Advice needed

[Hollister]

Originally Posted by KarlS

Most the beauty of the Journe is in the movement

Kind-of true and not true. I really like the steampunk aesthetic, and the general understated elegance of the dials and cases.

Anyway, the forum has decided 5196, so the OP has to buy that or live forever in shame.

[Fensterdub]

Originally Posted by Hollister

Kind-of true and not true. I really like the steampunk aesthetic, and the general understated elegance of the dials and cases.

Anyway, the forum has decided 5196, so the OP has to buy that or live forever in shame.

Well then a life of shame it shall be, because I need to see the movement.

I will choose the 5227r or the 5296r and then promptly exile myself to Elba to live out my days in silent reflection... although I will have that lovely movement to look at!

[Tony64]

Hi Paul, of the ones you've listed as choices, I prefer the 5296.

As you've already observed, the 5227 is priced disproportionately high IMO, and while I understand your interest in the classic aesthetic of the 5196, I would strongly encourage you to try this reference on before committing. It wears very flat and some, myself included, have been disappointed by it in the flesh. The absent display back is no accident, as the movement is designed for a much smaller case size (the 215 has been used traditionally in 31-33mm cases) and looks incongruous in the 37mm case.

Trying to stay with the Patek brand and using your suggested choices as a guide, have you considered the 5096 or the 5127? Both are discontinued but can be had for a bargain price. Well, "bargain" by modern Patek standards that is.

The 5096 has the classic calatrava look, but with the display back you desire. Usually found at < 10k it's a rare reference and was only produced in yellow gold and was only available for a year or two before being discontinued. Only problem is the size at 33.3mm but to keep things in perspective, Michael Jordan had one back in the day.

[Tony64]

Here's the back:

[Tony64]

Another option is the 5127. It's better sized at 37mm and is a discontinued classic, and will save you lots of money over the others listed. I'm not sure how I feel about the crown guards on this piece. Some love em, some hate em.

[Tony64]

back view:

[Tony64]

Both of these references also have screw in case backs, an advantage over the snap on back of the 5196.

[Fensterdub]

Originally Posted by Tony64

Hi Paul, of the ones you've listed as choices, I prefer the 5296.

As you've already observed, the 5227 is priced disproportionately high IMO, and while I understand your interest in the classic aesthetic of the 5196, I would strongly encourage you to try this reference on before committing. It wears very flat and some, myself included, have been disappointed by it in the flesh. The absent display back is no accident, as the movement is designed for a much smaller case size (the 215 has been used traditionally in 31-33mm cases) and looks incongruous in the 37mm case.

Trying to stay with the Patek brand and using your suggested choices as a guide, have you considered the 5096 or the 5127? Both are discontinued but can be had for a bargain price. Well, "bargain" by modern Patek standards that is.

The 5096 has the classic calatrava look, but with the display back you desire. Usually found at < 10k it's a rare reference and was only produced in yellow gold and was only available for a year or two before being discontinued. Only problem is the size at 33.3mm but to keep things in perspective, Michael Jordan had one back in the day.

Hi Tony,

Thanks very much for taking the time to put that together. I'm thinking along the same lines as you in terms of the 5296. I've actually tried them all on and would go for any of the 3 from a wearability/wrist presence point of view, but the lack of sapphire on the back really did turn out to be the deal breaker.

The 5096 only has a sapphire case back because the 215ps fits better in the 33.3mm case as you correctly pointed out, but unfortunately I can't wear a watch that small. And yes, their omission of the sapphire on the 5196 speaks volumes. In the future their may possibly be an update for that reference.

The 5127 is nice but I'd prefer to buy new. The crown guards are a little too much for me too. It ruins the symmetry and I can imagine that grating on my nerves after a while.

One thing I love about the 5296 over the 5227 in the PP logo is larger relative to the dial on the 5296 and it really looks lovely. It pops out almost 3D. (Not that I care if anyone else sees it, you'd need to be WIS to even know what it is, just for my own enjoyment)

I'm going to order one in the next couple of days and keep you all updated.

Thanks again to everyone for your opinions, I value them very much.