Service
Pieter, known as techniec on the forums, initiates a crucial discussion for collectors of neo-vintage timepieces: the balance between original factory specifications and modern accuracy expectations. His personal experience with a Patek Philippe Aquanaut from the late nineties, recently serviced, prompts a community-wide reflection on whether to pursue perfect timekeeping or embrace the character of an aging movement. This thread offers valuable insights for anyone weighing the cost of a balance wheel replacement against acceptable daily deviation.
The Patek Philippe Aquanaut reference 5065 represents the first generation, mid-size variant within the Aquanaut collection. Produced from 1998 to 2007, this 38mm model positioned itself as a contemporary sports watch offering within the Patek Philippe lineup, featuring the collection's characteristic composite strap construction.
The 5065 utilizes a stainless steel case measuring 38mm in diameter with a smooth bezel and sapphire crystal. Water resistance extends to 120 meters. The automatic caliber 315 SC movement provides 45 hours of power reserve. The watch displays a black dial and is fitted with Patek Philippe's signature black composite strap.
This reference appeals to collectors seeking an entry point into Patek Philippe's sports watch category from the brand's earlier production period. The mid-size 38mm case dimension and stainless steel construction make it accessible compared to precious metal variants, while the nine-year production span from 1998 to 2007 establishes it as the foundational Aquanaut reference for collectors focused on the model's development trajectory.
But I would pay the 800 and replace the balance wheel as in the long run it would be better
10 seconds off per day is still 99.99% accurate. I was looking at a recently serviced 14270 advertized as 30s/d which I thought was excessive.
I care about accuracy in my older watches exactly as much as in my newer watches: very little! As long as it's not bad enough that in wearing it I notice it going off track, I'm satisfied. Since *most* of my watches are getting wound up and worn in rotation, they aren't actually running for more than a couple of days at a time and so +10 seconds/day is not something I'd ever notice. But if I actually kept something on a winder, or on the wrist for extended periods, at +10 seconds per day it woul
If it does, PP started 1-2s/d accuracy www.patek.com the-manufacture#patek-philippe-seal
The whole point is owning it or not. It’s the piece itself that matters. I buy only Omegas precisely because I use and rely on them. IMO the best “performing” movements period end of story. But I am not a collector rather an owner of timepieces that I use and rely on. 🤷🏻‍♂️
Even new watches I even don’t try to set them to the correct time if I switch to another watch. Honestly if I need to wind and set it and it’s 14.28 I will probably set it at 14.30. Don’t want to set it half an hour late or early but I don’t care about a few minutes so why would I care about a few seconds per day
This thread is active on the Patek Philippe forum with 20 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.
Join the Discussion →
