Which one to buy

[kepler22]

Looking to trade in an ALS Saxonia with a local AD for a Patek and I am considering the following models, 5146, 5396, 5205, 5524. I will probably have to pay close to full retail to get back what I paid for the ALS, which was purchased from the same AD at a much reduced price. Whilst I am not concerned too much about second hand value, is there one of these that stands out as a keeper? Having done a search on this forum the world timer seems to show up most of all in the "For sale" section. I have searched most of the sale forums and the 5524 seems to retain a decent value.

Would appreciate your thoughts

[MCMartiny]

All of these are very nice watches, but quite different.

I guess your first significant choice is between:

(a) More casual watch with travel time complication (i.e. 5524 - R version is a bit more formal than the G version IMHO)

vs.

(b) More formal dress watch with AC complication (i.e. more-or-less the rest of the pack, although 5146G grey dial can be dressed down with the right strap)

I believe you are correct that the 5524 is probably the reference that will retain most (but not all) of its retail value (in the short term, at least)

If you end up preferring (b): Choose the reference that "sings" the most to you since the design / aesthetics are quite different between the AC models - and dial/case choice can also significantly change the "character" of each of the references.

[kepler22]

Appreciate your response

[golfski]

Casual, dressy and sporty all depending on strap. I’d go with the G over R, as others said R is a little bit more formal.
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[MILGAUSS88]

If you are going to pick a moon phase I prefer the 5396.
I think that dial has a classic uncluttered look compared to the other two moon phase watches.

The 5524 is a completely different look. So, depends on if you want a larger, sportier watch or a classic dress watch between that and the 5396.

[AK797]

I'd go from that Lange to the 5205, piano black dial RG.

[ErikLdn]

5396 is hard to beat given its clean dial layout but I also considered 5205 (more interesting case) and world timer when I got this one


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[Pim]

Do not buy a watch you can live with, buy the watch you can't live without !

[Calatrava r]

Can you sell your watch separately? I have always found retail dealers to be awful to trade in watches. If they do not actively sell used watches they wholesale it out to third party used watch dealer and want to make a few bucks on the deal resulting in a big loss to you. Sell your watch and deal in cash on the new watch. You know what you got for yours and what you paid for the new watch.

[tchaic]

Originally Posted by Pim

Do not buy a watch you can live with, buy the watch you can't live without !

This!!!!

[Michael T]

5396 here.

[locutus49]

I love the 5524 but it is a big watch, you need the wrist for it. Make sure to try it on. It has a useful complication if you travel much so there is that to consider. It is undervalued in my opinion.

[jon_jon]

5146, 5396 and 5205 are all annual calendars. As you may know, Patek patented the annual calendar some 20+ years ago. All 3 wear differently, so try them on and see which one you like. The 5146 and 5396 come with a deployant clasp if that is something you are looking for.

The 5524 is a travel time, somewhat similar to the 5164 and other travel time watches Patek has produced in the past. As someone mentioned above, it is a larger watch and so make sure it doesn't look too large on your wrist.

When the 5524G was originally released, it was difficult to get and secondary prices climbed above retail. However supply has caught up with demand and it is no longer the "hot" watch it was several years ago. They should now be available at ADs fairly easily and with some discount. How 5524 pricing will be in the future is anyone's guess, but I don't think it has the same following as the Nautilus/Aquanaut.

[ts3]

Out of those 4 pieces I would pick the 5524 as I like its design ok, whereas I don't like any of 5146, 5396 and 5205 very much.

The 5524 is not for me either though as I find 42+mm very large on my small wrists and don't want the complication.

If size was no issue I'd go 5905 being my favorite Patek AC by far, and actually ACC offering the chrono on top.

[Josh1000]

I have owned 5146G, 5205R and 5524G. Each special.in their own way. The 5146 is under appreciated but a watch I would be preowned. This is the softest by far. A classic look. The 5524G is also under appreciated and is much better value than say a 5167R which is a.lot more expensive. It's also good to see this watch finally being appreac iated as it certainly had a rocky start. I think preowned you will pay $35-38k for this watch and I guess I didnt lose as much money as I bought it at release and the price was a lot lower. The 5205R is fantastic. Modern looking, easy to read windows and I never had any issue on dial legibility. The case is gorgeous. The R is very formal and I only wore it with a suit and generally black tie. This watch I broke even on.

[Mr Naultilus]

This

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[Vipes]

Originally Posted by Josh1000

I have owned 5146G, 5205R and 5524G. Each special.in their own way. The 5146 is under appreciated but a watch I would be preowned. This is the softest by far. A classic look. The 5524G is also under appreciated and is much better value than say a 5167R which is a.lot more expensive. It's also good to see this watch finally being appreac iated as it certainly had a rocky start. I think preowned you will pay $35-38k for this watch and I guess I didnt lose as much money as I bought it at release and the price was a lot lower. The 5205R is fantastic. Modern looking, easy to read windows and I never had any issue on dial legibility. The case is gorgeous. The R is very formal and I only wore it with a suit and generally black tie. This watch I broke even on.

5205R white dial or black?