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Old 18 May 2018, 02:35 AM   #1
timewarped80
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One more Calatrava thread - 5196g vs 5296g?

So my current collection consists of the following:

- Patek 5146g w/slate dial
- Patek 5167 on rubber strap
- Rolex Sea Dweller 116600

I'm looking to add a white gold Calatrava. While I recognize that the 5227g is an amazing watch, the dial color is a bit too off-white for me. That leaves me with the 5196 and the 5296 (non-sector since I want something very simple). Not considering ALS or VC. So the trade-offs appear to be:

5196 - manual, solid case-back, time-only, 1mm smaller, silver dial, cheaper
5296 - automatic, saphire case back, 1mm larger, date, opaline dial, more expensive

Completely torn. Can't go wrong either way but wondering which one people think actually looks and feels better after having owned for a while?



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Old 18 May 2018, 03:00 AM   #2
hdfb910
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Of those 2, I like the 5296 better. I was on the same quest as you not too long ago and almost got the 5296g, still may add at some point. I ended up picking up a FP Journe for something a little different.
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Old 18 May 2018, 04:38 AM   #3
csx7034
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Hi,

I went with the 5196 and the special clasp. I wanted a very clean look for a dress watch. It was my first PP, I added a 5164 down the road.
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Old 18 May 2018, 06:13 AM   #4
jon_jon
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Both are excellent watches. The 5196 is a bit slimmer with the manual wind movement. The seconds subdial at 6 o'clock is a classic look on a Patek Calatrava.

The 5296 has a more modern look and feel with the center seconds hand and the date window.

Pure personal choice, but the 5296G is probably more of a practical watch with an automatic movement and a date window.
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Old 18 May 2018, 06:37 AM   #5
sensui
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If I were to pick, it'd definitely be the 5196....beautiful timeless layout with the manual wind to let you connect to the piece in ways only watch geeks can understand......definitely a win.
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Old 18 May 2018, 07:13 AM   #6
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5196 is classic
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Old 18 May 2018, 08:01 AM   #7
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I'd go 5196 of those two. If it's in the budget, you may want to look at the 5196p, which while more expensive, has the P and the Breguet numerals. It's a beauty.
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Old 18 May 2018, 08:15 AM   #8
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5296G would be my choice of the two. I think it has better balance and is far more practical.
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Old 18 May 2018, 08:54 AM   #9
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Not even a question, 5196. A dress watch should have no date and a manual movement. Plus the date wheel contrast against the darker dial looks weird on the 5296, not clean at all.



However, if you have other watches, I’d still want to just hold out for Patek to FINALLY drop a fitting movement into the 5196, add a clear caseback and perhaps upsize the case 1mm. We’re at 14 years (I think this is right) with the 5196 now, and it really is outclassed by something like the Vacheron 82172. I think it’s inevitable they’ll change it, I just hope it’s soon.
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Old 18 May 2018, 10:19 AM   #10
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Have owned both. Prefer the 5296, although I put it on a matte navy blue strap.

The 5196 is beautiful. I got a lot of compliments on that watch and it wears bigger than its size would indicate.

But the tiny movement bothered me (even if hidden) and I find the 5296 much more versatile and a bit more substantial. You could even wear it casually if you wanted to.

Can't go wrong here really.
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Old 18 May 2018, 11:53 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nyc2la View Post
I'd go 5196 of those two. If it's in the budget, you may want to look at the 5196p, which while more expensive, has the P and the Breguet numerals. It's a beauty.
This
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Old 18 May 2018, 01:36 PM   #12
Justindo
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I think it boils down to whether or not you want a no date, small seconds, and a manual wind or a date sweep seconds automatic. The 5196 is, arguably, the classic Calatrava but it has a small movement with a large spacer. It does, however, have a solid caseback so this may not be as much of an issue. The 5296 is nice, but I personally prefer my dress watches to be manual wind with no date. I went for a 5119, which is still a compromise due to the small movement, but I like it well enough. I really wish Patek would introduce a new larger movement for their bread and butter watches.

I know you wrote that you don't want a ALS or a VC, but I would personally go that route instead, as I think they offer a lot more watch for less money. The finishing on both easily surpass the modern Patek Calatravas.
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Old 18 May 2018, 02:39 PM   #13
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5196G (and yes, 5196P as a stretch)
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Old 18 May 2018, 05:59 PM   #14
timewarped80
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So contrary to everything I said I now find myself looking at an unworn 5107g and wg ALS 1815 39.5mm...same price different dilemma
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Old 18 May 2018, 06:17 PM   #15
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Originally Posted by timewarped80 View Post
So contrary to everything I said I now find myself looking at an unworn 5107g and wg ALS 1815 39.5mm...same price different dilemma
What price are you at?

What about ALS 1815 up/down or VC 82172, both in white gold?
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Old 18 May 2018, 10:46 PM   #16
timewarped80
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Both are $17k.

Up down is really really nice. Love it. But looking for a cleaner looking dress watch since I’ve got the 5146.
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Old 18 May 2018, 10:48 PM   #17
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Originally Posted by timewarped80 View Post
Both are $17k.

Up down is really really nice. Love it. But looking for a cleaner looking dress watch since I’ve got the 5146.
So the VC doesn’t tick any boxes for you? I think you should try it on, it’s really awesome... and you can honestly get it for a fantastic price BNIB Grey.

Check out this link: https://www.hautetime.com/hands-vach...ionelle/60996/
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Old 19 May 2018, 12:07 AM   #18
timewarped80
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Going to stop by ALS and Vacheron stores today.

Here are pics of the latest two targets:


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Old 19 May 2018, 12:23 AM   #19
Tan
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Quote:
Originally Posted by timewarped80 View Post
Going to stop by ALS and Vacheron stores today.

Here are pics of the latest two targets:


I believe that is a 5107G, excellent watch. I have the 5127R and love mine!
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Old 19 May 2018, 12:50 AM   #20
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5296g
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Old 19 May 2018, 01:13 AM   #21
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I think a manual wind Patek should have a clear caseback. Isn't that the beauty of a manual wind? That the movement isn't largely hidden from view?
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Old 19 May 2018, 01:41 AM   #22
dmash
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I think a manual wind Patek should have a clear caseback. Isn't that the beauty of a manual wind? That the movement isn't largely hidden from view?
Not when it’s grossly antiquated and almost half the size of the case

Hence my above statement about them hopefully releasing a new movement in the near future.
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Old 19 May 2018, 11:18 AM   #23
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I have a similar collection of Pateks with a 5146R and a 5167. I also have the 5296 which was my first Patek. When I bought it I thought it would be my only Patek and therefore felt it was more versatile than the 5196 and I have indeed worn it with more casual attire.
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Old 19 May 2018, 03:32 PM   #24
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Since you're now open to other brands, allow me to reiterate going for ALS or VC over Patek. That 1815 is lovely and would easily be my choice among the watches you've posted.
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Old 23 March 2019, 11:49 AM   #25
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I went through this same dilemma. 5196G or 5296G?

Ultimately, you just can't argue with the window into the fine craftsmanship of the movement and it was important for me to be able to see the movement. So, I went with the 5296G and haven't looked back.





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Old 23 March 2019, 11:50 AM   #26
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