Calatrava 5296G Sector dial - need guidance

[RajBinani]

I am planning to buy first Patek - 5296G. It was sold in 2005 - buying in secondary market. Getting it at 18,000 dollars. Case is fine and alligator leather strap has aged and bit weary now. Case is in good condition - few hairlines. Service history is not known - might not have been serviced but watch works fine. Few questions - (1) is price good? (2) Can sector dial Calatrava appreciate in future - heard it has been discontinued recently? (3) How much Calatrava servicing will cost? Also planning to get a new strap? Thanks in advance.

[ts3]

1) Check comparable watches on Chrono24 and you will get some idea. It will depend if the watch comes complete with box and Certificate of Origin etc.

2) I would assume the 5296 has been discontinued for a reason. The future is unknown but I doubt any 5296 will appreciate much as lots will have been produced. Also sector dials on modern watches are loved by some but not so much by others.

3) Service cost will be around USD 1500. Patek straps are expensive (never got one, but believe they quickly run USD 600 or so). You can get a great strap from Camille Fournet for USD 250-300. They have been said to make the Patek straps anyway - check their website.