Thoughts on the 5205R Black Dial

[Patton250]

I’m seriously considering get this reference or the white dial. I know there are lots of guys here that own one. What are your thoughts on wearing one with a dress shirt? Does it slide under no problem. It is irritating that such an expensive watch doesn’t hack. My JLC Moon does. I do understand you can hold the second hand at 12 by moving the crown backwards slightly. Is the movement robust? Any problems? I think both black and white dials are beautiful and I’d love to hear some owner’s thoughts. Thanks.

[Patek_collector]

i have the one with black dial and it is one of my best dress watches. quiet elegant.

[benlee]

I have the white dial version which I find it very dressy so I always wear it with long sleeve. Slid under the shirt sleeve easily. No issue with the movement.

[Patton250]

Originally Posted by Patek_collector

i have the one with black dial and it is one of my best dress watches. quiet elegant.

Originally Posted by benlee

I have the white dial version which I find it very dressy so I always wear it with long sleeve. Slid under the shirt sleeve easily. No issue with the movement.

Thanks guys

[Erod24]

I have the black dial. It’s a great watch. Also looks great casual with a black t shirt

[MadSpaniard]

I own the 5205R with opaline white dial, so I'm partial to that over the black dial. In either dial, I think the 5205R is a staggeringly beautiful watch with classic lines yet a modern touch, although I think the white adds a little more classic timelessness to the mix (and is arguably more legible and easier to read).

Note that unlike the G version with blue dial, the R white/black does not have lume on the hands, which I actually prefer (keeps the dauphine hands pure and classic).

It's 40mm but wears smaller due to the wide, sloping bezel. That allows the watch to easily slip under a cuff, and the curved-downward lugs make it a comfortable fit on the wrist. And while in theory it's a dressy watch, I think it wears perfectly well casually with jeans and a short sleeve polo (which is how I often wear mine).

So highly recommended, and if black is your preference, I would say go for it.

[Patton250]

Originally Posted by MadSpaniard

I own the 5205R with opaline white dial, so I'm partial to that over the black dial. In either dial, I think the 5205R is a staggeringly beautiful watch with classic lines yet a modern touch, although I think the white adds a little more classic timelessness to the mix (and is arguably more legible and easier to read).

Note that unlike the G version with blue dial, the R white/black does not have lume on the hands, which I actually prefer (keeps the dauphine hands pure and classic).

It's 40mm but wears smaller due to the wide, sloping bezel. That allows the watch to easily slip under a cuff, and the curved-downward lugs make it a comfortable fit on the wrist. And while in theory it's a dressy watch, I think it wears perfectly well casually with jeans and a short sleeve polo (which is how I often wear mine).

So highly recommended, and if black is your preference, I would say go for it.

What a thoughtful and detailed review. Thank you so much for that. Actually I prefer white for this reference but I can’t find one out there. Black to me is just as stunning. Black is my favorite color and my preferred dial on sports models like the Daytona.

[jd57]

Originally Posted by MadSpaniard

I own the 5205R with opaline white dial, so I'm partial to that over the black dial. In either dial, I think the 5205R is a staggeringly beautiful watch with classic lines yet a modern touch, although I think the white adds a little more classic timelessness to the mix (and is arguably more legible and easier to read).

Note that unlike the G version with blue dial, the R white/black does not have lume on the hands, which I actually prefer (keeps the dauphine hands pure and classic).

It's 40mm but wears smaller due to the wide, sloping bezel. That allows the watch to easily slip under a cuff, and the curved-downward lugs make it a comfortable fit on the wrist. And while in theory it's a dressy watch, I think it wears perfectly well casually with jeans and a short sleeve polo (which is how I often wear mine).

So highly recommended, and if black is your preference, I would say go for it.

I love this model in photos, but when I owned the R white dial I found the thick case (over 13mm) and the small dial (due to the sloped concave bezel as above) didn’t work on my large wrist.

[ap1]

Black harder to read. I put blue on top

[MadSpaniard]

Originally Posted by MadSpaniard

I own the 5205R with opaline white dial, so I'm partial to that over the black dial. In either dial, I think the 5205R is a staggeringly beautiful watch with classic lines yet a modern touch, although I think the white adds a little more classic timelessness to the mix (and is arguably more legible and easier to read).

Note that unlike the G version with blue dial, the R white/black does not have lume on the hands, which I actually prefer (keeps the dauphine hands pure and classic).

It's 40mm but wears smaller due to the wide, sloping bezel. That allows the watch to easily slip under a cuff, and the curved-downward lugs make it a comfortable fit on the wrist. And while in theory it's a dressy watch, I think it wears perfectly well casually with jeans and a short sleeve polo (which is how I often wear mine).

So highly recommended, and if black is your preference, I would say go for it.

Originally Posted by Patton250

What a thoughtful and detailed review. Thank you so much for that. Actually I prefer white for this reference but I can’t find one out there. Black to me is just as stunning. Black is my favorite color and my preferred dial on sports models like the Daytona.

Originally Posted by jd57

I love this model in photos, but when I owned the R white dial I found the thick case (over 13mm) and the small dial (due to the sloped concave bezel as above) didn’t work on my large wrist.

@jd57: I understand your point, the 5205R fits and wears great on my 6 1/3" wrist but I can see how it may not work as well on a very large wrist.

@Patton250: Thank you for the kind words, it's a pleasure to be able to help out. As @jd57 notes, how it fits on your specific wrist is something you may want to try before buying if possible - for this or any watch, actually. In my case, it's one of the most comfortable watches I've ever owned. Also, here's a link to Tim Mosso's review of the 5205R which you may find helpful:

https://youtu.be/2Mc15A5KWu0

Cheers.

