Excited.. joining the patek club. 5196R on its way....

[blah114]

Yes, another thread about joining the “club...”

I just scored what I feel is a GREAT deal on a rose gold Patek Calatrava 5196.. box, papers, looks to be pristine condition... I’ve waited, I’ve asked, I’ve researched, and researched, and inquired on expired ads.. chrono24, TRF, ad after ad not deleted properly or,updated (why do sellers not update the ads on TRF after sellers sell their watches...).

I bought from a TRF seller with absolutely impeccable feedback, but ironically not via TRF for this piece.. I’m excited and will post a few pics when I receive the piece. My 6.25 inch wrists will likely suit the 5196 well. I welcome feedback from other 5196 owners. I really researched this and feel like I have bought the watch that suits me. I love the solid case back and I love the look of the watch as it looks nearly 100 years old... I guess its design is.. I needed a nice dress watch and this perfectly fits.

Feedback from other 5196 owners welcome.. I don’t feel the 5196 gets the praise it deserves, which really attracted me to it. Thanks, guys and gals. It was between a saxonia and this piece... I just got it for well under a saxonia price and really wanted the patek .. I’ll not likely ever sell this watch, but resale did play into it for me. It always does and I make no apologies for considering resale.

[MCMartiny]

Congratulations! The 5196 is the quintessential Calatrava, it doesn't get more classy than this.

[SpeedyTuomas]

It's a true classic and I love mine. I think it will fit you nicely but it's not a small dress watch by classic standards..the size is at least my personal max and my wrist is slightly bigger.

[blah114]

Originally Posted by SpeedyTuomas

It's a true classic and I love mine. I think it will fit you nicely but it's not a small dress watch by classic standards..the size is at least my personal max and my wrist is slightly bigger.

Yes, ive a 33mm vacheron which might be more a dress watch. I️ think 377 will fit the bill because my 36 mm explorer wears small. I️ May have measured my wrists incorrect too. I️ wear a deep blue a lot and that’s a bit large. Admittedly.

[Tony64]

Originally Posted by blah114

Yes, ive a 33mm vacheron which might be more a dress watch. I️ think 377 will fit the bill because my 36 mm explorer wears small. I️ May have measured my wrists incorrect too. I️ wear a deep blue a lot and that’s a bit large. Admittedly.

I agree with SpeedyTuomas above that the 5196 likely wears larger than you might expect. Hard to compare with your 36mm Explorer despite the similarity in size (36/37). Dark dial and thicker bezel of the Explorer make for a smaller visual on the wrist. The 5196 dial is more open and has a smaller dial to bezel ratio. Apples to oranges really. I think it will make a very nice dress watch and one that you can also wear in more casual settings. A very versatile timepiece.

Sounds like you've given it sufficient thought and research, and I predict that you'll be very happy with your selection.

Congratulations and enjoy!

[GB-man]

Congratulations!

[.db]

Congrats! I’m a big fan of 5196R. Perfect and timeless!

[nyc2la]

Congratulations! You put in the hard work (researching and hunting), now you can wear and enjoy the fruits of your labor with no reservations.

[red1108nyc]

Congrats! I am looking for a 5196G now as my go to dress watch myself. Great piece buddy!

[mps354]

It's an excellent reference and I think I know the source, as I considered it myself. Congrats!

[soundserious]

Awesome, a classic.

[s.m.b.]

I’m sure you’ll love it! I purchased a 5196G recently and I have no regrets.

[greatmattsby]

Congrats! You will not be disappointed, the 5196 is a staple!

[MoosicPa]

Excellent choice, the 5196 is the modern version of the classic PP 96. I like it so much, I bought both the WG and Plat. versions...

044 by , on Flickr

[Russell996]

Congratulations

[topcat30093]

Congratulations, personally my favourite of all the PM, apart from maybe Platinum with its little sparkling thing at the 6 o'clock spot ;-)

[tyler1980]

congrats

[Passionata]

lets s see those pics!

[1William]

Congratulations.

[dysondiver]

nice choice

[Racerdj]

Great choice, congratulations!

[Hairdude1]

Congrats!

[carlhaluss]

Really something to get excited about! I think that 37mm is perfect for a dress watch of this type. That silvery dial will look stunning. I have not seen really good pictures of that dial, looks like it has an interesting texture to it.
I really like that it has the manually winding movement as well. I love the simplicity of the precious metal caseback on this one.
Congratulations!

[blah114]

Originally Posted by carlhaluss

Really something to get excited about! I think that 37mm is perfect for a dress watch of this type. That silvery dial will look stunning. I have not seen really good pictures of that dial, looks like it has an interesting texture to it.
I really like that it has the manually winding movement as well. I love the simplicity of the precious metal caseback on this one.
Congratulations!

Thanks. This will, or is, a lifetime purchase for me, it represents a lot for a few reasons. Nothing earth shattering, but I’ll wear it with pride. I’ll be shocked if anyone knows what it is except me. It always surprises me the people whom Recognize my watches.

[blah114]

Pics

[blah114]

Let’s try this again

[nyc2la]

Congratulations!

[blah114]

It does wear larger than 36mm as someone above said. It’s also far more modern than I’d pictured. I’ve seen pictures but the pics don’t at all do this piece justice.

[toucan]

Grats- looks great!

[AK797]

Congrats, like the hour markers.