Patek Philippe

I have been frequenting these forums as a reader and have learnt a great deal from the mature and knowledgeable discussions over here. I'm relatively young (early thirties), so I'm not yet in a position where I have a nice collection like many of you, nonetheless, I'm an enthusiast, so I will share my story.

It all started with a Flik flak swatch when I was 6 years old, followed by a couple of G shocks, and then once I graduated University my dad bought me a TAG Heuer Caliber 16. I chose that one because I liked the idea of having a chronograph on a sporty/chunky looking watch. My brother, however, did a better choice getting an Omega speed master!

After a few years in my career I continued enjoying versatile stainless steel chronographs, so I got the Omega speed master Professional. then a couple of years after I upgraded the Rolex Submariner date. I know the Submariner is a contraversial watch due to the connotations behind it (new money, herd mentality, doesn't understand watches, etc). But for me, I believe it is a timeless model, a leader in its category, looks great, and holds incredible value. It probably is the most collected watch in the world (?). It is my daily wearer, because it is versatile, and also it is not intimidating around the office. Which brings me to my last purchase.

As you realise I mostly had sports stainless steel watches, and I always had an itch for a proper dress watch, and that it had to be a Patek. I'm lucky to have friends working high in management in the watches industry and accordingly have done tours at JLC and VC. Those tours made me fall in love even more with watch making, and enabled me to learn a lot. but what they also did, is show me the level of competitiveness they have amongst each other, and how they always compare to Patek Philippe - which told me that there's only one reference in this industry and that's Patek Philippe.

Following lots of research and visits to Patek here in Geneva, I decided to buy the 5146, because they nailed the balance between classic and modern, with he arabic numerals, dial size, case shape and lumen. I think it is beautiful, and effectively communicates the Patek equity and ethos with its design. Also, who would say no to that moon phase! I haven't looked back since, but I must admit, I'm looking forward as well *shy face*

As said earlier, I don't have a wide or impressive collection, but I aspire to continue learning and grow it as the years pass. my grail at the moment is 5170.

Questions:

1) What is your perspective on the Rolex Submariner - is it fair to say that if I wear one daily, I'm emitting a crude image?

2) What are your thoughts on the 5146 AC? I ask because my impression is that people on this forum prefer the 5205 as an AC.

3) What was your journey to your first Patek?

Cheers all and thank you for reading.

WH