Patek Philippe

Hello everyone.

I was motivated by the question of 'ange', posted earlier this month (on Dec 3rd), concerning the 'classical' dilemma between Calatrava 5119 and 5196.

I just want to share 2-3 thoughts with you and send you 2 pictures.

Apparently, there are many people who have had the same dilemma (and I used to be one of them, too). That's because both watches belong to the same price range, both are simple (hour-minutes, seconds), with long history, classical (with small seconds-hands) and classy.

I find both watches beautyful. I have chosen to buy the 5119j mainly because of the transparent case back. It is a pitty to decorate a mechanism, to award it with the Geneva seal and than to hide it from its owner (as it is the case with the 5196 and used to be with the 3919). I was not necessarily looking for an every day  watch. The 3919 was a watch that I started addoring in the 90's. In that era I could not afford it and later on when it was possible for me to buy it I had started to find it too small and I was also waiting for an open case-back model. So the 5119 was an easy choice for me. I nevertheless like very much the 5196 too and my coice would have been really hard if it had an open back. One more comment : earlier in 2007 when I bought my watch there were no 5119j on stock in the market of Geneva and Lausanne and I had to order it and wait for 4 months. However there were some available 5119r and 5196 j and g (red and gray gold).

Some comments : I am very satisfied from my choice but I have to notice that the 5119 is more dressy than I thought it to be.  It's black leather strap (which is not that shinny as it looks initially and i.m.o it is really wonderful) makes it look even more dressy. In my opinion it's not possible to wear it with jeans. This is not a problem for me as my work doesn't permit me to wear a leather strap watch for everyday use (I have decided to wear a steel bracelet chronograph a long time ago when I had to replace my Rolex Cellini's strap every year, which was too costy...!).  I thinkg however that the 5196j with its design and brown strap would alllow me to wear it more often (for example on saturday and sunday mornings...).

Greetings to everyone.

 

 

This message has been edited by mkt33 on 2009-01-11 17:50:25 This message has been edited by Dje on 2009-03-06 23:06:37

formal wear as well as with jeans.  I see no reason not to wear it in casual settings (including with jeans) as long as the activity level avoids physical abuse as well as water exposure.  I wore a calatrava for 20+ years as a WOC (Watch of Choice) or "daily wearer" without regard for the type of activity or setting.  I realize others will have differing preferences/opinions. 

The 5119 with Roman Numerals is slightly more formal than my 3602:

 

 

The beauty of this watch is that it fits so nicely under cuffs for business/formal wear.  But it looks equally stunning in shortsleeves!  Wear yours wherever you are comfortable without regard for any "rules of watchwear". 

tempusfugit

to Squirel and tempist...."timing" is everything....I decided on the 5196r, and while I don't regret it, I definitely see a 5119 in my near futrure.......for me, I just liked the "retro" look better than the "classic"  roman numerals look and saw myself wearing much more as my work dictates that I wear a bracelet watch....... I must admit, I will soon be getting a 19....only my inner sense of  responsibility (?) kept me from buying both.....I think tempist has the best of both.....tho I see why Squirel loves the 19.......thanks...glad to hear that my "dilemma" wasn't so unusal.

it's the price for advice on a purchase, you have to show it to us once you have decided!
Glad you got something you are so happy with.
Aaron

just wanted to mention to squirel that yes, you hit the nail on the head...the lack of an exhibition back is a big drawback, and i have the same dilemma in that my work dictates that I cant wear a leather strap, so for work it's a bracelet chronograph and I really needed a watch that I could wear in the evenings and weekends for casual attire.......so I got the 5196 in rose gold w brown strap which i think is awesome.......but....the next time I put on my tux, I'll either be longing for the 5119 ......and question....since i have the 5196 in rose gold, what  are your thoughts about the 5119 in white gold........really apprecitate your input...

Congratulations, it's a really beautyful watch!

I am 100% sure that you 'll never regret for your choice, you can never regret for buying such a beauty!

Enjoy it ... and some nice pictures of it are always welcome!