Advice sought: Patek 5127G or VC 87172

[SoylentGreenChi]

Posted this in the Patek forum, but posting here as well because I know some of the hardest core watch enthusiasts are on this board!

Seeking the wisdom and experience of the forum, as I’m genuinely torn on a decision.

Context is that I am looking for a white dial dress watch to fill a gap in my collection. It needs to have a date complication, as I cannot do a time only piece (I’ve tried). Also, I have a black dial 5227G, and this white dial watch will complement it. I have three Pateks in my collection, a Royal Oak, and a Rolex. I do not have a Vacheron in the collection.

Options: I have always been drawn to the PP 5127G, the quirkiness of the screw down cap, the off-white dial. But I can only get preowned models and finding ones in terrific shape is a bit of a challenge. On the other hand, I can find many options for a VC 87172, like new condition, box/papers. And I have always loved the VC Traditionnelle line. A used PP 5127G is going to cost about $5K USD more than a like new VC 87172.

Advice: Does anyone have experience or advice with a similar decision point and add words of wisdom? My heart says get the 5127G, but my head says that it makes sense to 1) get a newer quality watch 2) save money and 3) get a VC into my collection rather than yet another PP (maybe wrong forum to ask!)

Thoughts?

Be well, all!

[Spartan2009]

I find that fighting the heart in this hobby is a hard thing to do with this hobby. Fundamentally you are looking at 2 completely different watches from an aesthetic standpoint.

[beshannon]

I do not care for either of those, however I have been focusing more on Vacheron myself as I want to leave the hype and insanity that is destroying this hobby.

[Jmaster]

I think one big difference is the case. I haven’t handle the VC 87172 but have tried other Traditionelle watches, and found that the three layer case design and the straight lugs being very different from Patek. Some people think the Patek cases are more refined but I like the Traditionelle more. Do you want a pair of watches with similar case design language or 2 complete different ones? Only you can answer this.

[SoylentGreenChi]

Just decided to go with the Patek, and the similar design language. Very helpful advice, thank you!

[cascavel]

Originally Posted by SoylentGreenChi

Just decided to go with the Patek, and the similar design language. Very helpful advice, thank you!

You won't be sorry. 5127 and 5107 are superb design and some of the best Calatravas. Understated elegance.

[Jmaster]

Originally Posted by SoylentGreenChi

Just decided to go with the Patek, and the similar design language. Very helpful advice, thank you!

Great call, and good pair with your black dial. Hope my comments were helpful.

[shafran]

Love most of what they are coming out with

[SoylentGreenChi]

Thanks for the advice, here are two photos to close the loop!




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[alphadweller]

Congratulations on your beautiful 5127.

I was faced with a similar dilema last year, albeit between the Calatrava 5296 and the Patrimony 85180. I wanted a sober HH dress watch with a simple and pure design language capable of enduring the test of time for many years to come, so nothing too fancy on the dial and hands. It had to be automatic with a date complication. The Breguet 7147 also came into the equation but was finally discarded.

Between the PP and VC, I went for the latter in the end. I liked the modern 40mm size of the 85180 and the texture on the dial better. Also, the VC looked ever so slightly cleaner, sleeker, more refined dare I say, which really was the feature I was after. Not bashing the PP, an exquisite piece all the same.

[enjoythemusic]

Thanks for pics. I could never unsee Patek's lack of matching the date background to the main dial. PP has been maximizing profits by using off-the-shelf parts and feel this is a big miscalculation on their part when $1000 watches match the sub-dials to the main dial.

Get the VC, or seek out other products. There are soooooo many great time-only timepieces of truly high quality now in the market.

[SoylentGreenChi]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

Thanks for pics. I could never unsee Patek's lack of matching the date background to the main dial. PP has been maximizing profits by using off-the-shelf parts and feel this is a big miscalculation on their part when $1000 watches match the sub-dials to the main dial.

Get the VC, or seek out other products. There are soooooo many great time-only timepieces of truly high quality now in the market.

Funny, the different color shades between the dial and the date was one of the features I like the best, and was a determinating factor in my decision! I also like the quirky crown guards. Really enjoying the 5127, definitely fills a gap in my collection.

Alpha: thank you for the kind words, really appreciate it. Your Vacheron is lovely, thank you for sharing and enjoy!


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