Patek Philippe 5059R vs 5159R Comparison

Volvok · 2014-03-18T18:37:17Z

Compare Patek Philippe 5059R vs 5159R retrograde perpetual calendars. Expert advice on size, dial, and value for your first Patek.

Volvok

WPS member · Patek Philippe forum

23 replies20607 views1 photos

Volvok seeks community advice on a significant first Patek Philippe acquisition, weighing the Patek Philippe 5059R against the 5159R. His post highlights the common dilemma collectors face regarding case size, dial aesthetics, and the balance between classic design and modern preferences.

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After many weeks of hesitation I think I need some suggestion from others. Some of my friends(most of them already owns many PPs and collect for over 10 years) said to me that 5059R is the classic PP RETROGRADE with good dial, they think 5159 is too complicated and they don't like the thin elongated Romans number. And they think PP COMPANY just try to follow the market and try to enlarge the size but lost perfect balance do 5059, but they use the same movement. Others said (some of them are AD, friends don't understand much about the watch) I should buy a bigger size(36mm is too small nowadays ) and the 5159R's dial is even more beautiful and delicate. For me, MY wrist is not so big, so 5059R looks ok and good to me, and is cheaper to me!! (Since my friend will sell his 5059R to me which is in very good condition) Can any one give me more advise of these two watch 5059R vs 5159R?! I don't want to be regret after 5-8 years, since it is too small. Thanks for sharing some of your thoughts and maybe some wristshots would be awesome. Jacky

This message has been edited by Volvok on 2014-03-18 19:12:20

About the Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Retrograde Ref. 5059

The Patek Philippe Reference 5059 is a perpetual calendar wristwatch featuring a retrograde date display. It is notable for its officer's style case, which includes a hinged dust cover over the sapphire case back, a design element that harks back to historical pocket watches and early wristwatches. This reference was part of Patek Philippe's offerings that showcased complex calendar mechanisms without additional grand complications such as minute repeaters or tourbillons, positioning it as a sophisticated yet focused horological instrument.

This particular reference is housed in an 18k yellow gold case measuring 36mm in diameter. The case features a polished finish and the distinctive hinged back. Powering the watch is the self-winding caliber 315 S QR, a movement known for its reliability and the integration of the perpetual calendar with retrograde date. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal on both the front and the display back, offering a view of the finely finished movement.

For collectors, the Reference 5059 represents a significant example of Patek Philippe's perpetual calendar tradition, particularly due to its officer's case design. This feature distinguishes it from other perpetual calendar models of its era that typically featured solid or standard display backs. The retrograde date function adds a visual dynamic to the dial, appealing to those who appreciate mechanical ingenuity and classic design cues in a complicated wristwatch.

Specifications

Caliber: 315 S QR

Case: 18k Yellow Gold

Diameter: 36 mm

Dial: White

Water Resist.: 25m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The 5159R is often preferred for its more refined, elegant, and classy elongated Roman numerals, a captivating central dial pattern, and a more appealing font type for the retrograde date scale compared to the 5059R.
The 5059R, despite its 36mm case, wears well due to its 'hamburger' height and features a cleaner dial with an awesome retrograde date complication, making it a classic and appropriately sized dress watch.
For smaller wrists, the 5059R is a better fit as the 5159R's lugs can appear too large, and the 5059R is likely to hold its value better due to its initial lower price point.
While cosmetics are subjective, the 5159R can appear overwhelming on smaller wrists, with larger watches sometimes conveying a 'look at what I have' rather than discreet elegance, especially when proportions are out of hand.
The 5159R is considered a more versatile, all-rounder watch with a greater presence, featuring a gorgeous central dial pattern and more pronounced crown and lugs, while the 5059R is more exclusively suited for dress occasions.
The 5159's thinner Roman numerals can give a cleaner feel, and the dial layout with the retrograde date function is an absolute winner, making it a highly desirable choice.

The Discussion

daytonaman799

Mar 18, 2014

5059 no question...

I used to own a 5059. It was my first PP PC. The 36mm case is offset by the 'hamburger' height. The dial is far cleaner and the retrograde date is an AWESOME complication. The 5159 doesn't look as clean. I equate the two to the difference between a rolex day. Date and day date II. The day date II and 5159 seem to be bigger for bigger sake. The day date and 5059 are just classic and appropriately sized. Unless you have massive wrists 36mm for a dressy watch is fine. If I could have kept mine and

alphabeta81

Mar 18, 2014

5059 for me

I do not like the hands or long Romans on the 5159. That said, I prefer the 5050 to both of these by a mile.

jonrus

Mar 18, 2014

my preference

In my opinion, for this movement / complication, I like the 5050 > 5059. Not the newer models as stated by others.

bernard cheong

Mar 18, 2014

I bought the 5059, even after all the same responses

But I think Patek is a very very careful firm when it comes to meddling. Maybe 5159R is better.

Time to watch

Mar 19, 2014

5059

If its not small on your wrist then go for it. They made the 5159 for people with bigger wrists and lost something in translation. The 5059 is much nicer dial wise in my opinion. Good luck making your decision. Sincerely H.

drphileasfogg

Mar 19, 2014

5059 without hesitation-best [nt]