Patek Philippe

As a new member, I'm excited to report that I'm in the process of buying my first Calatrava.  After months of research and more than a reasonable number of questions of my AD, I've narrowed down my choices.  Yet, I still have several questions on which I'd like to solicit the knowledge and educated guesses of members:

(1) 5196P:  For how many years has it been produced?  How much longer is it likely to be produced?  Has any member concluded that such watch is simply too heavy for daily wear?  Is it truly comfortable?  Is it possible to special order a display back for this watch?  Do watch collectors frown on polishing platinum cases in the same way they tend to frown upon polishing gold cases, or does the strong bond between platinum atoms make this less of an issue?  Will the next non-diamond platinum Calatrava likely use the Cal. 215 movement?  Will it have a display back?  When do you think such watch will come to market?

(2) 5120G:  Any thoughts as to how much longer the current production run (which I have confirmed is still nickel-alloyed and rhodium-plated) is apt to continue?  Are the lugs on this watch formed as part of the case, or are they separately affixed?  Will a hobnail bezel ever be made in platinum?

(3) How do owners feel about the addition of deployant clasps to either of these watches?  Do they maintain the comfortable feel of a leather band, or are they at all uncomfortable?  Does the watch lay flat for storage with the clasp attached?

Many thanks!

brettandstephanie,

5196P:  First shown at 2004 Basel Show, probably first deliveries were in early 2005. No one has a crystal ball to predict production longevity but this is a simple and classical design and they tend to stay around a bit.

In comparison to some of the paperweights strapped on by our visitors, I don't recall anyone complaining about the weight of this slim watch even if it is made of platinum

I guess never say never but it is unlikely that a special order display back for this watch would be done unless you are a MAJOR collector known to Patek Philippe. It's just not a business proposition for a standard production watch.

Light buffing may be done at regular service intervals and major scratches can be refinished. This watch has a delicate finish so NEVER try anything at home unless you are a qualified master case finisher and with the right machinery.

Nobody can predict the answers to your questions: Will the next non-diamond platinum Calatrava likely use the Cal. 215 movement?  Will it have a display back?  When do you think such watch will come to market?

5120G:  The lugs for this particular case do look soldered on separately.......

How do owners feel about the addition of deployant clasps to either of these watches?  It's personal taste; it's easier to share the watch if on tang buckle. This watch can be shared by a male-female couple, assuming you're not both at opposite extremes of a normal distribution curve for wrist size, for your gender i.e. one has 8 inch wrist and the other has a 4 inch wrist!

Do they maintain the comfortable feel of a leather band, or are they at all uncomfortable? In a way that is like asking, "When did you stop beating your wife?"     Comfort is dependent on your wrist shape / size / form / fat / bony etc....... But generally, PP know how to make a comfortable deployant.....

Does the watch lay flat for storage with the clasp attached? Not completely; you can make a semblance of "flatness" by sliding out the leather strap from the clasp.

Hope some of that helped.

Regards, MTF

Thanks for your thoughtful responses.  I decided to go with the 5196P.  I plan to see how the strap wears for a bit and possibly circle back on the clasp.  And, despite our home email address, I'm pleased to say that this one is exclusively for my use!

Regards, Brett

we have none on archive even though the watch was announced back in 2004.

I think it's because there are not many in platinum......for a simple Calatrava, most would go for one of the gold models. You are going straight in at the top of the tree!

I wonder if they still use a small diamond between the lugs at 6 o'clock to identify Pt case?

Regards, MTF