10
djona
"TRF" Member
 
djona's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: USA
Watch: N/A
Posts: 451
5196G seems to fit your criteria.



djona is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 May 2021, 04:45 AM   #11
Robine
Banned
 
Join Date: May 2021
Location: Paris
Posts: 271
5196G, the OP39 of PP's current lineup, is becoming absurdly expensive even if pre-owned. In Europe, we are talking about EUR 20k (B&P).
Robine is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 May 2021, 02:15 PM   #12
sherpastar
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 10
The 3445 in WG would be my choice as a starter. I'd also consider a 3978 Ellipse in YG/white dial/Roman markers (the final iteration of the vintage Ellipse era, and the most elegant in my opinion).
sherpastar is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 May 2021, 03:04 PM   #13
Robine
Banned
 
Join Date: May 2021
Location: Paris
Posts: 271
3738 Ellipse in YG. with blue dial and black strap. As iconic as it can get.

Why should be buy a fairly generic-looking 5196 in a round shape and white metal, he probably has already some watches in that style.
Robine is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 May 2021, 05:15 PM   #14
EUguy
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: Europe
Posts: 177
I would (obviously ;-)) say Ellipse as well. However, the Ellipse does not have a seconds hand, which is one of your requirements.

What about the Calatrava Travel Time 5134G or 5134P? In my opinion this is still one of the most beautiful Pateks ever made, and it has the desired travel time complication that people go mad about in the Aquanaut. Maybe I am wrong but I get the impression that this model is not very popular and extremely underrated. As a result you should be able to find one around USD 20k.
EUguy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 May 2021, 11:00 PM   #15
Humble michael
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Real Name: James Cline
Location: san antonio
Watch: 5711 white , 5990,
Posts: 1,218
Me thinks one of the Best Buy’s to start in pp is the vintage ellipse - you can get one for 10 grand - maybe less . Subtle elegance IMO , james in San Antonio Tx
Attached Images
File Type: jpeg 5730A7AB-EAF0-41DD-AFE8-F4CCBCE7A1A4.jpeg (71.1 KB, 467 views)
Humble michael is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 May 2021, 02:18 AM   #16
Robine
Banned
 
Join Date: May 2021
Location: Paris
Posts: 271
Re-think the seconds hand requirement.
Robine is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 May 2021, 02:19 AM   #17
uniqueMR
2024 Pledge Member
 
uniqueMR's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2018
Location: USA
Watch: P A T E K
Posts: 4,691
Calatrava
__________________
A. Lange & Sohne | Audemars Piguet | F.P.Journe | Omega | Patek Philippe | Rolex | Tudor | ...and Othersss
uniqueMR is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 May 2021, 05:16 AM   #18
kip595
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: U.S. East Coast
Posts: 160
Thanks for the input guys - I have a bit to think on it further, but...

...right now it's actually the 5109G Gondolo that I think is right for me.

-Seconds hand, while I understand is not standard/traditional/etc for a 'dress' watch is an absolute make or break for me, moreso than size or WG vs YG, so that preference (which I admit it is) is a certain one for me.

-I am one of the few young-ish American males of fairly large frame to not only like but often prefer rectangular 'tank' case designs.

Add in the styling, which to me is a blend of the best bits of art deco and Breuget, and for my money I think it's a winner, at least visually.

Will hopefully be picking one up in-person when next in NYC - alas, winter is so far away...
kip595 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 May 2021, 05:21 AM   #19
Robine
Banned
 
Join Date: May 2021
Location: Paris
Posts: 271
But a 5109 is not a SS sports Patek?
Robine is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 May 2021, 07:21 AM   #20
DrStrangluv
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: CA
Posts: 30
Quote:
Originally Posted by gqmagic View Post
My first, can be found at a good price nowadays.
lovley! what's the reference number?
DrStrangluv is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 May 2021, 04:00 PM   #21
jinp84
"TRF" Member
 
jinp84's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: los angeles
Watch: Explorer 1 14270
Posts: 117
Quote:
Originally Posted by EUguy View Post
I would (obviously ;-)) say Ellipse as well. However, the Ellipse does not have a seconds hand, which is one of your requirements.

What about the Calatrava Travel Time 5134G or 5134P? In my opinion this is still one of the most beautiful Pateks ever made, and it has the desired travel time complication that people go mad about in the Aquanaut. Maybe I am wrong but I get the impression that this model is not very popular and extremely underrated. As a result you should be able to find one around USD 20k.
Mine says hi!

Sent from my SM-N976U using Tapatalk
jinp84 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 May 2021, 07:10 PM   #22
Moondoggy
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Real Name: Berty
Location: NI/Aust/USA
Watch: and wait
Posts: 2,986
5135

Quote:
Originally Posted by DrStrangluv View Post
lovley! what's the reference number?
Annual calendar, IMO by far the most underrated Patek.

DE80800A-DCFB-415C-B556-757648D39748.jpeg
Moondoggy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 4 June 2021, 03:24 AM   #23
motiontimers
Banned
 
Join Date: Nov 2017
Real Name: Barry
Location: USA
Posts: 59
Quote:
Originally Posted by jinp84 View Post
Mine says hi!

Sent from my SM-N976U using Tapatalk
Also a very good option.... Beautiful.
motiontimers is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Takuya Watches

Bobs Watches

My Watch LLC

OCWatches

DavidSW Watches

Coronet


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.