What should be my first patek

[pearson1995]

Hi everyone,

I’m hoping to get into Patek. I’ve owned Rolex, Breitling, Tudor and JLC. I know it’s regarded as the top watch brand but here is my dilemma. Where do I start?

If I’m honest I’m finding it hard to know because I feel I have alternatives I would prefer for many Patek watches...

Patek 5146 I like, but I think I prefer Lange annual calendars
Patek Chrono I like, but already have a DaytonaC and again prefer the 1815 chrono
Patek world time I feel I wouldn’t require as I have my Rolex GMT
Patek Nautilus and aquanaut, regardless of the wait, I feel my SS Rolex watches carry out the job, and dare I say I would look at a 15202 first
Patek Calatrava I love, but I own a Reverso and feel that has me covered.


Basically I need advice, if I was to go with one, I’m thinking 5146 or 5227, but I just feel there are alternatives out there I prefer on paper.


All advice appreciated

[Patton250]

Get the 5227. Calatrava is nothing like a JLC Reverso.

[Pim]

Patek 5212A Weekly calendar or platinum world time would be my favorite

[Captainbob]

Given your exclusions in your note I see 3 options left to consider - 2 of which require deep pockets....

1. Perpetual calendar Chrono - quintessential Patek. Choose carefully and you can get a great deal.
2. 5524g travel time - a great complication in a calatrava case.

And just for a laugh..... minute repeater!

[lord91]

Considering your thoughts, OP, you don't have to get a Patek, let alone an "AquanauGHt". From what you're saying, you are either covered by what you already have or Patek isn't your first choice for what you wish to add.

[ts3]

In the price range you seem to be considering I would aim for a preowned 3940, most likely the J. If you can live w the 3940's 36mm size I would get that classic over a 5146 or 5227 any time. The 5227 wears awfully big for a dress watch in IMO - too much empty real estate on that large dial.

[chiscott_29]

Originally Posted by lord91

Considering your thoughts, OP, you don't have to get a Patek, let alone an "AquanauGHt". From what you're saying, you are either covered by what you already have or Patek isn't your first choice for what you wish to add.

Wow...sometimes this is EXACTLY what I need to hear!

[jon_jon]

Patek is known for their classic Calatrava dress watches and their complications. If you want to get a new Calatrava, a 5227 automatic or a 5196 manual-wind would fit the bill. And you can't compare a Reverse to a Calatrava.

If you want a complication, AC, WT, chronos are all great options. World Time is totally different from a Rolex GMT. GMT is closer to a travel time.

I would recommend visiting some Patek ADs or pre-owned stores when they open up again and try some on. You never know what you will really like in person.

[Ichiran]

Get the 5205 for the win!

[Pongster]

3940, 5140 or 5327

That’s what am planning to get as my second.

My first is a 5711. Predictable. Had to scratch itch.

Might have chosen differently had i been a bit wiser. But i guess we are the result of the choices we have made.

[Bearxj86]

A mistake not to have a Patek or an AP imho. You never really own a Patek “on paper” you gotta get one that speaks to you and how it makes you FEEL. Patek makes me feel i am wearing something gentlemanly and extremely classic for me and no one else. APs make me feel like a badass and arguably it’s a good feeling.

I have a Lange 1815 chrono instead of a Patek and a Breguet 3700 Worldtime instead of a Patek but these are personally preferences that reflect my desire to own these brands after ownership of a 5170 and a 5130 (both amazing!). However no one really owns a Worldtime as a GMT - it is just awesome to have all the time zones and to embrace the complication. In all cases I think the Patek equivalents (5070/5170 and 5130/5230) are really really nice too -if I had unlimited funds I would go for the 5131 or 5231 enamel worldtimes (what a work of art!!!!!! wowzaa! truly a statement piece). Personally a 5070 would be my choice of Patek chrono.


As for AC/PC a 3940 would be my choice. As for a calatrava - they are all amazing but i like the 3919 but also the 5196, 5296.

