Collection
Sham1 presents a compelling dilemma, weighing the acquisition of a Grönefeld Remontoire or a vintage Patek Philippe Ref. 130 against keeping his beloved Aston Martin Vantage. This post delves into the emotional and practical considerations collectors face when making significant decisions about their passions, inviting the community to share their perspectives on these high-value assets.
I must confess I was not sure whether to include this post on the Patek forum or the independents but I would like to give both watches a fair chance so I opted for the independents. At the SIHH this year, I had the chance to meet the passionate Gronefeld brothers and will get another chance to meet Bart and Tim in Basel. They gave me their lovely book and this time I shall bring it with me to get their autograph. I was in awe of the Remontoire when I saw it. Some may say the movement is somewhat fussy but I love it and it looks even better than most manual chronographs. I liked the Remontoire enough to actually consider parting with my prized Aston Martin Vantage and I do love the Vantage but something would have to give (and I still love all parts of my anatomy!!)
Then a month ago I came across an advertisement on chrono 24 of an Italian dealer selling a Patek Philippe 130 from 1940. It has its original box, extract from the archives and the watch has been serviced at Patek. I have a notoriously small wrist so 33mm is not an issue. In fact 33m might be a better fit than a 39mm Remontoire but from the photos, you may think not.
So should I pull the trigger on one these (am I hearing some of you actually say 'keep the Aston!!'??!!
), which one should it be? yes, I know, there is no right answer here and they both make compelling purchases but I can only buy one. Okay, to make it interesting, allow me to add keeping the Aston as the third option!
Best wishes,
Sham
Is my knee jerk reaction: shouldn't one keep a very nice car over a very nice watch?
.......I have small wrists. Very small wrists. I am very conscious of wearing watches that are just simply too big for me. Sometimes, I push the envelope if I TRULY love a watch. You lay out the case for the three options using very few words. However, sometimes, when someone does that it is very important to pay attention to the words that are used. First.....you describve your Vantage as prized and loved. Easy first choice is don't sell the Vantage. You KNOW you love it. Selling it for somethi
But I am quite weird as once all the watches I have placed on order arrive in 3 years time, I think at least three of them will be worth a lot more than any car I have. Cars are great but they generally depreciate and cost quite a bit to maintain. Watches though are worn on one's skin and in my case automatically become a part of me and I only buy a watch that I love, never one that I like!
for your candour. Yes the Aston is prized and it makes me feel good just looking at it and knowing that I own it. Not the most practical of cars but then again, I am not known for my practicality! The photo of the Remontoire on my wrist is a reflection that it will probably fit me fine (If it does not, I should seriously consider selling my sealed 39.5mm 5131R!). I must confess that I am slightly partial to the 130 due to its rarity and lovely dial. Saying that, only 25 Remontoires will be produ
For example, on my 17 cm wrist, I can wear watches from 32 to 47 mm, without any problem, AND with great pleasure. It is all about the watch. If it pleases you a lot, you will wear it with great pleasure. Best, Nicolas
Your wrist is exceedingly versatile and you are a watchmaker's dream com true!!
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