Patek Philippe Ref. 5164R: Embracing the First Scratch

Pretty Boy · 2020-12-10T04:11:56Z

Pretty Boy shares the first scratch on his Patek Philippe Ref. 5164R. Explore community insights on watch wear, gold's softness, and embracing the patina of luxury timepieces.

Pretty Boy

WPS member · Patek Philippe forum

42 replies6221 views1 photos

The initial scratch on a new luxury timepiece is an inevitable, often painful, rite of passage for many collectors. Pretty Boy's experience with his Patek Philippe Ref. 5164R, a watch he cherishes, sparks a relatable discussion on the emotional journey of watch ownership and the delicate balance between preservation and enjoyment. This thread explores how collectors reconcile the desire to keep their watches pristine with the reality of daily wear.

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Collected my first ding/scratch earlier this week which was really painful. 😢 Usually, I’m able to keep my watches in almost flawless condition. Best, V.

About the Patek Philippe Aquanaut Ref. 5164

The Patek Philippe Aquanaut reference 5164 is a travel time model within the Aquanaut collection. This specific reference is identified as 5164A-001, indicating a steel case.

The 5164A-001 features a rubber strap. No further details regarding the case material, crystal, or movement are provided.

This reference appeals to collectors seeking a Patek Philippe Aquanaut with a travel time complication and a rubber strap, suitable for various climates.

Specifications

Caliber: 324 S C FUS

Case: Stainless steel

Diameter: 40.8 mm

Dial: Black embossed

Water Resist.: 120 meters

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

Watches are meant to be worn and develop a unique 'patina' of scratches and dings over time, reflecting their journey with the owner. Obsessing over pristine condition can detract from the enjoyment of wearing the watch.
The dilemma of wanting to keep a watch pristine versus wearing it often is common. While caution is advised, the pleasure of wearing a beloved watch generally outweighs the risk of scratching it, with periodic servicing by the manufacture as an option for rejuvenation.
Gold, being a soft metal, is particularly susceptible to scratches, even from seemingly innocuous sources like shirt cuff buttons. The initial pain of a scratch tends to diminish over time as more marks accumulate.
The Patek Philippe Ref. 5164R, with its wide, flat bezel, is noted as a 'scratch magnet,' making initial dings almost unavoidable and a common experience for owners.
Even scratch-resistant materials like ceramic can surprisingly acquire minor marks, highlighting that no watch is entirely immune to wear.
Personal anecdotes reveal that first scratches often occur in unexpected, almost ironic, ways, such as attempting to protect the watch or during casual interactions.
A common coping mechanism is to accept the scratches and continue to enjoy the watch, viewing them as part of its character and personal history.

The Discussion

GLau

Dec 10, 2020

It is okay pretty boy 👦! Your rose gold baby 👶 is meant to be...

worn ! 💪

Alanbstern55

Dec 10, 2020

I feel your pain and pleasure

Don’t sweat it . The 5164r wide flat bezel is a scratch magnet. I bought My 5164r in March 2019 and had my first scratch within 2 weeks. It has since picked up other scratches and I still love it.

Pretty Boy

Dec 10, 2020

Thanks for your kind words.

GLau

Dec 11, 2020

Hi V, I feel your PAIN because I have been there many times no matter how careful I was !

Just think of it as building character and scars to tell stories to the next generations !

Pretty Boy

Dec 10, 2020

You’re right Gordon but still 😢

Chronometer (aka yacomino)

Dec 10, 2020