Are Pateks collectible?

[Joey_V]

Are Pateks collectible in general? Or are there certain models that you look out for?

The reason I ask is that I was looking through Henry Grave's auction through Sotheby and he has watches that he bought for $40K which are valued at $200K...

is this a general theme for most PPs?

Say - the Nautilus. In 20 years, will it command a high price?

Just wondering. Thanks!

[perpetualman88]

Pateks are the most collectable IMHO

[HL65]

You better believe they are--all depends on reference. The highly sought after discontinued models like the 3970,5970, 5070's, 5131 with Cloisonne dial, 5074 repeaters, tourbillon's etc. all trade at significant premiums to their retail prices. Of course any of the limited rare pieces fetch hefty premiums--do a search and you will find many!

[rnrmbs]

Difficult question.

The Nautilus is a very sought after watch, my guess is it all depends on production numbers. But a serious collector would opt for the original 3700 Jumbo, as they see that refnr. as the true Nautilus, with that very special movement and the lack of a second hand. For myself I don't look at it that way. I just love the Naut for its looks, and its place in history. I own a 3700 but would seriously consider a swap with a brand new one if that would cross my path.

[FeelingTheBlues]

Originally Posted by rnrmbs

Difficult question.

The Nautilus is a very sought after watch, my guess is it all depends on production numbers. But a serious collector would opt for the original 3700 Jumbo, as they see that refnr. as the true Nautilus, with that very special movement and the lack of a second hand. For myself I don't look at it that way. I just love the Naut for its looks, and its place in history. I own a 3700 but would seriously consider a swap with a brand new one if that would cross my path.

I've read an interview with Thierry Stern in which he was saying that he was controlling the Nautilus's production to avoid having a "ordinary" watch on the market, therefore it seems like some gray dealers are selling them for a price that is sometimes higher than MSRP.

As for the original question, I would say that the Grandes Complications and the Complications are highly collectable but overall all the models will keep their value (that is, if they aren't getting more expensive through the years), the brand will always be considered a grail among collectors and enthusiasts.

[Fiery]

Originally Posted by rnrmbs

The Nautilus is a very sought after watch, my guess is it all depends on production numbers. But a serious collector would opt for the original 3700 Jumbo, as they see that refnr. as the true Nautilus, with that very special movement and the lack of a second hand.

I tend to agree with that, although that raises another question: if you cannot find a proper one, or wouldn't want to spend your money on a vintage 3700 model, and so you want to buy a brand new Nautilus, then I wonder which one may be the one that has the highest chance of becoming a rare, collectible model in the future? The 5711 is a sought-after model which is hard to find readily available at an AD or a Patek Boutique, but I'm not sure with all the vintage 3700's the 5711 would ever become such a grail as the 3700. The 5980 is on stock at several ADs, so I don't think its production is limited enough to become a rare watch in the future. How about the 5712 and 5726? Did anyone hear about their sales figures? Maybe Patek manufactures considerably less number of those references than of the 5711+5980? Maybe the 5726 is the model that would one day become a collector's piece?

BTW, IMHO what the Nautilus collection is missing is a perpetual calendar. If Patek ever produces such a reference, for only 4-5 years, with very limited annual production numbers, then that model will have a chance to become the most collectible Nautilus ever, beating even the mighty 3700. Let's hope 2016 (40th Nautilus anniversary) will bring that watch

[paverman]

Originally Posted by Fiery

BTW, IMHO what the Nautilus collection is missing is a perpetual calendar. If Patek ever produces such a reference, for only 4-5 years, with very limited annual production numbers, then that model will have a chance to become the most collectible Nautilus ever, beating even the mighty 3700. Let's hope 2016 (40th Nautilus anniversary) will bring that watch

I agree with the notion of a perpetual Nautilus. That will be a special addition to anyones collection. In regards to "rarity" of Pateks, I think that's a relative question. All PP's are rare compared to brands such as Rolex. With annual production rates around 40 -50 k, and half of those being the quartz 24, most of the references are "rare". When you look at the grand complications and their limited numbers, you really have a true collector item.

[capote]

Nobody knows what will be collectible in the future. Vintage complicated/chrono Pateks are very hot at the moment in comparison to Vacheron & Constantin as it were. For a high risk pay off, I would go for the latter

[HL65]

Originally Posted by capote

Nobody knows what will be collectible in the future. Vintage complicated/chrono Pateks are very hot at the moment in comparison to Vacheron & Constantin as it were. For a high risk pay off, I would go for the latter

Actually Daniel all of the ones I listed above are extremely collectible and already sell for well over retail. I imagine that will only increase over time as not many of them were made and the demand is super high.

[capote]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

Actually Daniel all of the ones I listed above are extremely collectible and already sell for well over retail. I imagine that will only increase over time as not many of them were made and the demand is super high.

Oh yes, I agree! Patek is indeed top dog when it comes to collectability. I'm just saying that V&C is very competitively priced if they were to sky-rocket. All speculation of course.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by capote

Oh yes, I agree! Patek is indeed top dog when it comes to collectability. I'm just saying that V&C is very competitively priced if they were to sky-rocket. All speculation of course.

Understand...