[Patton250]

So I got to try one out in person today. Absolutely stunning. It fit me perfect also. Problem is I did not bring my readers in with me so I did not get to look at some of the details I wanted to. Very dumb of me. I have a quick question. The moon on the moon phase. Is that gold? It looks more yellow than rose gold like the watch. I was wondering what the moon and the stars were made of.

[spoon-turbo]

The black dial on a rose gold case is very elegant. I agree that the size and thickness of this watch look more proportioned on smaller wrists.

Also, it could work with casual attire if you put on a matte finished strap.

[Dreamshocker]

black dial please

[sgwatch]

Black dial is very nice, but almost impossible for me to read the time in most lighting. I ended up selling it.

[Ichiran]

Never had legibility issues on my blue dial, but this WG version has lume. A user complained the blue is very dark, so if you want, you may treat it like a black dial (why not).



Black, pink, green or blue, the 5205 is beautiful AF.

[tlph]

thinking of getting the black dial for my next bday too! hope it wont discontinue next year..

[WatchLurv]

Im the user on here that can't find the blue in the 5205G...

I'd recommend the op to go to a grey and test/see it first. I still dont like my 5205G.

[Patton250]

Originally Posted by WatchLurv

Im the user on here that can't find the blue in the 5205G...

I'd recommend the op to go to a grey and test/see it first. I still dont like my 5205G.

I absolutely love blue. I just want rose gold.

[Patton250]

Well I’m about to possibly pull the trigger on a black dial. I stop by there one more time to loop it and go over some more details. I’ll let you guys know what I do. Thanks for all the advice and input.

[Lo0o0o0n]

Originally Posted by Patton250

I absolutely love blue. I just want rose gold.

I've been secretly wishing for a RG blue dial 5205 variant from Patek, just like the 5396-014 annual calendar. That would be a killer dial!

[WatchLurv]

Originally Posted by Patton250

I absolutely love blue. I just want rose gold.

Perhaps when I'm 50 I can appreciate the watch and use it as my daily. Right now it's just staring me blank in the face whenever I open my watch case. Me ignoring it of course

[Patton250]

Originally Posted by WatchLurv

Perhaps when I'm 50 I can appreciate the watch and use it as my daily. Right now it's just staring me blank in the face whenever I open my watch case. Me ignoring it of course

You should use it more often.

[locutus49]

the 5205 is my favorite AC because it shows day/day digitally and not on a sub-dial. Very easy to read. I love the dark dial too.

[Patton250]

Originally Posted by locutus49

the 5205 is my favorite AC because it shows day/day digitally and not on a sub-dial. Very easy to read. I love the dark dial too.

Let’s get deeper into this please because I’m three hours away from pulling the trigger. You told me you’re 70 years old if I recall which means you need readers I assume. It’s wonderful news you’re telling me you can still read the date and the time without any problems. Can you read your entire 5205 with black dial while not wearing your readers? I mean time, date, month etc? Thanks for your information.

[locutus49]

I can but I may not be representative. As context, I traded my Platona because it was getting hard to read - not impossible, just hard - because of the lack of contrast.

I find the 5205 very easy to read and I prefer the blue or black dial. But that is me. I love this watch. I dislike the PCs and Acs with multiple sundials for the info rather than the digital displays. The 5205 is a pinnacle of AC achievement in my opinion but I am not an expert, just a user.

Sorry for the qualifiers, but I don't want to influence you to buy a watch that is not right for you. I love it.

Originally Posted by Patton250

Let’s get deeper into this please because I’m three hours away from pulling the trigger. You told me you’re 70 years old if I recall which means you need readers I assume. It’s wonderful news you’re telling me you can still read the date and the time without any problems. Can you read your entire 5205 with black dial while not wearing your readers? I mean time, date, month etc? Thanks for your information.

[locutus49]

Also, I do not use readers when I look at my watch, only to read and only sometimes as my eyes are pretty good. So I can see my watch without glasses or wearing my regular glasses. I guess that is not much help but I want to give you all the info I could since you are about to pull the trigger.

If you buy it and don't like it let me know and I might trade my Smurf for it. It is something I would seriously consider and I love the Smurf.

Originally Posted by locutus49

I can but I may not be representative. As context, I traded my Platona because it was getting hard to read - not impossible, just hard - because of the lack of contrast.

I find the 5205 very easy to read and I prefer the blue or black dial. But that is me. I love this watch. I dislike the PCs and Acs with multiple sundials for the info rather than the digital displays. The 5205 is a pinnacle of AC achievement in my opinion but I am not an expert, just a user.

Sorry for the qualifiers, but I don't want to influence you to buy a watch that is not right for you. I love it.

[Patton250]

Originally Posted by locutus49

Also, I do not use readers when I look at my watch, only to read and only sometimes as my eyes are pretty good. So I can see my watch without glasses or wearing my regular glasses. I guess that is not much help but I want to give you all the info I could since you are about to pull the trigger.

If you buy it and don't like it let me know and I might trade my Smurf for it. It is something I would seriously consider and I love the Smurf.

You’ve been a great help. I love the piece but I also love the MUT JLC I have to flip now because I can’t see the date. I just don’t want to see the same thing happening with this model.

[JayG]

I love my 5205G. Elegant, balanced and contemporary. The 5205 ACs are the best value in the PP line up IMHO

[Pixiestorey]

The 5205 case is a work of art. I'm sure you will agree. Enjoy it when it becomes part of your collection.

[pearson1995]

I own a 5205G blue dial

- it’s not the most legible and the lume really helps
- case is beautiful
- no problems with the movement
- new models I believe do have hacking but older models don’t
- favourite watch in my collection
- the dial is almost black, worth seeing in person.
- I can only see myself letting this go for a 3940 or PCC