Would you buy a Laurent Ferrier over a Patek Philippe?

[topcat30093]

I have been looking to own/buy a Patek Philippe Calatrava.
Lady week I visited my AD and was looking at a vintage 2525/1 Calatrava and a 5196R.
Then out of the corner of my eye I saw that they had a pre owned Laurent Ferrier. They admitted that they didn't know a great deal about the brand. But that it was a limited edition to celebrate the relocating of the only AD in the UK to sell their watches.
They made 5 in W/G and another 5 in R/G. It comes with B&P and is 41mm in size which was larger then I wanted, but it fits the wrist very well. The price is slightly more then a new 5196R.
Again my head says Patek and my heart says wow what an opportunity to get watch from an independent brand who make some beautiful watches.
I would be interested in your thoughts

http://www.salonqp.com/updates/watch...mited-edition/

[joli160]

In this case follow your head imho

[MonBK]

Or heart.

[mapalfa]

Got to be the heart in this case - that's a stunning watch IMHO.

[ansharma]

Hi Tony

This is a difficult one, I have much the same debate when thinking about adding to the collection. While most see Rolex and Patek as safe bets, there are no guarantees. Got for it if you can afford it and dont have to worry about resale - looks like a lovely unique watch. If resale will trouble you then stick to Rolex and Patek.

I also went with my heart and the most expensive in my collection is a Lange 1 Moonphase - no regrest as I adore the watch!

[RichHitch]

I would buy the Laurent Ferrier. Even though Patek makes great watches, there is a world in finish between mass produced watches and LE of 5 pieces.

[Rogdogg]

I would definitely go with the Laurent Ferrier in this instance. While not my favourite model it's definitely a beauty.

[Tony64]

That's an exceptionally good looking timepiece. Normally not a fan of retailer co-branding on the dial but it's subtle enough not to bother me on this one.

Not knowing much about the brand, but if I'm totally honest, I'd choose the Laurent as the more interesting looking well designed watch!

As others have mentioned, resale may be a factor but I wouldn't let that concern prevent me from getting the watch I really want. In reality, a 5196 purchased new will lose substantial value on resale as well. At least with a limited edition you've got a chance of persevering your investment.

I say go for it! In some ways it's a blend of the 5030 and the 5196 you've been looking at, only better!

Take the name "Patek" off the dial and the choice is much more straightforward.

[A3MED]

Impeccable finishing on the Laurent Ferrier. I would personally follow my heart. But if your in this for an "investment" your heads in the right place.

[avilhena]

I didnt like this specific LF model. So, in this case, I would choose the PP.
If it was the Gallet Micro Rotor, than I would choose the LF

[Hamish]

Not a fan of this LF

[KarlS]

Not a fan of thius LF and probably in the minority when I also dislike the WT...they just done a limited edition for Williams and Sons which also left me a bit cold

[adamlea]

Although this is a tough call, if it were me, I'd go with the LF. Aesthetically, the two pieces are comparable. In terms of what's under the hood, however, I think the Galet reference has a slight edge over the 5196. Keep us posted.

[PJ S]

Tony, Tony, Tony, what are we going to do with you?
You’re all over the shop this weather.
As much as I was going to lambast you for asking a stupid question, I have to say it’s not grabbing me. Something about that wrist shot is off-putting, even though the underside is very appealing…for a short while.

If you’re also seriously contemplating the LF at 41mm, wouldn’t that then also open the door (again?) to an H Moser & Cie?

https://www.chrono24.co.uk/hmosercie...-id3079528.htm
https://www.chrono24.co.uk/hmosercie...-id3443137.htm
https://www.chrono24.co.uk/hmosercie...-id3971929.htm

[willski]

Originally Posted by adamlea

Although this is a tough call, if it were me, I'd go with the LF. Aesthetically, the two pieces are comparable. In terms of what's under the hood, however, I think the Galet reference has a slight edge over the 5196. Keep us posted.

I agree but I think under the hood there is a large difference.

5196 has a nice and traditional movement (215 PS) which is well decorated. However, it's nothing special to look at and the movement size (21.9mm) is dwarfed by the case size (37mm) - hence the solid display back.

The LF has a fantastic new movement with fantastic finishing and technological improvements. It is much, much nicer to look at (IMO) than the 215 PS and also fits the case better (movement size 31.6mm vs. case size 41mm). I personally think it's one of the best looking micro rotors in the industry.

However, as some posters above mentioned, I prefer the regular case shape of the Galet Micro Rotor. For the 5196 series, I think the P dial is the best and can be dressed up or down equally well with a strap change.

My personal order of preference would be:
Galet Micro Rotor > 5196P > Galet Square > 5196R (disregarding the large price gaps).

They are all fantastic watches though :)


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[BeauneCrusher]

I would go with the LF; you can always buy a Patek. The LF occurs so seldom, that if you ever want one you will find it incredibly hard to find

[kunlun]

LF is superior to PP.

So, go with your heart.

[adamlea]

Originally Posted by willski

I agree but I think under the hood there is a large difference.

5196 has a nice and traditional movement (215 PS) which is well decorated. However, it's nothing special to look at and the movement size (21.9mm) is dwarfed by the case size (37mm) - hence the solid display back.

The LF has a fantastic new movement with fantastic finishing and technological improvements. It is much, much nicer to look at (IMO) than the 215 PS and also fits the case better (movement size 31.6mm vs. case size 41mm). I personally think it's one of the best looking micro rotors in the industry.

However, as some posters above mentioned, I prefer the regular case shape of the Galet Micro Rotor. For the 5196 series, I think the P dial is the best and can be dressed up or down equally well with a strap change.

My personal order of preference would be:
Galet Micro Rotor > 5196P > Galet Square > 5196R (disregarding the large price gaps).

They are all fantastic watches though :)


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Well put.

[cervantes]

I did. But I've seen that particular watch and I much prefer the round case Galet.

IMG_2063.jpg

[GB-man]

I would rather have the LF. Not in love with the co-branding on that one though.

[el1125]

No i wouldnt. Big surprise.
That LF model reminds me of a Panerai.

[mps354]

Originally Posted by GB-man

I would rather have the LF. Not in love with the co-branding on that one though.

This. I'm thinking of picking up a Laurent ferrier as well. Love the look and the movement, though I do like the 5196 as well

[Lordofrolex]

Would go with the PP

[Vipes]

Originally Posted by el1125

No i wouldnt. Big surprise.
That LF model reminds me of a Panerai.

I was thinking the same thing.

[SearChart]

The movements are fabulous, but the dial, meh. I prefer PP.

[lapince]

Not a fan of either, prefer other calatravas, 5227 being my favorite, in WG or in RG, the LF does look like a Panerai, so follow your head IMO

[topcat30093]

Some on the wrist & movement photos.





Thank you lay photo shows of the discreet writing of the dealers name.
A very beautiful watch. 😊
Though can be difficult to see the time with the thin hands under artificial light.


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[HL65]

Love the Square Galet but actually much prefer the plain SS version with either of the 2 dial options blue or silver.

[topcat30093]

It has been remarked on before as its likeness to a Radiomir. The watch sits beautifully on your wrist. And the sale price imo is very good, especially as the watch is not yet a year old.
Sadly, I didn't "pull the plug" as I was not confident on the legibility of dial and I had promised myself that it's size would be more around the 37mm which imo is more traditional for a dress watch.


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[lapince]

Must say the mvt is very nice, case is nice though not big fan of the dial