Do I sell my watches to buy a 5960P

[Daso]

Hello All, I've recently become quite enamored with the more attainably priced "if you could call it that" Patek 5960P with the grey dial. I found a nice one with all box and papers from a local dealer and had a chance to try it on and get a feel for it. Here's my dilemma and this might be somewhat pointed since we are after all on a Rolex site. I would need to trade or sell my Daytona 16520, my 1675 GMT and likely my Omega 145.012. All are in amazing condition and the main part of my daily choices to wear. I still have a very cool Autavia 2446C and Benrus Type 2 which would remain. I would likely try to add a SD 16600 as my main weekend watch. What would you do? I know that there is no good answer, but the Patek would become a pretty pricey daily wear watch. Would love everyone's input. I can't afford the 5960P on it's own without selling or trading my current pieces.

[martinr]

What is the asking price for the 5960P.

[singaporepatek]

The 5960P is a special timepiece unrivaled by anything in your current collection. Sell sell sell and get that Patek.

[vandyologist]

I’d rather have the 5960p than those three watches, but it’s an individual choice. I don’t know what your local dealer is asking but you should be able to get one for $45-$50k.

[BigAppleBill]

Almost sounds like you’re asking us to dare you to do it. All those “tradable” watches are terrific pieces. But the 5960p is on another level. I say go for it if the 5960p fits your lifestyle and will be easy to wear often enough so you can get maximum enjoyment from it.

[FinWatch]

I am actually in a similar situation...
I would get the Patek.
Quality over quantity.


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[subtona]

The Rolexs are solid, that particular Patek has a bit of a soft market?

[Daso]

Originally Posted by BigAppleBill

Almost sounds like you’re asking us to dare you to do it. All those “tradable” watches are terrific pieces. But the 5960p is on another level. I say go for it if the 5960p fits your lifestyle and will be easy to wear often enough so you can get maximum enjoyment from it.

BigappleBill, I love a dare like that Thanks for the thoughts on this everyone. It is a special timepiece and on a different level for me. Just a kind of leap into new collecting territory. I am in a position that I could wear it pretty much daily and could enjoy it. The asking price is $49K with that being a clearly negotiable price. I originally saw the Patek a few months ago with the dealer, so it has been sitting around for a few months. I realize these are not quickly liquidable watches, but I have seen fewer 5960's lately. The grey dial seems very versatile even though desirable than black or blue (probably about $25K less too). Thanks for the input. I think I'm going to go Thursday and see what I can negotiate and see if it's meant to be.

[Daso]

Originally Posted by subtona

The Rolexs are solid, that particular Patek has a bit of a soft market?

Aside from loving the piece, that is what the back part of my brain is saying

[JorgeCCW]

I love 5960P , so much that I have owned twice. Beautiful watch and the price for it is ridiculous, but it’s ridiculous for a reason and that is : No market for the watch. Those Rolex of yours have a market. So it comes down to what you feel comfortable with, if you don’t mind that and the price of the 5960p is within market limits then do it , but if you do mind then restrain


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[Bearxj86]

This is a tough choice. I too have a 16520 white Zenith and a 1680 red (instead of a 1675 GMT). I feel these are tough to part with and are both rare and tough to get in excellent condition (full sets?)

Not the biggest speedy person so the 145.012 does very little.

If this is your first Patek, you might consider a more affordable option like a 5205G or a less complicated Patek just to see how you like it. Try some others on?

[cascavel]

No, I would not do this trade. You would be gutting a nice collection of difficult to attain watches to buy an unpopular, readily available, current production Patek loaded with complications you will never use which will cost you $2500 to service properly should it require it, and it will.
If you're jonesing for a Patek, buy a 5227 Calatrava and save your collection from the guillotine.

[ap1]

^ spot on !

[Token74]

I’d be very tempted. In fact I recently considered trading most of my collection for a 5270P and if someone had offered me a straight trade (I.e. I didn’t have to go to the trouble of selling my watches) I would almost certainly have done it.

But, the servicing costs and timescales are rather off-putting. If I send my 5990 away and it takes 6-9 months to service, I don’t mind as I have plenty of other options, but if I didn’t have those other options, it would be a real drag.


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[PJ S]

Originally Posted by cascavel

No, I would not do this trade. You would be gutting a nice collection of difficult to attain watches to buy an unpopular, readily available, current production Patek loaded with complications you will never use which will cost you $2500 to service properly should it require it, and it will.
If you're jonesing for a Patek, buy a 5227 Calatrava and save your collection from the guillotine.

It’s not current. The platinum was discontinued some years ago (5?), when it retailed for ~ $96K.
Half price is a great deal in that context, but for half of that, you could have a De Bethune, Laurent Ferrier, or a Chopard L.U.C. with no lesser movement finishing, and even a level above in DB’s case.

