Comments:
Going back to the bare essentials, against the flow
Friends,
I am thinking and thinking and cant get the 5196 out of my head. It is the essence of PP, such a timeless beauty, no frills, nothing special, it simply speaks for itself.
And to make it worse: I am honestly thinking about getting one in YG! To be worn on a black strap. Because watches have largely been made in YG until in recent years RG became fashionable. But i am not a fashion follower. I am far too poor to spend money for "trendy" things. And a 5196J is the most traditional form of a PP that I can imagine.
Thoughts?
If you can't get it out of your head... jump in! No matter what we think about it
Best wishes
Alkiro
Alkiro
+1...go for what you're passionate about. That is the best rule of this game. [nt]
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The best rule is to listen your heart and not your brain in that game ;-)
Best wishes
Alkiro
Alkiro
Also listen to your wife...
If she says no, you'd better listen...At least in my case
Or, as many a still-happily married man has done...
Ask for forgiveness instead of permission 
Mine is very cool now about watches. Always the same story. She was worried for the first three watches and, after that, no more problem ;-)
And now after more than 100 watches, she likes to learn
Best wishes
Alkiro
Best wishes
Alkiro
Get what you want. But the 5196 in any metal is really a cocktail watch.
By cocktail watch a watch you wear only on a party or occasion. Just dont over wind it. My rule of thumb 1 turn per hour so 24 turns in a day from rest position then after 18 20 hrs wind again 18 to 24 turns. So you can use. Otherwise it will stop on you. So my term cocktail watch or occasion watch. Thats the mannerism of the 215 movement.
My observation.
Wait, wait
Interesting but I am a bit too slow to understand what you are trying to say. The 215 is prone to over-winding?
No. Just wind gently until you can't wind more, then back-wind a half turn. [nt]
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If you wind till there is resistance then its more than 35 turns in my case.
So i wind not more than 25 turns and that makes the watch work for roughfly 18 to 20 hours. Based on my experience.
Best
Geross.
Understood. I just always wind my manual wind watches to full wind. Not really any right or wrong way to do it, IMO. [nt]
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I wouldn't describe it as a cocktail watch...
Full disclosure, I'm not a fan of the 5196 - in any metal - but I don't find it to be a cocktail watch or one to be used only on occasion. I think it's a very versatile watch, transitioning well from polo shirt to a suit and tie. Obviously not a sports watch, and need to always remain aware of its minimal water resistance.
The caliber 215 is a robust, bread and butter reference from Patek. Tried and true, and virtually bulletproof. No worries about winding in my experience, highly reliable and accurate timekeeper, used throughout the Calatrava and Gondolo lines for many decades.
So why don't I like it? A 21.5mm diameter movement is ridiculous in a 37mm case, IMO. Perfect for a vintage 31-33mm Calatrava, but unacceptable in today's offerings. Even without a display back (which Patek mercifully omitted in the 5196), the miniscule movement forces the small seconds register too close to the center, ruining the overall aesthetic.
The caliber 215 is a robust, bread and butter reference from Patek. Tried and true, and virtually bulletproof. No worries about winding in my experience, highly reliable and accurate timekeeper, used throughout the Calatrava and Gondolo lines for many decades.
So why don't I like it? A 21.5mm diameter movement is ridiculous in a 37mm case, IMO. Perfect for a vintage 31-33mm Calatrava, but unacceptable in today's offerings. Even without a display back (which Patek mercifully omitted in the 5196), the miniscule movement forces the small seconds register too close to the center, ruining the overall aesthetic.
It's certainly not a bad watch...
Although I would prefer a display back and a movement that better fits the case. But then again, it's such a classic watch. And I also think that the movement works just fine, so why would it need to 'fit' the case.
The solid case back hides the too small movement, which, in this case, is a good thing, in my opinion. [nt]
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Calatrava 5196 is a very interesting Patek.
I love most the P-version but for sure, 5196J is as classic as any modern Patek can be. The design is interesting; thanks to the lugs, the watch feels much bigger than its 37 mm would suggest. A great Patek.
Best, Kari
I agree with Kari
While the entire line is classic Patek and desirable, I too am partial to the 5196p. While understand the point often made about the size of the movement relative to the case and its impact on the dial configuration, in the case of the 5196p, Patek used this to its advantage from a design perspective. Patek used the space on the dial to accommodate the Breguet numerals and, because of the positioning of the small seconds nearer to the center (a function of the movement), it did not have to eliminate or truncate the number 6. Just brilliant and, IMHO, one of the most elegant dials to be seen.
Sounds like you have every good reason to buy it and no reason not to buy it!
The 5196 is a modern classic which is based on a highly desired vintage classic, the 570 - albeit the 5196 is somewhat larger.
I don't view this or any other watch as a "cocktail watch". If you like to wear it with jeans, why not, or a suit, or a tux or shorts for that matter. It can and should be worn in whatever way makes you happy - other than wearing it for something it physically is not suited for, eg swimming or other sports.
Best, patekova
The size is perfect for me...
...but the movement is a bit underwhelming. Put in a 240 movement with micro-rotor and I would buy it tomorrow : )
I am also a fan of yellow gold. It is a classic metal that will outlive all of the RG versions imho. Platinum, on the other hand, is special.
I am also a fan of yellow gold. It is a classic metal that will outlive all of the RG versions imho. Platinum, on the other hand, is special.
5196 movement
I'm new to Patek and looking at this as my first PP...what is the issue with movement size?
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
I like it a lot in P. But why not in yellow gold? It is a very elegant watch. [nt]
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