Incoming! Not Aquanaut or Nautilus!

[Russell996]

Originally Posted by tom2517

Most obvious is bubbles, some are worse than others. I was told the higher end art craft pieces also have them, but to a lesser extent. But you can only see it using a scope.

This is what Patek to me nowadays, looks great from a distance, falls a little short upon close inspection, but when you factor in other criteria such as brand power, second hand value, and etc., it still can’t be beat.

Congrats on the piece. It’s a shame you have bubbles, i’ve done macro photography on two 5131R’s and neither had any bubbles.

[tom2517]

Originally Posted by Russell996

Congrats on the piece. It’s a shame you have bubbles, i’ve done macro photography on two 5131R’s and neither had any bubbles.

This is not mine but if anyone cares to know what bubble looks like.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlH3zrOH...d=z80bytcq3x38

The second example applies to all 5131. Ideally the final step of top enamel dials one would polish the very top clear layer to a mirror flat finish. But Patek doesn’t do this for 5131.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BPkZXGNj...=1nxdk6wii2y16

[Russell996]

Originally Posted by tom2517

The second example applies to all 5131. Ideally the final step of top enamel dials one would polish the very top clear layer to a mirror flat finish. But Patek doesn’t do this for 5131.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BPkZXGNj...=1nxdk6wii2y16

I don’t believe you are correct, I have photographed a number of Anita Porchet and Donzé Cadrans cloisonné enamel pieces as well as 5131’s and when twisted in the light they all look the same. The cloisonné wire stands proud at the end of the enamel process, this is then trimmed flush and the surface polished. 5131 certainly gets a full surface polish.

[tom2517]

Originally Posted by Russell996

I don’t believe you are correct, I have photographed a number of Anita Porchet and Donzé Cadrans cloisonné enamel pieces as well as 5131’s and when twisted in the light they all look the same. The cloisonné wire stands proud at the end of the enamel process, this is then trimmed flush and the surface polished. 5131 certainly gets a full surface polish.

They are not polished to a mirror flat finish. The Instagram pic clearly shows that. Same on my 5131P, looking at an angle the surface is uneven.

[Russell996]

Originally Posted by tom2517

They are not polished to a mirror flat finish. The Instagram pic clearly shows that. Same on my 5131P, looking at an angle the surface is uneven.

I will check all my photos of Cloisonné pieces, the link on Instagram which I just studied more closely looks pitted.

[tom2517]

Originally Posted by Russell996

True, correct me if I am wrong but I don’t believe there is a final clear coat to allow a polish that would even up all the previous layers - they are not mirror flat due to the number of uneven layers of colour and if you were to polish it back to flat you would remove some of the colours. I have seen a number of Anita Porchet pieces and these exhibit the same non mirror flat finish due to the layering of the enamel. Simple pieces without blending that fill each Cloisonné with solid colour can be mirror polished.

Yes you can put a final clear coat on top (and polish it) that won't affect the color. But is it necessary? No.

I was just pointing out true exceptional enamel would have it, just like the very best beveling would be done by hand instead of a machine tool. But it's ok, what Patek is doing is good enough for the naked eye, one can always nick pick on something but I love the watch, and I am sure you love your 5131 as well.

Finally like I have said in another post, I already know about these before my purchase, if it was a deal breaker, I wouldn't have bought it. Cheers.

[tom2517]

Originally Posted by Russell996

I will check all my photos of Cloisonné pieces, the link on Instagram which I just studied more closely looks pitted.

Mine is pitted too lol, you should check yours too.

[SW1]

Originally Posted by tom2517

This is not mine but if anyone cares to know what bubble looks like.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlH3zrOH...d=z80bytcq3x38

The second example applies to all 5131. Ideally the final step of top enamel dials one would polish the very top clear layer to a mirror flat finish. But Patek doesn’t do this for 5131.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BPkZXGNj...=1nxdk6wii2y16

Thats absurd..def not buying one now

[tom2517]

Originally Posted by SW1

Thats absurd..def not buying one now

I already know about these problems before I bought the 5131, it’s still a great timepiece. These are issues that you don’t see with a naked eye, like someone said, life is better when you don’t magnify everything.