In the case of the L.U.C., I’m thinking of the Lunar One PC, also in platinum, so you get a moonphase, a perpetual calendar (no need to adjust at the end of each February), and a micro-rotor, meaning you can admire more of the finishing, unlike the Patek’s full rotor.
Similar scenario on the LF.

[roadie1]

Had a 5960p. Glad it’s gone.


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[tchaic]

Originally Posted by Daso

BigappleBill, I love a dare like that Thanks for the thoughts on this everyone. It is a special timepiece and on a different level for me. Just a kind of leap into new collecting territory. I am in a position that I could wear it pretty much daily and could enjoy it. The asking price is $49K with that being a clearly negotiable price. I originally saw the Patek a few months ago with the dealer, so it has been sitting around for a few months. I realize these are not quickly liquidable watches, but I have seen fewer 5960's lately. The grey dial seems very versatile even though desirable than black or blue (probably about $25K less too). Thanks for the input. I think I'm going to go Thursday and see what I can negotiate and see if it's meant to be.

If you buy it at $45K your downside very low. Probably $5K or less. I think this watch is the best value in modern Patek.

[Ichiran]

Originally Posted by roadie1

Had a 5960p. Glad it’s gone.

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Mind elaborating on the "glad" aspect?

[Vipes]

I’ve considered the 5960p many times but I couldn’t pull the trigger. I tend to prefer less complicated watches now. Also the 5960p is a little too thick for my taste. You will never know unless you buy it and try it out.

[Daso]

Originally Posted by roadie1

Had a 5960p. Glad it’s gone.


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Hi, I'd love to know why you're glad it's gone? My biggest concerns is that I am looking at this a essentially a daily wear (office job) piece and I never thought about the maintenance cost component. What is the average cost to service a cPatek complication such as the 5960?

[roadie1]

Originally Posted by Daso

Hi, I'd love to know why you're glad it's gone? My biggest concerns is that I am looking at this a essentially a daily wear (office job) piece and I never thought about the maintenance cost component. What is the average cost to service a cPatek complication such as the 5960?

It’s a decent watch I guess. Felt a little fragile compared to a Rolex. I just never could bond with it. Grew tired of the “one eyed wonder” dial. Prefer a two or three dial Chrono.
I purchased it on a whim because I thought it was cool at first. Seems like it was pretty difficult to sell at the time I sold it. Also I’m not a strap guy. Much prefer a bracelet. As much as I try I seem to never hang onto a watch long enough for it require a service. Ive had a couple PP prior to this one and one needed a minor repair which Wimpy in New York took care of in-house in just a matter of weeks. I have no idea how long it would take if something had to actually go back to PP for a repair. Good luck on your decision. I just think if you had to stare at that dial as a one and only for your nicer piece, it would get old fast. However should you decide to move forward, here are a few photos.


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[ts3]

Originally Posted by Daso

Hi, I'd love to know why you're glad it's gone? My biggest concerns is that I am looking at this a essentially a daily wear (office job) piece and I never thought about the maintenance cost component. What is the average cost to service a cPatek complication such as the 5960?

For the 5960 the standard Patek service costs CHF 1800 where I live. In the US it should be a very similar amount in USD before sales tax. You should expect USD 2000-2500 as they often require a few spare parts that are not included in the published standard service cost.

Personally I'd stay put if I was in your shoes as I am no fan of the 5960s. I wanted to like them but it never really clicked. There was always sth that irritated me, be it the unspecific +/- power reserve, the busy chrono sub dial, or the shiny bracelet on the 1A. Also a little thick for my taste.

[MichaelFlash]

I would not do it. Your Rolexes are much more fungible as others have noted and I personally think the 5960p is not a handsome watch. Many others agree, hence the plethora available...

[WatchLurv]

Originally Posted by cascavel

No, I would not do this trade. You would be gutting a nice collection of difficult to attain watches to buy an unpopular, readily available, current production Patek loaded with complications you will never use which will cost you $2500 to service properly should it require it, and it will.
If you're jonesing for a Patek, buy a 5227 Calatrava and save your collection from the guillotine.

Spot on my thoughts.

I however own a 5960G (Blue), and I am happy with it, but I wouldn't be selling off such vintage watches to attain that.

[Daso]

I appreciate all the thoughts. I'm leaning towards just adding a 16600 SD for now and keep what I have.

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[jon_jon]

Patek and Rolex are quite different brands and serve different purposes. Rolex mass produces relatively sturdy watches without complications. Patek has always been known for their complicated watches. An AC chrono is a nice dual complication, although it feels relatively thick on the wrist. Twice I considered the 5960P black dial, but passed. The gray dial which was the first 5960P produced, is a nice platinum watch with a dual complication for a reasonable secondary market price. Get it if you love it. But a lot of options in that price range.

[frommer]

I would go for 5960

[cascavel]

Originally Posted by WatchLurv

Spot on my thoughts.

I however own a 5960G (Blue), and I am happy with it, but I wouldn't be selling off such vintage watches to attain that.

I believe that your 5960G is one of the watches that has been discontinued for 2020.