One and done non-sports modern Patek under 50k

[AT1228]

Outside of the sports lines, what would you choose as your one and only modern Patek under $50k (grey)? Considering the usual suspects: 5205, 5212, 5226, 5326 (stretch). Not all that interested in 6119 given how it sat on my ~6.5" wrist.

I have tried some but not all these references in person. Will obviously try on a lot more pieces before I pull the trigger on anything, and I realize this is entirely personal preference, so I won't be making this decision just based on other people's opinions. But I respect the TRF community and recognize it's got lots of more experienced collectors here that are generous in sharing their wisdom, so humbly request their opinions to supplement my limited own.

I have a reasonable collection of Rolex (DD, GMT, Sub, etc) and a couple dress ALS (L1, 1815), so this is not an only watch for me or a daily and doesn't need to fill any specific "needs" or check any unchecked boxes in my collection. Just looking for suggestions and, importantly, WHYs. Thank you!

[JorgeCCW]

Probably not the best choice for price retention, but I love my 5524R






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[AT1228]

Looks great! Unfortunately that reference is likely to be a bit large wearing on my 6.5" wrist...

[JorgeCCW]

Originally Posted by AT1228

Looks great! Unfortunately that reference is likely to be a bit large wearing on my 6.5" wrist...

I have heard that statement a million times , is more about the shape of the wrist imho
Another watch that I love in that range is 5146
Cheers

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[RyanO]

We have the same wrist size - and i cant help but recommend the venerable 3940. Thank me later



Sorry not the best pic…


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[AT1228]

Great piece! Classic Patek. Definitely in the running...

[AT1228]

Originally Posted by JorgeCCW

I have heard that statement a million times , is more about the shape of the wrist imho
Another watch that I love in that range is 5146
Cheers

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Great rec. The slate dial 5146 could be a contender for sure...

[JorgeCCW]

Originally Posted by AT1228

Great rec. The slate dial 5146 could be a contender for sure...

Make it P





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[GGGMT]

2d the 5524r
I thought it would be too big
It’s not
It’s elegant and gorgeous




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[jcdevoe26]

Originally Posted by AT1228

Looks great! Unfortunately that reference is likely to be a bit large wearing on my 6.5" wrist...

get the 37mm version! I love the Patek Pilot Travel time....such a underrated piece, which is great because you can find it for a good price on the grey market.

I went with a 4947-1/a for my one and done Patek, its SS so it does skirt the line of non-sports. I also have a small wrist and I love the look and feel on wrist. Retail is $52K, but can easily be had on the grey market in the $35K range...

[AT1228]

Appreciate the additional recs! The 4947 does look distinct. Haven't been able to see one of these in the metal.

[SoylentGreenChi]

5146G works, as others have noted. (I had it, it wears well casually as well as more formally). 5212 is also a nice option - steel, so it won’t scratch so easily, light and comfortable, and with a dial that’s a combo of dress/casual. If I had to pick right now, I’d go 5212 but would consider grey market since I see you can get one sub $35K USD.

[ChetBaker]

Out of all these: 5212. It’s the most versatile. Great case, nice dial, steel, unique complication. Movement fits the case better vs 5524. And not a compromise like an annual calendar which is almost, but not quite a perpetual.

[Pw92676]

My recommendations would be 5960, in any metal, as it is wearable proportions and has 2 classic PP complications. If you want current catalogue, I’d choose 5226.

[John Doyle]

I would get the 5212 - most interesting watch Patek makes under 50k.

[AT1228]

5212 is probably the top choice for me at the moment. Haven't tried in the metal, but like others have said it wears well in casual, daily life. Have my L1 for more dressy affairs...

[AT1228]

Thoughts from owners of the 5396g? The blue dial ref interests me...

[subtona]

Originally Posted by RyanO

We have the same wrist size - and i cant help but recommend the venerable 3940. Thank me later



Sorry not the best pic…


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Best recommendation you will find. .. and yes he would thank you later

Alt is a sibling the 5940 which has been especially satisfying among those watches I have owned.
(37mm with a 21mm strap width)

[nyc2la]

5230p - platinum, beautiful blue hand guilloche dial, easy to wind/set/go, a classic Patek complication, interesting to look at, and a great size at 38.5mm.

[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by RyanO

We have the same wrist size - and i cant help but recommend the venerable 3940. Thank me later



Sorry not the best pic…


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Have you checked the current prices on 3940s. The competitive used dealer I follow now sells these briskly in yellow incomplete for 70K or more. These were on the market for years in the low 30's complete. They are now the hottest watches but be prepared to pay handsomely for a complete set in great condition. The best bargain now is the 5140 which can still be had in gold for under 50K. That will not last long I suspect. Still attractively priced are the 5040 and the 5039.

[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by JorgeCCW

Probably not the best choice for price retention, but I love my 5524R






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There are so many strap options for this watch. It dresses up or down so seamlessly and goes anywhere.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by JorgeCCW

Probably not the best choice for price retention, but I love my 5524R

Who knew a Patek could look so good on a Nato

[DavidSB]

Another vote for 5212. Unique in Patek catalog, stainless, lots of strap options.

[Ellz]

Originally Posted by RyanO

We have the same wrist size - and i cant help but recommend the venerable 3940. Thank me later



Sorry not the best pic…


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Love that strap RyanO- can you tell me where you found it?

[AT1228]

Originally Posted by nyc2la

5230p - platinum, beautiful blue hand guilloche dial, easy to wind/set/go, a classic Patek complication, interesting to look at, and a great size at 38.5mm.

Absolutely stunning!

[RyanO]

Originally Posted by subtona

Best recommendation you will find. .. and yes he would thank you later

Alt is a sibling the 5940 which has been especially satisfying among those watches I have owned.
(37mm with a 21mm strap width)

Thank you, and fine choice you made there, I'd ike to eventually add one of those myself

[RyanO]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

Have you checked the current prices on 3940s. The competitive used dealer I follow now sells these briskly in yellow incomplete for 70K or more. These were on the market for years in the low 30's complete. They are now the hottest watches but be prepared to pay handsomely for a complete set in great condition. The best bargain now is the 5140 which can still be had in gold for under 50K. That will not last long I suspect. Still attractively priced are the 5040 and the 5039.

I don't follow the market closely, but a quick search and found this example in nice condition for just a hair over 50:

https://www.europeanwatch.com/watch/...low-gold-57775

May I ask which dealer you're referring to? Price seems a little on the high end to me?

I agree the 5140 is a great reference as well, and is undervalued. I still feel the 3940 is significantly undervalued as it is IMO a very significant reference for Patek and marks both a turning point for the brand and is one of the last great Patek references. It is nearly perfect, if not perfect in its execution.

[RyanO]

Originally Posted by Ellz

Love that strap RyanO- can you tell me where you found it?

Thanks so much Ellz, most certainly. Had it custom made from Atelier Kai, based out of Singapore. My IG is @AWatchOdyssey, if you want to pm me I can share their profile and info.

[RyanO]

Originally Posted by nyc2la

5230p - platinum, beautiful blue hand guilloche dial, easy to wind/set/go, a classic Patek complication, interesting to look at, and a great size at 38.5mm.

This looks really superb

[vitalsigns]

If you're looking for something quintessentially Patek, then consider a 5196P. Personally, I'd stray away from an annual calendar or perpetual calendar if you have a large rotation of watches.

Only caveat on the 5196 is your 6.5" wrist as some wearers report that it sits larger than its 37mm size would suggest.

A 5110 world time would be a great choice too.