Patek Philippe

Hello!

I am new to this forum and I just want to ask the experts for help.  I have the chance to get either a 5970G, a 5970R or a 5970J.  This is a major purchase for me and I want to keep it for good.  I do not want the 5970G as because all of my current watches are of steel or white gold. I just want to know which one you guys think is the keeper, the 5970J or R and for what reasons.  I find both equally beautiful.  They both speak to me.  The J is more traditional yet the R is so warm.  Thank you.

Ferran

 

5970J will be more rare, although my order of preference is G > R > J

would be R. Love the warmth.

If you wanted the most collectible one, or if you were buying with the intent of selling eventually, the 5970G would be the clear choice.  But, since you plan to keep it forever, and since white gold is not your personal preference, it seems you can save quite a bit of money getting either 5970R or 5970J, picking whichever one you prefer.
Eric von Schonberg

Do the people of the forum think that the 5970J will really be the rarest one?  I like the R because it ages really well.  most of the vintage pieces with the same functions that are featured in magazines or on the covers of auction catalogs are shown in rose.  I do not know if this affects the value or anything but it may.  I am not too familiar with historical value or collectability of yellow gold vs. rose gold either.  Given the fact that the yellow gold one might be the rarer of the two.  Maybe other members can shed light on this topic.  I am sorry I can't be of help because I feel exactly the same.  You can't go with what you like because you like both equally.  Problem is, whichever you choose, you will still feel like you should have chosen the other.  Good luck.

Seeing that the W/G is not an option then I would go with the Y/G

You are indeed a lucky person to have the choice from all three and I wish you good luck with your decision making.

Please let us know what you decide and when you hope to get it.

I read what you say about it being a major purchase, if it was me I would have to sell the house and the wife wouldn't be too happy with that!!!!!!!

It is my grail watch.

Me envious, no what makes you think of that!!! LOL

I don't believe the yellow gold 5970 will be any rarer than the white gold or rose gold ones.  Here's why.  During a period of 3 years (2005, 2006, 2007) rose gold and white gold were made.  But during those three years, for about 1 year production of 5970 slowed to near 0, while all watchmakers working on them were needed to get 5960 production ramped up.  So, that 2 years really for white gold and rose gold, or the equivalent of 1 year for each, assuming about the same were made of each.  The 5970 in yellow gold will likely have probably about a full year of production, since production should cease in 2009, which is when Nouvelle Lemania will be phased out completely. If yellow gold is produced for any time in 2009, yellow gold may end up having somewhat more than a year of production,and would thus be less rare.

With roughly the same productions of each, collectors will prefer white gold most, rose gold second, and yellow gold last and much behind rose gold in demand.  If you prefer rose gold, you should get it, especially since you plan not to sell anyway, and you should be able to pay significantly less than you would to buy white gold.
Eric von Schonberg

Hi,

If value is a considerationput your money in a bank.

But I think you like the watch, so if so get it. Colour is a personal choice. My choice would be pink, no doubt!

Regarding production runs and quantities produced, for the 3970 or 5970, everything you read is no more than speculation!

Maybe they made 20 000 pieces of 3970 and 5 000 pieces of 5970, who knows (out of some people inside PP)?

Cheers

Dps: the 5970R is one of the most handsome PP ever made IMVHO.

5,000 would be way off for 5970.  Keep in mind that Patek produces about 20,000 of all watches per year, and the largest production is the Twenty-Four quartz watch.  After that, there are lots of various models of Calatravas, less still of the various small complication models, even fewer of the more common grand complications (perpetual calendar only).  For 5970, the best estimates of production capability put it at 200 per year (1% of Patek's production), and since there were about 2 years of production of white gold and rose gold before they were discontinued, that's about 200 total of each.  Yellow gold will likely be another 200, for a total of 600 5970s, not the 5000 5970s you mention.  For, 3970 the best estimate I've heard is 2700 total over the 18 year it was produced (100 per year for the first 9 years, and 200 per year for the last 9 years).
Eric von Schonberg

Hi,

I agree that estimates are nothing else than estimates!

My estimates are voluntarily exagerated but your estimates are not more proven! 

Just one precisions, AFAIK PP's total yearly production would be closer to 35 000 pieces a year.

Best regards

Dje

Is the steps taken to arrive at the number.  I mentioned those steps, so that others can evaluate the assumptions along the way.  That way, someone can evaluate the estimates in the context of those assumptions and make their own informed estimate.  Also, as new information is discovered, it allows revisions to be made to get more accurate numbers.  But, when you just pull a number out of the hat, there is not mcu you can do with that number.
Eric von Schonberg

...only because it is warmer (to my eyes). But all are great watches! Enjoy the hunt, and the decision...let us know how you end up.

Tim