Patek Philippe 5496P: A Collector's Passion
Collection

Patek Philippe 5496P: A Collector's Passion

By patekova · Dec 9, 2018 · 31 replies
patekova
WPS member · Patek Philippe forum
31 replies7798 views3 photos
f 𝕏 in 💬 ✉ 🔗

Patekova shares a deeply personal acquisition story, revealing how he broke his own collecting rules for the Patek Philippe Ref. 5496P. His candid reflection on balancing personal desire with market considerations offers valuable insight for any collector. This post sparks a discussion on the often-complex motivations behind acquiring a significant timepiece.

31 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →
I must love the watch, it must be relatively difficult to obtain or be rare, and it must have IMHO a  â€śgood future” (whatever that means?). This watch ticks the first box to an extreme degree. On the other hand it is relatively easy to obtain at least compared to say 5711. Rare? - only if one equates rarity with a general lack of popularity and desire. “Good future” - I think this is very unlikely unless it has a relatively short run, low sales and somehow many years from now people start to love it, eg 5020. The P is already on its third dial iteration. This reminds me of 5270 where Patek keeps changing the dial in the hope of generating interest. So I bought it for the purest and simplest of reasons - I love the watch.

I wonder if anyone else out there actually likes this watch? Or possibly even owns one and if so with which dial?

Best, patekova











About the Patek Philippe Ref. 5020

The Patek Philippe reference 5020 is a perpetual calendar chronograph, a complication central to the brand's heritage. Introduced in 1994/95, it emerged during the production run of the reference 3970. The 5020 is notable for its distinctive cushion-shaped case, which presented a departure from the more traditional round cases typically associated with Patek Philippe's perpetual calendar chronographs. This unique case design contributed to its limited production and distinct market position.

This reference houses a manual-winding movement, characteristic of Patek Philippe's complicated timepieces of the era. The case, often referred to as "TV-style" due to its shape, was produced in various precious metals. The integration of the perpetual calendar with a chronograph function requires a sophisticated movement, known for its intricate construction and precise finishing. The crystal protecting the dial is typically sapphire, ensuring clarity and scratch resistance.

The reference 5020 appeals to collectors seeking a Patek Philippe perpetual calendar chronograph with an unconventional aesthetic. Its limited production numbers and unique case shape differentiate it from more widely recognized references such as the 2499, 3970, and 5970. The 5020 represents a specific design choice within Patek Philippe's history of complicated watches, offering a distinctive alternative for those who appreciate its particular form factor.

Specifications

Caliber
CH 27-70 Q
Case
Yellow gold, Rose gold, White gold, Platinum
Diameter
36 mm
Dial
Silver, Black
Water Resist.
25 m
Crystal
Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

Advertisement
The Discussion
GL
GLau
Dec 9, 2018
Hi Patrkova, congrats in getting a watch that...

you love ! Always hard to predict the future. If you love a watch now and have the means, then you made the right decision. IMO, this is a well designed watch because: 1 - it has Patek DNA of understated elegance 2 - the simple baton hour (instead of numerals) markers balance off the otherwise busy dial if paired with numerals and make the dial attractive 3 - the retrograde hand is a great function Well done and enjoy it often !

PA
patekova
Dec 9, 2018
Thank you very much for your kind words and detailed analysis! [nt]

ID
ID1972Sr
Dec 9, 2018
R

I love its predecessor 5050. I think that the retrograde complication is lovely and the proportions of the dial just perfect. I know that, these times, these references are not so popular, but even Nautilus 3710 was not sought after 10 years ago. Best,

PA
patekova
Dec 9, 2018
Thank you and nice image! Yes 5496 is often compared to 5050, but usually unfavorably. 5050 is a great watch! [nt]

BR
Brandon Skinner
Dec 9, 2018
You can never go wrong buying a watch you actually love! [nt]

PA
patekova
Dec 9, 2018
Thank you! It is a solid investment in happiness. [nt]

Available on the marketplace

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the Patek Philippe forum with 31 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →