Patek Philippe

Interested in either the R# 5020 or the Ref# 5004.  What you anybody consider to be a better choice.  The fact that the 5004 is a more complicated wristwatch, and the rarity of the 5020 seem to be the two factors.

I would like to hear some opinions  on this question.

The 5020 is rare because it was one of those watches that nobody preferred to over the round version. Because of this, the 5020 is very rare.

Although rarity is a good thing, one should never buy things just because of exclusivity.

Here in Los Angeles, we see many people modify their automobiles, be it a Mercedes-Benz or BMW just because they are common. They modify their automobiles in distasteful fashions (large wheels and subwoofers) just to give the illusion that they own a unique and therefore exclusive automobile.

Personally, I think the 5004 is a more desirable timepiece, although personally I think the Split Seconds can be forgone and the 5970 has a cleaner appearance.

Lastly, for this kind of money, I honestly think that you should look into (what I consider the King of all complications) a Patek minute repeater.

The Antiquorum auction had a 5020 Patek in good condition that up for sale recently (same auction as the Gandhi watch). It'd be wise to consult them what it hammered for (then add 20% buyers premium).

H Patrick,

Your right that Auctions are a great place to buy some discontinued Patek Philippe wristwatches.  The 20% Buyers Premium that the Auctions charge is very fair.  I don't think I would go to an Auction if the buyers premium was 100%, meaning, getting charged an additional 10 grand buyers premium on a watch you bid 10 grand on.

 

This message has been edited by parkavenue740 on 2009-03-31 21:17:44

I have never seen the 5020 before today.

After googling it. I am not too keen on the shape.

Plus of course the 5004 does come with the additional complication, of the split seconds.

The 5004 is been one of my favourite watches.

 

 

It's a tough call. As you can see. Between the two my heart goes to 5020.

You have to be a radical to love 5020, which I am and I do.

Enjoy!

Larry

 

 

The 5030 may be uncommon, but I just don't feel it has the uniqueness of the 5004....besides I am a sucker for that starfish wheel!
A

Both from the design point of view and the added complication of split seconds (although I admit a bit impractical), I prefer the 5004.

Tim

in term of look and complexity.
If you are going for purely rarity, then I think 5970J, 5970P or 5070P are rarer, no?
But in term of wearability, 5970 wins...perfectly balance and really handsome.
I was trying to choose between 5970 and 5020, I chose 5970.
But if it's between 5020 and 5004, it will be very easy choice...5004.
*CL

Let's face it. The split seconds complication is more of an aesthetic compliment and bragging right than useful daily tool .. But a 5959 costs significantly more (1/3 to 1/2 more) and offers no other complications, no date. Against that view the 5004 is cheap. Most of the 5004 white metal models were ordered in PT, because there was not a large price gap between the two metals, everyone ordered the PT over G. That makes the G's more collectible. Hard to tell them apart because the weight difference is not as noticeable on this smaller case watch and there is no wesselton diamond set between the luggs. That diamond aesthetic post-dates the 5004 case.

is in a different class altogether. Plus I ordered one and I am eagerly awaiting PP's decision in June whether or not the will allow me to buy one ...