Me, my Pateks include the 3712a, 5167a and the 3919J. I am looking to add a grand complication (Perpetual calendar chrono) back someday...I REALLY miss my 3970 and will either get one back or maybe a 5970. I think this could scratch the chrono AND calendar itch at the same time (A AC+Chrono complication or PC + Chrono complication).

Some pics :)










Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mr. Miami]

So the 5146 the OP mentions, is that relatively available at ADs? I am starting to really like this model. OP, I would say 5146, it looks like a great watch in photos. I have never seen it in person though.

[SL BRABUS]

My first Patek is 5146....^^^..... Got everything I need on a great timepiece..

[zahain]

I think when it comes to Patek if you buy your first it would be one of the 3 types; either a simple time only calatrava, 5146 or a 5205

[italiafan]

Patek picked me, not the other way around.
I saw it and I had no option but to buy it; standing on the street corner in Edinburgh on vacation, looking at it in the jeweler’s window I couldn’t walk, had trouble breathing, trouble thinking clearly, paced around, called my credit card company and said look for a big ticket item to come through shortly in foreign country....and then went in and bought it. Walking back to hotel practicing how I would break it to my wife who wasn’t feeling well.
:-)

Maybe Patek isn’t right for you if trying to talk yourself into it...

[The Argonaut]

Originally Posted by pearson1995

Hi everyone,

I’m hoping to get into Patek. I’ve owned Rolex, Breitling, Tudor and JLC. I know it’s regarded as the top watch brand but here is my dilemma. Where do I start?

If I’m honest I’m finding it hard to know because I feel I have alternatives I would prefer for many Patek watches...

Patek 5146 I like, but I think I prefer Lange annual calendars
Patek Chrono I like, but already have a DaytonaC and again prefer the 1815 chrono
Patek world time I feel I wouldn’t require as I have my Rolex GMT
Patek Nautilus and aquanaut, regardless of the wait, I feel my SS Rolex watches carry out the job, and dare I say I would look at a 15202 first
Patek Calatrava I love, but I own a Reverso and feel that has me covered.

Basically I need advice, if I was to go with one, I’m thinking 5146 or 5227, but I just feel there are alternatives out there I prefer on paper.

All advice appreciated

Why? Is it just to own one? It doesn't seem there's one you want, and you're covered with the other brands.

[RomanH]

If money is not an issue go for the Nautilus)

[barneb10]

Originally Posted by pearson1995

Hi everyone,

I’m hoping to get into Patek. I’ve owned Rolex, Breitling, Tudor and JLC. I know it’s regarded as the top watch brand but here is my dilemma. Where do I start?

If I’m honest I’m finding it hard to know because I feel I have alternatives I would prefer for many Patek watches...

Patek 5146 I like, but I think I prefer Lange annual calendars
Patek Chrono I like, but already have a DaytonaC and again prefer the 1815 chrono
Patek world time I feel I wouldn’t require as I have my Rolex GMT
Patek Nautilus and aquanaut, regardless of the wait, I feel my SS Rolex watches carry out the job, and dare I say I would look at a 15202 first
Patek Calatrava I love, but I own a Reverso and feel that has me covered.


Basically I need advice, if I was to go with one, I’m thinking 5146 or 5227, but I just feel there are alternatives out there I prefer on paper.


All advice appreciated

All are great choices. What type of servicing time are you willing to accept?

[KBM]

Originally Posted by lord91

Considering your thoughts, OP, you don't have to get a Patek, let alone an "AquanauGHt". From what you're saying, you are either covered by what you already have or Patek isn't your first choice for what you wish to add.

x2. It really doesn't sound like you want a patek.

[subtona]

Patek 3940

Great values and timeless balanced design.
Great daily wear.

[myporsche]

You need to try them on, get to know the brand, and really feel them on your wrist to understand, your approach is completely wrong. I don't think it's the right brand for you.

[AK797]

Don't force it, having the brand is nice initially but soon wears off and what is left is then just the watch on your wrist which you have to actually like.