Patek Philippe

Hi everyone,

First post here.  I currently have a collection of 6 watches, with one Nautilus 5711, and am looking to add a 5107 Calatrava soon.  I've been having some difficulty in locating one with a complete set. with papers as most I've seen are with the Archive Extract.

May I ask the members here what their views are on whether having, or not having the original certificate, would affect the value of the watch?

Thanks and a pleasant day to everyone.

Regards,
Clarence

First of all, warm welcome here.

To answer to your question, I would say that it depends on when your watch was made. If it’s a modern/relatively new watch like the PP you’re looking for (less than 20 years for instance), original papers are definitely significant for me.

The value of your watch will be greater with its original papers, full documentation and original box. For me, even if it’s not absolutely true of course, that means that the watch has been maybe better maintained (if you “take care” of all the elements which have been sold with your watch maybe you take care of your watch too).

If you look at a vintage timepiece (for instance a watch from the 60s), things are different. It’s more understandable that the seller doesn’t own the original papers after such a long time. If yes, it’s a true good additional point of course.

Best wishes

Alkiro

Thanks Alkiro for the warm welcome and for the opinion. I definitely agree that it is logical to think that the watch was better cared for if the papers had also been kept in order....

Best wishes

Alkiro

Is it because it is relatively easier to find a 5107 than a vintage reference?

Best wishes

Alkiro

.....in fact, I would say I take an almost identiucal approach.

BUT if the price were good and if the piece has service papers from the manufacturer (ideally recent papers), and an extract, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it without the original papers. This is especially true of the more modest references. If I were buying a modern grand complication I'd want the original papers.

watches were bought as keepers and owners did not keep the paperwork over the years. Modern watches, after 1990, should come with papers as the watch community by then clearly preferred used watches to be complete. Price accordingly a newer watch which does not have the paperwork and realize it will be harder to sell. 

For all the helpful responses and information.

It is always nice to have the original Certificate of Origin over an Extract of the Archives, as the original is not usually replace-able while the latter is usually replace-able.  And if you're considering a used watch, it's always nice to buy one in excellent condition from the original owner. 

Does the actual paperwork have any value?  Generally watches with the original Certificate of Origin do give buyers more confidence, which does usually mean buyers are willing to pay more.  ESPECIALLY if that Certificate of Origin states the original purchaser's name and you're purchasing the watch from that original purchaser! 

Good luck in your search for the 5107G.  Beautiful timepiece.  I wouldn't mind owning one myself! 

I have been able to locate one and should be arriving sometime next week. Thank you for everyone’s inputs