Just Finished Consolidating Now On The Hunt

[Watchflair]

So I just completed a rather quick consolidation of some pieces to fund my next purchase - the sales essentially took 18 hours between posting them on TRF and Instagram, didn't expect that kind of reaction.

I sold my Explorer II, Blancpain Complete Calendar, and Tudor Harrods.

I'd like to get my first Patek. I'm leaning towards the 5146 in White Gold with Ivory dial. I find the 39mm very appealing and feel the piece can be worn with great versatility. It seems strap changes really change this piece up. I know some of the quirks between the non-matching date wheel and love it or hate it dial lay out. Any other thoughts? Anyone own one long term that's a keeper?

My purchase would be on the secondary market due to the hit these take - can't justify a new piece when they are essentially 35-40% off on the secondary market.

Part of me is wondering if I should continue to save and go for the 5396 but then I go back to the 5146.

Thoughts, feedback, and even better yet experience would be welcomed and appreciated.

I'll add a few pics - not mine so I apologize in advance if I am reposting your shots.

[Goin2drt]

I personally like the 5396 the best.

[subtona]

Hi Jim,

Congrats on the consolidation...


Have you considered the 5140? Or previous

(Alt 5940 w cushion case if it’s to your taste, I really like the fit and feel on the wrist)

They are slimmer and the dial layout is my favorite and prices are soft on secondary.

[Jonbut76]

5146 is classic annual calendar and my personal preference out of the two. White/Ivory can be dressed up or down.

If I was getting an annual calendar though I’d get a 5205. It’s goooorgeous

[BigAppleBill]

I think the 5146 is a great reference and the current secondary market prices represent a great value. This is one of those instances of “buy and wear what you love”. I’ve seen the 5146G on a light blue / medium blue strap for summer and it was stunning. Best of luck on your decision.

[Watchflair]

Originally Posted by subtona

Hi Jim,

Congrats on the consolidation...


Have you considered the 5140? Or previous

(Alt 5940 w cushion case if it’s to your taste, I really like the fit and feel on the wrist)

They are slimmer and the dial layout is my favorite and prices are soft on secondary.

The 5140 is gorgeous and well balanced and who doesn't love a good micro rotor - perhaps I need to see one in person but I'm not sure a 37mm would work well for me.

As much as I want to like a 5940 I just don't love it.

[ap1]

Can you stretch to 5205, I love the more modern interp. Congrats on the consolidation!

[PurpleDial]

Originally Posted by Jonbut76

5146 is classic annual calendar and my personal preference out of the two. White/Ivory can be dressed up or down.

If I was getting an annual calendar though I’d get a 5205. It’s goooorgeous

+1 - after handling a 5146P grey dial, I ultimately went for the 5205G grey dial. Great versatility and possible everyday piece with a more modern touch.

If you can strech: 3940J...

Good luck with the hunt!

[UmichNJ]

I love my 5146. It has many of the Patek design codes from the original annual calendar and the ivory dial is really stunning.

[Watchflair]

I think I need to take a trip into NYC - with Covid and dining being outdoors I haven't been in some time.

The 5205 is an incredible piece - I could push the budget to get one. I think it really comes down to seeing both and seeing what speaks to me in person.

I do have to admit there's something about the ivory dial on the 5146 in white gold that just seems so understated and elegant.

The 5396 with Breguet numbers would be an incredible piece - just not sure of the versatility.

[Watchflair]

Originally Posted by ap1

Can you stretch to 5205, I love the more modern interp. Congrats on the consolidation!

Originally Posted by UmichNJ

I love my 5146. It has many of the Patek design codes from the original annual calendar and the ivory dial is really stunning.

Very nice and with the extra sauce peaking out!

[chiscott_29]

Ultimately you have to go with what you like. Personally, I cannot stand the 5146, but that's just personal preference. At the end of the day, it's a Patek and a very finely made watch.

I much prefer the 5396 if you're certain the addition is going to be a Patek.

If you're open to options outside of Patek, I'd hit up the pre-owned ALS market before it starts getting too hot. Lots of options there in your price range.

[2nastie]

The 5146 is now pretty timeless so you can't really go wrong. I'm personally not a fan of the dial placement of the date (just feels a bit off). Size wise, I love it.

However, I went with the 5205R this Christmas. Best looking modern PP AC. It's also something you can dress down fairly easily. Worth considering.

I always wanted a 5396 but again the date bugged me and lugs aren't as unique as the 5205.

[Acquisition40]

5146 is great!

What I like about the dial layout is the radial display of day and month. It's a more romantic layout that makes you feel the passage of the days through the week or months through the year. I find the date at 6 convenient because it's a frequently used function of the watch, and it's super legible. Also really like the lumed hands, though they're not particularly bright.

That being said, the only thing I didn't like about the 5146 is the placement of the "Patek Phillipe" logo. I know they placed it low on the dial after considering layout/space, but I prefer the logo on the top half of the dial.

39mm is a great size.

If you can make 36mm work, I highly recommend looking at the 3940. It's a different feel because it is smaller, slimmer, but it also feels like "more watch."

Good luck!

S

[JR16]

I love the case and dial color on the 5146, but much prefer the layout on the 5396 . The 5396 fits my wrist much better. It’s been a conundrum which has resulted in me getting neither !! But if forced to choose one I would get the 5146 bc I think it just wears better. I’ve been thinking about it so long though, now my thoughts are drifting to a pre-owned 5230g...


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[MadSpaniard]

The 5146 is a popular reference no doubt, but as others have noted above, the PP name on the bottom always seemed weird to me, like the watch is upside down.

So I went with the 5205R instead which I highly recommend, great looking and extremely comfortable on the wrist.

