Help with NOS 5170G

[mafoofan]

Alright, calling on all sharp eyes. Below are photos of a Patek 5170G I’m looking at. It’s one of the last available new from an authorized dealer. It is overseas so I can’t inspect in person.

Is it just me or does it look like the case might have been polished/refinished? The edges of the lugs appear ever so slightly softened. Or it could just be the photo/lighting. Or my paranoia.

Also, looks like there might be some hairline scratches on the bezel.

It is 2015 production. Dealer has had it for five years, which makes me worry about handling and shop wear. I’ve obviously asked the dealer for clarification, but who know what sort of answer I’m going to get.

Lastly, any word on movement finishing on the CH 29-535 circa 2015? I’ve heard rumblings that later watches have been finished better.

Thoughts?

[IBDOC]

You’d better be getting some serious discount if you plan on getting this at an AD, regardless of condition. Would be an instant $30K shower otherwise.

[mafoofan]

Originally Posted by IBDOC

You’d better be getting some serious discount if you plan on getting this at an AD, regardless of condition. Would be an instant $30K shower otherwise.

I’m aware of that—thanks.

Thoughts on condition?

[GB-man]

My advice would be if you don't trust the seller don't pay a NOS premium. Pics are not the best but it doesn't look NOS mint to me.

[Dr.Teatime]

OMG! the famous mafoofan! I've missed your posts on SF.

On to watches: with a brand/house like PP I would be less concerned about the time from manufacture. My AD will send an unsold piece back to PP for a service after ~5years. they shouldn't polish the piece unless there are dings/ drops. I think this is very unlikely, but its a risk.
Patek will take care of their customers, so some component of the risk is mitigated

[Vipes]

Might be unworn but it seems to have a lot of tiny marks on the bezel (probably from being handled at AD). I would rather buy a pre owned one in nice condition than pay NOS price for this one.

[Calatrava r]

Looks like poor photo resolutions to me. Sorry to hear you say you heard the later movements were finished better than the earlier ones. Never something we want to hear about Patek.

[GoingPlaces]

For NOS looks like it has scratches on the bezel which would make it NOT new old stock but mint/excellent condition IMO.

[shaunylw]

This would not meet my definition of NOS. Unless there is a steep discount, i would find another example. It clearly has a decent amount of shop wear from the terrible photos


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[mafoofan]

Shop has confirmed there are hairline scratches all over. They offered to have Patek polish the watch and service it.

I do not want to buy a polished watch. Does Patek ever replace or recut cases for new watches that have been worn or damaged by an AD? Any other options here?

[Vipes]

Originally Posted by mafoofan

Shop has confirmed there are hairline scratches all over. They offered to have Patek polish the watch and service it.

I do not want to buy a polished watch. Does Patek ever replace or recut cases for new watches that have been worn or damaged by an AD? Any other options here?

Highly doubt Patek will replace that case with such minor scratches. It would be very easy for Patek to do a light polish to bring it back to new condition.

Hard for me to understand why so many people are against polishing from the manufacturer when it comes to a modern watch with light wear.

[Andybethel]

I think it does meet the NOS description. Likely it was a how model with clumsy hands. Like any floor model, I’d be asking fir a significant discount.

As for recut, it is possible, but they will only do if the case is beyond repair, so in this instance, it’s extremely unlikely as the case will be serial numbered in the archives with matching movement etc.

Are they offering a discount? Also, did you confirm on PP’s website that they are an AD?


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[mafoofan]

Originally Posted by Vipes

Highly doubt Patek will replace that case with such minor scratches. It would be very easy for Patek to do a light polish to bring it back to new condition.

Hard for me to understand why so many people are against polishing from the manufacturer when it comes to a modern watch with light wear.

I’ve had Patek polish light scratches off a gold watch. You can definitely tell it’s been done. The edges will never be as sharp as new and the lugs will be ever so slightly thinner. 99% of other people won’t notice, but a knowledgeable owner would.

Originally Posted by Andybethel

I think it does meet the NOS description. Likely it was a how model with clumsy hands. Like any floor model, I’d be asking fir a significant discount.

As for recut, it is possible, but they will only do if the case is beyond repair, so in this instance, it’s extremely unlikely as the case will be serial numbered in the archives with matching movement etc.

Are they offering a discount? Also, did you confirm on PP’s website that they are an AD?


