Patek Philippe Vintage Dream Watch Collection

quattro · 2026-01-25T20:30:17Z

Explore the vintage Patek Philippe Ref. 492 with 9-90 caliber, a dream watch for collectors and ancestor to the modern 5105P. Discover its iconic design and movement.

quattro

WPS member · Patek Philippe forum

30 replies1054 views10 photos

Emmanuel, known as quattro on WatchProSite, shares his profound appreciation for vintage rectangular Patek Philippe watches, specifically those housing the iconic 9-90 caliber. His pursuit of the Ref. 492, which he identifies as the precursor to the modern limited edition Ref. 5105, offers readers a glimpse into the discerning eye of a seasoned collector. This article delves into his personal quest and the community's insights on these horological treasures.

Vintage rectangular Patek Philippe watches equipped with the 9-90 caliber are at the top of my wish list.

So I'm constantly on the lookout.

The ref. 492 is particularly attractive to me, as it is the ancestor of the modern limited edition ref. 5105, to which I have dedicated the following thread: Patek Philippe Ref. 5105P-001 & its background

I love this particular Roman numerals dial.

This example seems very fine. The dial may have been slightly refurbished, but if so, the work seems to have been done with care.

Such an iconic and beautiful manual-winding movement!

And this example has an original buckle, which is so often missing.

Unfortunately, the asking price is a bit high, especially for a naked watch (no papers, nor box) and since the watch is located in the United States, a European customer like myself would have to pay additional VAT and import duties.

But I'll be patient and hope that a good example will eventually show up in Europe.

Thanks for reading.

credit: Vintage Watches Miami

Best, Emmanuel

Key Points from the Discussion

The Patek Philippe Ref. 5105P, while featuring a modern case and dial from 2006, incorporates a vintage 9-90 caliber movement from 1959. This unique blend of old and new horology resulted from Patek Philippe discovering a cache of old movements.
The author expresses a strong preference for the Roman numerals dial on the Ref. 492 over versions with Breguet numerals, finding it more aesthetically appealing.
Another collector concurs that the Roman numerals on this particular Patek Philippe reference are superior to the Breguet numeral variant, drawing a stylistic comparison to the Cartier Tank Americaine.
The Ref. 5105P is considered a 'grail' watch by the author, who hopes to encounter one in person and potentially acquire it in the future.
The author clarifies that while the 5105P's movement dates to 1959, the Ref. 492 he is seeking was originally created in the 1930s.

The Discussion

quattro

Jan 25, 2026

And the Roman numerals dial appeals to me more than the ones with Breguet numerals. Best, Emmanuel credit: Antiquorum

quattro

Jan 25, 2026

Yes, the case is pure 1930s design, and so appealing. Best, Emmanuel

AuHavrePro

Jan 25, 2026

Quite disproportionately even, but in this case they make the dial too cluttered in my opinion....

Stirling Newall

Jan 25, 2026

Thank you for this post. Of course anything created in 1959 (this is the eighth decade of existence) is a masterpiece and I look forward to my 67th birthday next month. I will of course enjoy the day with this special Patek! Thank you again.

Marc Obermann

Jan 25, 2026

The roman numerals on this watch look much better than the Breguet numeral version, this watch kind of reminds me of a Cartier Tank Americaine. Marc

quattro

Jan 26, 2026

a wonderful 67th birthday! Your 5105P, created in 2006, is a grail for me: I hope to at least see one in real life someday and maybe acquire one if an opportunity presents itself. As for the ref. 492, it was created during the 1930s. Many thanks for sharing some photos of your 5105P: I absolutely love this watch! Enjoy this marvel! Best, Emmanuel

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