Building a 5711 and looking for the right movement

[wilddriver]

Hi guys!

My friend sold me an original 5711 case and I would like to complete the watch by buying original movement, dial, hands etc. This is harder than I thought. The 5711 was first sold with the cal. 324sc and later cal. 330sc. Did Patek only change the movement or did they also modify the case? I'm asking because I'm not sure if both movements would fit in my case.

Another question: I found a cal. 324sc for around USD 35K. Does this seem reasonable?

Thank you for your help! It's very much appreciated.

Best,
wilddriver

[interestedwatcher]

It will always be a Frankenstein - and Patek won’t ever see it as genuine. Maybe get a gen dial and hands and some sort of aftermarket movement.

[wilddriver]

I understand, but would it still be a Frankenstein if I only use correct 5711 parts? No parts from other models. Also the case doesn't have a serial number. Just movement and strap. So if I put an aftermarket leather strap on it, it would be the same as a normal 5711 on a leather strap. Or am I missing something? Patek would take the watch as long as I put it together in the original specification that the movement came with as the other parts do not have serial numbers.

[vitalsigns]

I believe this is how some fake watches are made and sold as legitimate. Slap a legit movement into a non-legit case, and sell it as the real thing. I wouldn't help this guy as this has the potential to be fraud.

[DonLee]

This is a horrible idea.

[joa]

out of curiosity, how much did you pay for the case?

[Ellz]

Please don’t :-(

[MoosicPa]

What else is the guy going to do with a 5711 case? I think it's an interesting project, just keep in mind that the resale value will be very limited even using PP parts.

[fsprow]

Looks like a fine project to me as long as the owner does (as I would expect) correctly represent the watches provenance if sold.

Look forward to hearing more as this progresses.

[sski]

interesting project for sure, not sure if it makes financial sense though? gathering a movement, dial, etc. will cost significantly (wasn't a green dial offered recently for a ridiculous sum?) might as well get it from the grey mkt.

[wilddriver]

Originally Posted by joa

out of curiosity, how much did you pay for the case?

I paid CHF 2.5k for the complete case and it's 100% original and unpolished.

I see why you guys think I'm trying to scam someone but I'd never do something like that. I'm just exploring my options, don't want to waste a good 5711 case if I have one! Maybe I'll sell the case if I don't find cheap parts to put it together. I'll keep you posted!

[interestedwatcher]

How do you know the case is genuine? With respect the fakes are very good.

[wilddriver]

It's from a friend of mine, he's a watch collector and maker. He has many Pateks, APs and project watches. This case comes from one of his projects. I trust this guy

[vitalsigns]

Given how valuable a 5711 is, it's hard for me to believe that your friend dismantled a 5711 for a project when there are dozens of other much cheaper references out there that run the same 315 or 324 movement. Presumably the movement is what he was after since the three main components are case, dial and movement. Or did he ruin a 5711 just to harvest the dial? Makes zero sense.

[Russell996]

Originally Posted by wilddriver

Also the case doesn't have a serial number. Just movement and strap. So if I put an aftermarket leather strap on it, it would be the same as a normal 5711 on a leather strap. Or am I missing something? Patek would take the watch as long as I put it together in the original specification that the movement came with as the other parts do not have serial numbers.

If original the case will have a number - movement and case numbers are shown on the Certificate of Origin and an Extract from the Archives. Patek will never accept such a piece and might destroy it as a counterfeit.

[rolexpatek363]

Originally Posted by wilddriver

Another question: I found a cal. 324sc for around USD 35K. Does this seem reasonable?

Very reasonable, almost too good to be true. If it's genuine, snap it up before it sells! Good luck!