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100% certain dealer is an AD. They are checking with Patek on options.

What exactly qualifies as “re-cutting” a case? Wouldn’t they make the numbers match if they did it?

[mafoofan]

Apparently, there is the option to “return to stock condition” from Patek in Geneva, but that depends on whether the dealer wants to foot the bill...

[subtona]

PICS aren't clean enough to determine much.

[mafoofan]

Originally Posted by subtona

PICS aren't clean enough to determine much.

Shop has confirmed there are indeed hairline scratches all over the case and bezel.

[nyc2la]

Originally Posted by mafoofan

Shop has confirmed there are indeed hairline scratches all over the case and bezel.

Did they confirm whether or not it’s been polished?

[mafoofan]

Originally Posted by nyc2la

Did they confirm whether or not it’s been polished?

They said no. Just worn from handling.

[azizu]

i have a 5170G with with palsuation dial, they are very hard to get a good photo of.
it is a really beautiful watch, the first in-house Patek Philippe manual wound chronograph for men.
this reference have been doscontinued for a few years so perhaps people would start admiring in a few years and prices would rise (i personally think it is much more wearable than the 5070).
the good thing about buying it from an AD is that you would have your name on the certificate of origin.

[liljctl]

Originally Posted by mafoofan

Alright, calling on all sharp eyes. Below are photos of a Patek 5170G I’m looking at. It’s one of the last available new from an authorized dealer. It is overseas so I can’t inspect in person.



Is it just me or does it look like the case might have been polished/refinished? The edges of the lugs appear ever so slightly softened. Or it could just be the photo/lighting. Or my paranoia.



Also, looks like there might be some hairline scratches on the bezel.



It is 2015 production. Dealer has had it for five years, which makes me worry about handling and shop wear. I’ve obviously asked the dealer for clarification, but who know what sort of answer I’m going to get.



Lastly, any word on movement finishing on the CH 29-535 circa 2015? I’ve heard rumblings that later watches have been finished better.



Thoughts?

You are not mafoofan of the styleforum fame are you?

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[mafoofan]

Originally Posted by liljctl

You are not mafoofan of the styleforum fame are you?

Sent from my SM-G985F using Tapatalk

Unfortunately, yes.

[liljctl]

Originally Posted by mafoofan

Unfortunately, yes.

My hero. LOL.

Why the 5170G?

[mafoofan]

Originally Posted by liljctl

My hero. LOL.

Why the 5170G?

Best looking modern Patek—to me, at least. Perfect dial, perfect case, important/beautiful movement.

[mafoofan]

Also any reason to prefer 2015 vs. 2016 vs. 2017 production on this watch, such as with respect to finishing?

[texasmade]

Originally Posted by liljctl

My hero. LOL.

Why the 5170G?

Tales of his exploits travel well to other forums!

[taylorhall]

I’m assuming you are getting a discount...

I know of two ADs in the USA with this exact reference.

PM me for info if interested. 12345

[mafoofan]

Originally Posted by taylorhall

I’m assuming you are getting a discount...

I know of two ADs in the USA with this exact reference.

PM me for info if interested. 12345

Awesome! Just PM’ed you.

[mafoofan]

Update on this: AD is going to send watch back to Geneva to “return to stock”, which may involve re-cutting the case or replacing it entirely.

[hgb4529]

Originally Posted by mafoofan

Update on this: AD is going to send watch back to Geneva to “return to stock”, which may involve re-cutting the case or replacing it entirely.

Any update on this? I'm just starting my journey to buy a 5170g-001. I was unaware returning to stock was an option. I'm just now vetting grey listings so maybe I'll start reaching out to ADs. Thanks.

[Partekular]

My opinion for what is’ worth…

They appear to have said it was ‘worn from handling’ !!!! I’ve yet to meet an AD who doesn’t wear gloves as part of the sell….”so valuable it’s only handled with gloves” is the subliminal message. Customers are watched extremely carefully as a damage and scratches make the watch unsaleable at full PP retail and gives a poor image to the brand. NEW means brand spanking shiny perfection. That’s what you are paying for.

And NOS - never on sale - does not preclude the sales team keeping it in a draw and each staff member wearing it when they are on PP duty in the dealership. Sounds on the Face of it as if it has been well worn! Has it been serviced after shop use?

Avoid polishing. If they want to do that pre sale let them.