Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5167 Acquisition Debate

Journe1304 · 2018-12-10T17:56:19Z

Debating paying over retail for a Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5167? Collectors discuss market value, AD waitlists, and emotional worth for a legacy watch.

Journe1304

WPS member · Patek Philippe forum

66 replies12633 views1 photos

Journe1304 seeks advice from the Patek Philippe community regarding the acquisition of an Aquanaut 5167, specifically addressing the dilemma of paying above retail for a highly sought-after watch. His post frames the discussion around celebrating a significant family milestone and the desire for a durable, everyday watch to pass down to his second child.

66 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →

Hello, Patek Philippe forum! I’m not a PP owner, so I wanted to ask for some opinions/advice about buying and owning one.

I have a very small, purpose-driven collection highlighted by an FP Journe Chronometre Bleu as my everyday/work watch, and a Panerai Luminor 111 as my casual/weekend watch. My baby son is going to get both of them (someday in the very distant future). I’m like anyone else and could put more watches on a dreamer’s wish list, but in truth I could be done with what I have.

Until this upcoming 2019.

I have a number of milestones to celebrate, but chief among them is that my wife and I are having a second child. I’d like to celebrate everything and also get something special to pass down to baby #2. I’d like it to be something that s/he will grow up actually seeing me wear often especially at a young age, when I will be feeding them messy foods, giving baths, playing outside, etc. Given how useful I’ve found my Panerai on rubber (when my son gets apple sauce all over me, no worries; I simply wash my watch and I’m good), I thought the Aquanaut 5167 would be the perfect watch to fit the bill for baby #2.

So now that I’ve decided on a reference, here’s my real question to you: how do you feel about paying so far over list for a watch that is all but unobtainable at list (I’m not a serial buyer, so no AD would give me one new)? It’s not a matter of affordability but one of principles. Am I simply paying what the market dictates and ultimately I will be happy because the watch is unassailable, or am I being foolish for even thinking about paying nearly $30k for a watch that only retails for $19k?

Thanks in advance for your views!

About the Patek Philippe Aquanaut Ref. 5167

Patek Philippe Aquanaut Reference 5167

The Reference 5167 represents the 40mm stainless steel iteration within Patek Philippe's Aquanaut model line. Introduced in 2007 and remaining in current production, this reference features a black dial and establishes the standard sizing for the steel Aquanaut offering.

The 40mm stainless steel case houses the automatic Caliber 324 S C movement, providing 45 hours of power reserve. The watch incorporates a sapphire crystal and smooth bezel configuration. Water resistance extends to 120 meters, while the distinctive composite rubber strap displays an embossed check pattern that complements the case design.

This reference appeals to collectors seeking contemporary Patek Philippe sports watch execution in stainless steel. The 5167 offers entry into the Aquanaut model range while maintaining the manufacturing standards associated with the Geneva manufacture. Its ongoing production status ensures availability through authorized channels for both new collectors and those expanding existing collections.

Specifications

Caliber: 324 S C

Case: Stainless Steel

Diameter: 40 mm

Dial: Black

Water Resist.: 120m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

Paying over retail for a Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5167 is a contentious issue, with some collectors prioritizing the principle of not overpaying, while others view it as a necessary cost for immediate acquisition of a desired piece.
For established customers, the waitlist for a 5167 at an Authorized Dealer (AD) is significantly shorter, often around six months, compared to new clients who face much longer waits or no allocation.
Some collectors argue that the emotional value and timely acquisition for a significant life event outweigh the premium paid, as the focus shifts from the purchase price to the memories made with the watch.
The Aquanaut 5167 is highly durable and suitable for daily wear, even with young children, making it an ideal choice for a 'legacy' watch intended for frequent use and eventual inheritance.
Experienced collectors have paid premiums for Patek Philippe watches in the past, including models like the 5960P, 5070P, and 5968A, and expressed no regrets due to years of enjoyment.
The alternative to paying a premium might involve buying other watches from an AD to build a relationship, which could ultimately cost more than the grey market premium for the desired watch.
The sentiment that the 'worry about the red line of list vs over retail only goes up until the point of purchase' suggests that post-acquisition, the enjoyment of the watch overshadows the initial price debate.

The Discussion

rnaden

Dec 10, 2018

Firstly, congratulations on the coming addition to the family!

That is a big milestone, indeed, and one that will bring you lots of joy in the future. Love your two watches, BTW, and I like the lack of complexity in not having to choose watches for the week and for the weekends. The 5167 is a great everyday watch, and would suit the bill well for what you described. However nice though, as a matter of principle, I’m personally not willing to pay a premium for a watch. As nice as they may be, the premium is unjustified in my opinion, and I’d just take my mon

Journe1304

Dec 11, 2018

Thanks for the warm wishes and your honest thoughts!

I was hoping to find a combination of the CB and PAM, and I thought I found it in the 5167. But perhaps I need to look elsewhere.

FabR

Dec 10, 2018

Congrats on your second baby, and on your first getting a Patek!:-) To be entirely honest, while I don't mind suggesting people to buy Pateks (it's by far my favorite brand)...

...I do mind suggesting them to get milked on the grey market. I myself never bought above retail (in fact, I never bought second hand so far!), so my best advice in the situation you describe is probably to start by buying a more readily-available Patek, and then go from there. In the $30-40k range you can already find nice pieces that are fully worth your money --- and perhaps they'll be as popular as a steel Patek is today when child #2 (or #3, or #4) will be ready to wear them! ;-) Please do

Journe1304

Dec 11, 2018

Thank you!

I'll look at the rest of the catalogue to see the offerings at a price point I'm willing to pay. It's tough because I'm looking for something wearable around big, gushy messes (of all sorts). I'll certainly keep the group updated!

kennygfunk

Dec 10, 2018

I wouldn’t...

The aquanaut is nice, but I think the lack of supply, high demand, and rising prices is creating a buyer frenzy! At some point I think we need to put our foot down and not support the madness. LOL, we should all stop buying and tell them we’ll start when they start making enough 5711s to supply the demand. I don’t know about you all, but I’m tired of the games. We could be in control, but we’re weak for these watches (I guess that’s why we’re here).

Journe1304

Dec 11, 2018

Yes, the buyer frenzy is what I'm trying to be honest with myself about. Do I really want it, or am I getting sucked in? Probably a bit both, if I'm being honest. [nt]