Patek World Time. Worth going enamel?

[Gandor]

Thinking of picking up a 5231j (or maybe a 5131, I do like the crown guards and the fonts here, but I think the enameling is better on the 5231.)

Is it worth it to go for the enamel version, or just get a 5130j and save 80k. I think there's something pretty special about the enamel versions. Wanted to hear thoughts from some owners here.

[GGGMT]

Forget the enamel. it’s pretty but the horology is what this is about in my view. But hey, you do you!


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[ts3]

Some 5 years ago 5321J was high on my list but I am happy I didn't pull the trigger. It may be a great collector's piece but I wouldn't want to run around with a painting / map strapped to my wrist. Much rather would get 5230P today.

[1William]

Beautiful watch. In person and on the wrist to make the choice

[Pw92676]

In a Patek heavy collection, enamel and handcrafts make sense. For the newer Patek enthusiast (which I am assuming you are based on your signature that doesn’t include any PP in collection), I would skip the enamel and save that extra money for another Patek.

[Pw92676]

Duplicate

[codecow]

My world is colorful, so as soon as I first learned about the brand and got my first catalog the enamel WT popped out to me as one to get.

[jon_jon]

Non-enamel Patek WTs are one of the most under-rated group of watches in the Patek collection. They can usually be purchased at a discount on the secondary market. OTOH enamel WTs are quite special and usually owned by many large collectors.

If you like WTs, it may not be a bad idea to start with a non-enamel WT and later add an Enamel WT later if you really like this complication and want to get one with "artwork" on the dial.

I own several WTs, including non-enamel, Enamel and other LE WTs. They all are quite special watches in my collection.

[arolexguy]

The enamel hits different in person. It is truly a beautiful work of art. It will retain its value better than a standard world time

I would be more hesitant to wear the piece as often though with the enamel I think.


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[Ichiran]

If you like miniature handcraft and rarity (such watches are limited due to the highly artisanal work involved), then this is the watch for you.

[codecow]

Needs more pics!

[Ichiran]

To be more specific, every grand feu enamel dial is unique. The same enamelist will not produce the exact same dial.

[kingofthehill]

Originally Posted by Gandor

Thinking of picking up a 5231j (or maybe a 5131, I do like the crown guards and the fonts here, but I think the enameling is better on the 5231.)

Is it worth it to go for the enamel version, or just get a 5130j and save 80k. I think there's something pretty special about the enamel versions. Wanted to hear thoughts from some owners here.

Each of the 5131 and 5231 series of watches is exceptional in my view. The 5231J is a standout with superb cloisonné enamel work and an excellent case and dial design. The 5131/1P is also interesting for being a platinum watch on a bracelet and for its unique angle of the world map. While I think that there is a notable step up in the quality and detail of the cloisonné enamel work between many of the 5131 and 5231 series of watches, perhaps this is less stark for some of the 5131/1P examples.

The 5130J is also a lovely watch, and if you will not enjoy the rare handcraft cloisonné enamel dial work then it would be tempting to “just get a 5130J and save 80k”. But if you will enjoy the additional skill and work required for the rare handcraft cloisonné enamel dial, then both the 5131 and 5231 series of watches are superb.

[codecow]

One thing, you’re not saving by skipping the enamel, you could be wasting money that you could have put towards the enamel.

[Mr. Drunmond]

I have a 5130 and i have thought about selling everything to move up to get the 5131 so many times. It would be foolish, but man, that enamel dial calls to me.

I can be happy with a 5131 and an apple watch. Right? Right?

[kingofthehill]

Originally Posted by Mr. Drunmond

I can be happy with a 5131 and an apple watch. Right? Right?

Right!

[Gandor]

Originally Posted by codecow

One thing, you’re not saving by skipping the enamel, you could be wasting money that you could have put towards the enamel.

Yeah, this sums it up. If I got the non-enamel I'd just be plotting to trade up to the enamel the whole time.

[Russell996]

Couple of 5131R’s to show the variation.

[Vasco]

A few years after my 5712 in early 2010's I discovered the 5131R. I couldn't get it but this would have been a watch that I would have enjoyed a lot.

To me, the enamel version with no hesitation. The rarity, the colors, the craftsmanship, it is something special on all levels (I've seen the 5131 R and Pt and 5231J).

[pam66]

Originally Posted by Russell996

Couple of 5131R’s to show the variation.

nice. amazing though how the enamel on 5231J/G and already on 5131P shows much more detail and color nuances. i wonder what happened in the enameling technique/protocol.

[wcgreiner]

Enamel’s the whole point with these—that dial’s art. If you’re gonna World Time, go big or go home. The 5231J’s the keeper.

[pam66]

Originally Posted by wcgreiner

Enamel’s the whole point with these—that dial’s art. If you’re gonna World Time, go big or go home. The 5231J’s the keeper.

correct. same holds for 5231G.