Should I buy this Patek 5120G?

[Vaxe]

I’ve been looking for a slim dress watch and narrowed it down to the 5120G, which unfortunately is discontinued. I prefer 2 hands and micro rotor over the current 3 hands/manual 5119.

Was about to commit until the seller dropped this bomb. Not sure if I’m just unrealistic to expect an unpolished 5120 (but who wears a dress watch daily to warrant a polish ), but 14 years is old. The lugs also don't look sharp at all.

The 5119 is now only $17480 list, so what do you all feel about $13500 for this 5120? Full set with papers.

From seller:
This watch has been refinished, and it looks great. It was originally purchased in 2003. We do not have any service records for it, but it was fully tested/inspected by our watchmakers and deemed to be in proper working order.

[Tony64]

I think the 5120 is a great choice and a very classic Patek design with its hobnail bezel and black Romans. The microrotor 240 is as reliable as it is beautiful and is the same movement used for many of Patek's most complicated timepieces.

One of the finest dress watches you can own and nice to see some appreciation for these watches. From the majority of the postings here you'd sometimes think that Patek only made pilot and steel sports watches.

The 5120 was only recently discontinued so it's a safe bet that you could still find one new at an AD and likely at a good discount. 35mm just isn't appreciated by everyone, though it suits this dress watch perfectly IMO.

A practical advantage of the hobnail bezel is that it doesn't show scratches and doesn't require polishing. I suppose the teeth could dent, though unlikely. It's not exactly a watch you'd wear playing basketball.

The sides of the case are high polish and can get scratched. Fortunately that's an area that's easy to polish and shouldn't alter the case shape.

If you're at all concerned about this one I'd pass.
There are plenty of these available new and used and it's a buyer's market right now for these references.

[GB-man]

I’d say it’s worth an hour on the phones calling ADs. You might find one new for similar money.

[Calatrava r]

"deemed to be in working order." If it has not been serviced, it need a service.

[AK797]

Altho refinished on this is probably fine, it still rankles a bit with me, I was offered an Aquanaut at a good price that had just been refurbished by PP but I decided I wanted a new unworn one at a higher price instead so I waited. See if you can find a new one first.

[jon_jon]

It depends on how long you intend to keep the watch. If you are planning to keep it for 1-2 years or less, then I would say get the preowned and you won't lose as much on resale. If you are looking for a keeper watch, then I agree with others in getting one NOS from an AD with a full 2 year warranty.

[Vaxe]

Thanks, glad to see I'm not the only one here. Don't come across too many posts on the 5120 or 2 hand Pateks in general.

Originally Posted by Tony64

I think the 5120 is a great choice and a very classic Patek design with its hobnail bezel and black Romans. The microrotor 240 is as reliable as it is beautiful and is the same movement used for many of Patek's most complicated timepieces.

One of the finest dress watches you can own and nice to see some appreciation for these watches. From the majority of the postings here you'd sometimes think that Patek only made pilot and steel sports watches.

The 5120 was only recently discontinued so it's a safe bet that you could still find one new at an AD and likely at a good discount. 35mm just isn't appreciated by everyone, though it suits this dress watch perfectly IMO.

A practical advantage of the hobnail bezel is that it doesn't show scratches and doesn't require polishing. I suppose the teeth could dent, though unlikely. It's not exactly a watch you'd wear playing basketball.

The sides of the case are high polish and can get scratched. Fortunately that's an area that's easy to polish and shouldn't alter the case shape.

If you're at all concerned about this one I'd pass.
There are plenty of these available new and used and it's a buyer's market right now for these references.

Good advice, just wrote to a dozen ADs. I know Patek Salons can ship to the US and take off that 8% VAT, but how likely will ADs be open to shipping? If anyone has experience or would like to refer one, please let me know.

Originally Posted by GB-man

I’d say it’s worth an hour on the phones calling ADs. You might find one new for similar money.

Yes that's one of my concern, especially at 14 years.

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

"deemed to be in working order." If it has not been serviced, it need a service.

I'm more inclined to buy pre-owned when it comes to gold, took a bath before and never again..

But yes same here, I prefer unpolished pieces unless done right by the manufacturer. AP Clearwater does a wonderful job, and that's one instance I wouldn't mind a refinished case.

Originally Posted by AK797

Altho refinished on this is probably fine, it still rankles a bit with me, I was offered an Aquanaut at a good price that had just been refurbished by PP but I decided I wanted a new unworn one at a higher price instead so I waited. See if you can find a new one first.

[jag32]

I'm looking at buying a 5120J right now and going through the same decision process. While I like the 5119's subseconds, the 240 movement on the 5120 is just divine. I must say, it is becoming very hard to find them now at ADs.

[blackeagle7]

Originally Posted by Vaxe

The 5119 is now only $17480 list, so what do you all feel about $13500 for this 5120? Full set with papers.

Where do you see $17,480 for 5119. I just bought the 5119r this weekend for 20,800. The list price was $21,540 and the AD said he gave me $740 off.

[blackeagle7]

Just realized that this was an old post. Still not sure about the deal I got. Nevertheless it is done. I got an extra strap set though.

[Humble michael]

Hi OP,I just sold one on eBay for 12,500- 5120j new condition COO all boxes & papers. It’s a great piece!

[alpharulez]

I know this is an old thread but hoping the OP got his watch either way!

I got mine recently from an European watch dealer, second hand recently serviced with 2 yr warranty, usual Patek archive extract and new strap at a good price.

Must say I am grateful for the watch as it is sublime on the wrist!

That said I should ask if it was ever polished to the best of his knowledge. It doesn’t look it but not sure if there is a way to confirm it?

[alpharulez]

Originally Posted by james272

Hi OP,I just sold one on eBay for 12,500- 5120j new condition COO all boxes & papers. It’s a great piece!

[alpharulez]

Originally Posted by Vaxe

I’ve been looking for a slim dress watch and narrowed it down to the 5120G, which unfortunately is discontinued. I prefer 2 hands and micro rotor over the current 3 hands/manual 5119.



Was about to commit until the seller dropped this bomb. Not sure if I’m just unrealistic to expect an unpolished 5120 (but who wears a dress watch daily to warrant a polish ), but 14 years is old. The lugs also don't look sharp at all.



The 5119 is now only $17480 list, so what do you all feel about $13500 for this 5120? Full set with papers.



From seller:

This watch has been refinished, and it looks great. It was originally purchased in 2003. We do not have any service records for it, but it was fully tested/inspected by our watchmakers and deemed to be in proper working order.

That exhibition case back showing the legendary caliber 240 with the micro rotor swayed me to go with 5120 over the 5119!

[Hendrikus]

The 5120 is sooooo gorgeous....