Have fun making your choice, take your time to decide, and above all get one that you think you'll like for the long term and that you'll wear often. Cheers.

[azizu]

I own a 5146G and absolutly love it



you are right about the cream dial, it is really special and no other watch in PP line have the same color (the 5320 is clost ot it).
i think the 5146G is true patek philippe DNA and wears really well at 39mm. i think the size puts it a step ahead of the 5396 which is at 38mm.

one of the special features about the 5146 is its case shape, which no other patek watch at the recent lineup shares. to my eye, and i apologize if that was wrong, the 5396 have the same case shape as the 5496 as well as the 5170

[Golden Ellipse]

5146 is a firm no-go for me, as a Patek traditionalist.

And the 5205 will never be in my safe either. The deal breaker? Look at the gap between the day window and the 10 o’clock applied index on the left side, vs. the month window and the 2 o’clock index on the right side. Whaaaaat???

Subtona’s recommendation of the 5140 (or better yet the 3940) or 5940 are spot on. The 3940 and 5940 are both 240 movement based pieces that you will never find a reason to be annoyed by.

I have both of these references and — although many pieces have come and gone — the 3940/5940/5320 are still in my collection and will never leave...they’re timeless.

The others? Not as much....

[Watchflair]

Originally Posted by chiscott_29

Ultimately you have to go with what you like. Personally, I cannot stand the 5146, but that's just personal preference. At the end of the day, it's a Patek and a very finely made watch.

I much prefer the 5396 if you're certain the addition is going to be a Patek.

If you're open to options outside of Patek, I'd hit up the pre-owned ALS market before it starts getting too hot. Lots of options there in your price range.

Lange is definitely on my radar - if the right piece came up it could take precedence over the Patek. My plan was Patek then Lange then be done for a while - I know we all say it at some point .

I'm very content with what's in my watch box at the moment and where the direction of the collection is heading.



I appreciate all of the comments and suggestions thus far - I wouldn't go to a 36mm piece or a tourneau/cushion style case. With my wrist a 38mm-40mm would be ideal with 38.5/39 being the sweat spot.

[Watchflair]

Originally Posted by MadSpaniard

The 5146 is a popular reference no doubt, but as others have noted above, the PP name on the bottom always seemed weird to me, like the watch is upside down.

So I went with the 5205R instead which I highly recommend, great looking and extremely comfortable on the wrist.

Have fun making your choice, take your time to decide, and above all get one that you think you'll like for the long term and that you'll wear often. Cheers.

That's a very nice 5205!

[nyc2la]

Originally Posted by Watchflair

Lange is definitely on my radar - if the right piece came up it could take precedence over the Patek. My plan was Patek then Lange then be done for a while - I know we all say it at some point .

I'm very content with what's in my watch box at the moment and where the direction of the collection is heading.



I appreciate all of the comments and suggestions thus far - I wouldn't go to a 36mm piece or a tourneau/cushion style case. With my wrist a 38mm-40mm would be ideal with 38.5/39 being the sweat spot.

38.5mm = Lange 1 Moonphase

[KBM]

The 5146 is a gorgeous piece. A 5140p grey dial would also be amazing. European has one right now.

[QuantumOceanLawyer]

Sorry. How did you get rid of your Explorer II so quick? I have one I am trying to get rid of of too for a similar reason.

[danicasi2002]

Originally Posted by Watchflair

I think I need to take a trip into NYC - with Covid and dining being outdoors I haven't been in some time.

The 5205 is an incredible piece - I could push the budget to get one. I think it really comes down to seeing both and seeing what speaks to me in person.

I do have to admit there's something about the ivory dial on the 5146 in white gold that just seems so understated and elegant.

The 5396 with Breguet numbers would be an incredible piece - just not sure of the versatility.

that 5146 in your post would look nice with a dark blue strap. I have a 5396 with Breguet indices and grey dial. Since you like the ivory dial, i assume you are referring to the rose gold case.

[Music and watches]

Originally Posted by Golden Ellipse

And the 5205 will never be in my safe either. The deal breaker? Look at the gap between the day window and the 10 o’clock applied index on the left side, vs. the month window and the 2 o’clock index on the right side.

I never noticed that. Now I can’t unsee it.


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[Watchflair]

Originally Posted by nyc2la

38.5mm = Lange 1 Moonphase

Exactly - definitely considering


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[Watchflair]

Originally Posted by danicasi2002

that 5146 in your post would look nice with a dark blue strap. I have a 5396 with Breguet indices and grey dial. Since you like the ivory dial, i assume you are referring to the rose gold case.

White gold has the ivory dial as well -


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[Watchflair]

Originally Posted by QuantumOceanLawyer

Sorry. How did you get rid of your Explorer II so quick? I have one I am trying to get rid of of too for a similar reason.

Listed it on TRF - priced it properly - photographs etc. Listing is in my post history so you can compare you listing and see.

Also been a long time member here - 8+ years with lots of posts and references. Plays a big part. Buy the seller first then the watch.


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[Watchflair]

Just as an update to the thread. I’m planning on going into the city this Saturday to check out some pieces.

Will take plenty of wrist shots and hopefully get some direction.

Plan on going to see some Patek, Lange, and also AP. The AP would be an in addition to not replacing the spot of the Patek or Lange.


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[danicasi2002]

Originally Posted by Watchflair

White gold has the ivory dial as well -


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You are correct in that the 5396 comes with white/ivory dial and white gold case. Only that this would be with baton hour indices and not the Breguet. The 5396 with the Breguet indices are 25th anniversary models (limited run) released between 2016-2017 and came only in white gold case/grey dial or rose gold case/ivory dial. Good luck on your purchase.