New to Patek

[train-time]

Greetings! Been a forum member for over 10 years but basically spent all my time in the Rolex section and owned Rolex and Tudor exclusively for the past several years. I'm considering going down the Patel "rabbit hole" for the first time. Don't know anything about the watches other that seeing them in an ADs case many years ago. We no longer have an AD in our state so it isn't easy to get the touch and feel of the various models.

I like the reference 5146 and am toying with buying one. I have seen used ones on some sites and also some new, but those would not be coming from an AD. I have many questions since I am not too familiar with the brand so here goes:

Should I only buy from an AD? Will there be warranty or service issues if I buy new from a TRF "trusted seller"? Will it hold it's value should I eventually decide that the "Journey" takes me in another direction? Is the reference 5146 an OK model to consider? I like it size and appearance.

I know that a Patek is a Patek and having seen them in a case many years ago know that they are one of the cherished brands and I would consider it to represent the end of my watch journey as I am getting up in age and about to retire. I would still have my Sub-Date as a daily wearer but think the Patek would be my ultimate piece to cherish as a grail for years to come.

Any thoughts from the experts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for any assistance.

[Russell996]

Hi Tim

Welcome to the darkside.

I wouldn't rush into anything, try as many Patek pieces as you can of all descriptions and decide what is important. The 5146 is a lovely annual calendar (a reference first introduced by Patek). It is a dress piece so if you are buying from an AD it will lose money as soon as you leave the store. If you intend to keep the piece then that is probably not an issue except of course you could save money going grey. If you are looking to possibly get some steel sports Patek's in the future then it is an excellent piece to buy to establish a relationship with an AD - but don't buy it for this reason, buy it because you love it.

Take time to decide what is important and take pleasure in the hunt.

[Humble michael]

5146 is a great piece - can be purchased at a really good price from greys or private seller. I would look for one BNIB if possible. Regardless original box and COO is absolute necessity. Buy ONLY using AMX or pp. You are then protected if something goes wrong either intentionally or unintentionally by seller- protect yourself. Beware Patek’s are addictive ha! But fun ! Wish you the best. :-))

[vandyologist]

5146j was my first Patek and it's a great reference!

[andyol1966]

Originally Posted by Russell996

Hi Tim

Welcome to the darkside.

I wouldn't rush into anything, try as many Patek pieces as you can of all descriptions and decide what is important. The 5146 is a lovely annual calendar (a reference first introduced by Patek). It is a dress piece so if you are buying from an AD it will lose money as soon as you leave the store. If you intend to keep the piece then that is probably not an issue except of course you could save money going grey. If you are looking to possibly get some steel sports Patek's in the future then it is an excellent piece to buy to establish a relationship with an AD - but don't buy it for this reason, buy it because you love it.

Take time to decide what is important and take pleasure in the hunt.

Great advice!! 5146 is a great reference and good value at its price point.

[ts3]

Given the investment involved I would definitely make the effort and travel to a city with an AD and a well-stocked grey and try on as much as you can. New York or Boston would work in that respect.

If you are planning on getting one Patek in the foreseeable future you should consider buying from a grey (which means that typically somebody else's name will be in the paperwork). When buying a dress watch you will save a bunch of cash by going grey. If you end up wanting a SS sports piece you'd have to grey anyway as it'll likely be next to impossoble to find any AD who'll put you on his wait list and also get you the piece within a reasonable timeframe.

Lastly, if I was in the market for an annual or a perpetual calendar a preowned 3940 would be my first stop.

[AK797]

5146 and 5396 have a very classical Patek look, the 5205 is more of a modern with art deco take on an AC, go with which suits your style.

[love4vino]

I went to several ADs trying on different models and sizes - 5205, 5396, 5146, 5905, 5524, etc. each one feels different from a wearability perspective and how it looks on my wrist. It would be tough to test drive one without an AD near you.

That said, 5146 is an excellent choice.

Welcome to the darkside... where bills fly out of your wallet faster than you can say Rolex

[train-time]

Thank you for all the insight and words of wisdom. I will certainly proceed with caution and take my time to visit a couple ADs to "test drive" the various models. I really appreciate the advice. Because I am primarily interested in a dress model I agree grey or pre-owned may be the route I take as I continue the journey to the grail.

Many thanks, Tim