Patek Philippe

Hello to all!

I made a major move in my collection recently and instead of asking everyone's opinion before doing it,  I will detail my decision process in hindsight and see what you all think.  A lot has been said on this forum about the two models involved in my transaction.  Realizing that "buy what you love" always seems to emerge as the prevailing opinion on these matters, please allow me to share my story.

One lesson I've learned in my short watch collecting career is that affections can be fickle.  Much like romantic relationships, some explode with instant passion and soon flame out while others build in intensity over time.  Some at first glance seem incompatible and even unattractive, only to learn upon closer touching and fondling that you were meant to be together all along.

Another lesson I've learned is that these affections are a combination of intellectual appreciation and emotional attachment.  When a watch makes your heart race with its beauty, yet at the same time you can rationally appreciate its mechanical perfection, or even dare I say its rarity and/or "value" - well then you have a home run!

That's how it has been for me and Patek.  Countless models, past and present, have captivated and infatuated me with their aesthetic beauty.   Pateks have a certain "it" that I don't see anywhere else - they look like they could jump off your wrist and eat any other watch if they wanted to, but they know it isn't necessary.  Intellectually, the more I learn about the history of the company, how it has carefully crafted its unmatched brand equity and its stunning technical breakthroughs, the more my emotional attraction is validated.

I think that is why collectability and value inevitably creep into the discussion.  "Going with your heart" is fine as it goes, but coupling a watch you love with the more rational satisfaction of getting a good deal or creating long-term value is always better, is it not?

With that wordy overture being said, what reasons (emotional and rational) would a man have to trade this:

 

in toward one of these:

 

Well, that is exactly what I did a few short weeks ago.  It was a very difficult decision, and while I realize that I am extremely fortunate to have the financial means to buy even one Patek, my rational side overruled my emotional side and would not let me have both these pieces - so the 5070P was traded up into a 5070P.  Why?

Well, unfortunately I am late to bed and have an important meeting first thing in the morning.  Part II coming soon....

Steve

 

 

As you go a step further in the complications, but is it emotional?

To me, the " emotional " would have been to keep the 5070, to go against the rational, just because the blue of the dial, just because of its simplicity, for example, if we really need a reason to explain the emotional.

But I sure you will feel a lot of " good vibrations " with your newest 5970P.

Enjoy,

Nicolas

to your brilliant choise!

But it all sounds as if it was a difficult decision, and that you wonder if it was right.

If this is the question, than I dare to say: it was wrong.

This shall not spoil your joy over the 5970 !!!

But: both are quite desired collectibles and should, at least, hold the value as this has  to be put into consideration also, even if you choose to buy a piece that will not reach the same in resale.

I did not try to get one 5070 but the attempt to buy the new limited 1815 moon phase showed me that there are some quite rare and wanted pieces out there.

If I would feel the same for the 5070 and managed to get one, I would keep it.

Money matters for quite all of us, but in this case I would have kept.

NOT TO SPOIL YOUR JOY OVER THIS FANTASTIC TIMEPIECE !!!

I WOULD CHOOSE ALSO THE 5970 over the 5070 !!!

Regards

Moritz

 

I assume that you traded to a 5970......

I hope that you enjoy it....

Looking forward to part 2....

Cheers

I too believe that you made an excellent decision.

And will look forward, to reading your part two.

Very difficult decision, but yes, I think you have done very well indeed...Congratulations!

Hope part II is not long in coming.

Cheers,

--

Richard.

I did a similar thing, by trading my 5070G into a 5970P. Lucky for me I had the 5070P as well, so now have a 'perfect pair'.

Well, until rational and emotional machinations mean that one of them gets traded into something else.....

There is always a bigger fish.

Enjoy!