Patek Philippe Collector: How Many Watches?

Patek_3944 · 2019-10-30T14:26:20Z

How many Patek Philippe watches define a serious collector? Community discusses quantity vs. quality, dealer relations, and true horological passion.

Patek_3944

WPS member · Patek Philippe forum

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Patek_3944 initiates a thought-provoking discussion on what defines a "serious" Patek Philippe collector, questioning whether it's about the number of watches owned, their value, or something else entirely. This thread delves into the nuances of collecting, considering both peer perception and interactions with authorized dealers.

Hello Patek People,

I am curious how many Pateks do you need to own to be taken seriously by a) other collectors and b) the Patek dealer or saloon ?

I understand some people would say you don't need to own any..... but have the love in your heart........

Just curious what you people think........

I own 5 minor references, obviously somebody with a single 5970P would have a more valuable collection than my humble 5.

About the Patek Philippe Complications Ref. 5970

The Patek Philippe Complications reference 5970 is a specific iteration within the Complications model line. This reference is available in white metal, specifically platinum, and also in rose gold.

The case material for this reference can be platinum or rose gold. The collector notes a preference for platinum due to its weight, exclusivity, and durability.

This reference appeals to collectors who prefer white metals for dress watches, with platinum being a primary choice and rose gold a close second. Its availability in these materials positions it for those seeking specific precious metal options within the Complications collection.

Specifications

Caliber: R TO 27 PS QI

Case: Platinum

Diameter: 41mm

Dial: Black

Water Resist.: 30m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The significance of a Patek Philippe collection is subjective, ranging from historical value and market 'hotness' to unique or rare pieces, rather than simply the quantity or total value of watches.
True collector status is defined by knowledge and understanding of watch history and mechanics, not by the number of watches owned. A person with deep horological insight, even without owning many pieces, can be considered a true collector.
Being taken seriously as a collector is about one's passion and engagement with their watches, not the size of the collection. Serious Patek Philippe collecting often focuses on older, limited-production references from 1925-1980.
For authorized dealers, eligibility for hard-to-get pieces is often tied to the frequency and volume of new purchases made directly from them, rather than the overall value of a collection or secondary market acquisitions.
While one watch can constitute a collection, respect as a collector stems from attitude and approach, not merely the number of pieces owned.
The ownership of a single, highly significant reference like a Patek Philippe 2499 can be enough to establish a serious collection.

The Discussion

Costa (aka Connie)

Oct 30, 2019

I don’t think it’s the absolute number of pieces initially that makes an AD serious about you. I think it has more to do with the frequency that you buy new pieces from the AD Thanks

Mikekraft

Oct 30, 2019

The more pieces you buy from an authorized dealer the more you will be eligible for hard to get pieces. For example I have the 5146g, 5205g, 5711 and about to receive the 5980 1ar. I will now be eligible to get the 5740. Buying second hand is great but will not get you anywhere with an AD.

Chronometer (aka yacomino)

Oct 30, 2019

Any0ne not taking you seriously if you own one is just plain rude!

FabR

Oct 30, 2019

What "significance" entails then is of course more subjective -- according to some it will imply owning references of historical value for the brand, for others just the "hottest" models on the market, for others unique/rare pieces, etc. etc.. But this is how I believe many other collectors (and ourselves?) will "evaluate" a collection, rather than by weight or sheer numbers. This, of course, assuming you care what others will think of you as a collector...which is a different story ;-) Finally,

Costa (aka Connie)

Oct 30, 2019

Unfortunately it will not get you anywhere with an authorized dealer. Therefore you might be hard-pressed to get on the list for a rare piece.

cazalea

Oct 31, 2019

I don’t think you can call yourself a collector until you have more than one. Having respect as a collector has nothing to do with the number of pieces you own and everything to do with attitude and approach. That’s my thought anyway. Cazalea

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Patek Philippe Collector: How Many Watches?

About the Patek Philippe Complications Ref. 5970

Specifications

Key Points from the Discussion

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