Patek Philippe

I like the look of the 3998P, but have two questions before I buy.  Can any one offer some advice?

[1] When buying pre-owned PP watches, how important is it to also have: [i] the original box and [ii] the original paperwork?  Is one more important than the other, is the paperwork the main item, what about the box?

[2] What are your views on 3998P, comments welcome.

First time on site, very pleased to have found it!  Thanks in advance.

Welcome to the forum!

The Ref. 3998P is a very classy Patek Philippe from the 90's. The kind of watch you want to take care of for your children. It will then be as classy as it is today.  So, a very good choice for a start ...

I like to have box and papers with my watches. So I know it has been taken good care of. If someone takes care of the box, he might as well take care of the watch, I assume ...

Enjoy your piece and wear it in good health.

Best regards

Eric09

 

Thanks for your comments Eric09.  I agree with everything that you say, and I'd certainly like to think that this watch can be passed on to my future generations.  The watch that I've been offered doesn't have the box, but has the original papers.  Do you think that this makes the watch any less attractive in terms of value?  In the unfortunate event that I need to sell it in the future do you think the value will be adversely impacted compared to the same reference watch with a box?  I've done a bit of research on the auction houses here in the UK and it seems that every watch has a story, and sometimes that, along with the papers and box, makes the watch that little bit more attractive.  I'm worried that, by not having the box, I'm not buying the whole picture.  All comments welcome.

The original papers are more important than the box.  You can always buy a box second hand - just make sure to match the style.

Went in to buy the 3998P today only to find it doesn't have original papers, although it does come with something like a certificate from PP.  Does this matter that the original papers are missing?  I feel like I'd be buying a house without the deeds, or a car without the registration document, but the watch obviously checks out as it's from a very good reputable dealer.  Should I walk away and hope that another watch, with original papers, comes up in the future?

sounds like you have an abstract from the archives.  Very common with older watches.  Some collectors will pay slightly less but not much. If the watch is a good deal and you like it then buy it.

I can't believe this conversation has turned into box no box debacle.
I agree you can get the box used or new from a dealer.
I owned a 3998. Thought it was one of the classiest calatravas made.
Some describe it as small and may effect future values.
Those seem to be the issue here. Does anybody have opinions on the watch???