Patek Philippe

Greetings Gentlemen,

This is my first post and am looking for advice/ideas.

I enjoy my white gold Rolex Daytona for its casual/sporty design, hefty weight, durability, and for its versatility to wear with jeans or suits.  It has been my daily wear for the last 4-5 years. 

I am now looking for another daily wear, preferably a Patek.  Patek, because, Patek indirectly and discreetly instills the "you have arrived" type of a message to others.  The Patek daily wear that I am looking for should be able to take the type of abuse that my Rolex was able to take without missing a beat.  "Abuse" means, I should be able to wear it to the gym, steam room, shower, and be able to wear it 24/7 if I choose to.  I am specifically thinking about 5980.  What are your thoughts?
This message has been edited by D10 on 2010-12-29 03:05:40 This message has been edited by Dje on 2010-12-31 07:09:43

... and if what you want is passing the message "you have arrived", than try the rose gold, or add anything that bling blings: diamands, yellow gold, etc.... Patek is the last brand you want to go to : Most of the people won't recognized a Patek. Especially a steel watch? Sounds like downgrading to most. Rolex is much more successful in that field.

Also for you, for what you are looking for, you have much more chances finding it in rolex catalogue

Another thing, if you add all those specs about gym, steam, not missing a beat, etc... You have another alternative : Swatch, they are doing a superb tourbillon with diamand limited edition around 15k... and it won't miss a beat!

I am an owner of a 5980/1a and I have to agree with Zorro on all points. The way you intend to wear the watch will likely scratch up the bezel alot.

But I agree with you and Zoro, the PP 5980, as any other PP watch, shouldn't be bought for any " social status " reason.

On another side, this opinion is just the reflect of our passion.

Some want to buy a " social " status, what's wrong with that?

How many do buy a Mercedes or an Audi, Rolls, Porsche etc to show the fact they " arrived "?

They should not be blamed, unless they claim to belong to the " Passionate " category.

And even if they're passionate, they may also feel the need to show that they " arrived ".

Does this disturb us or please us, this is another question...

Best,

Nicolas.

This message has been edited by amanico on 2010-12-29 08:05:20

Most people are not going to recognize a PP unless they look at the fine print on the dial, IMHO. PP's are generally understated and appeal mostly to those who are "in the know" or so called "passionate" as you say. I think if you want to send a social status message, Rolex is more well-recognized by the mass. I suppose you could get the rose gold 5980 to get some bling bling recognition but it will be the rose gold rather than the watch that attracts most. I think people will "ooh and ahh" at the rose gold 5980 and then upon further questioning, the wearer can say, "it's a PP" in order to elicit the "I have arrived" illusion/delusion since I think people will recognize the PP name. If your social circle is one where PP is the norm, then of course, you will get some social status mileage from wearing a 5980.

.... couldn't say it better

... Go AP, you have a a zillion Limited edition that would do the job perfectly, or Hublot, or Rolex.
But Patek? Doesn't carry the recognition of that message to the masses. Jst watch fan would understand it. While clearly a golden rolex sends that message much more clearly.
Funny thread though... about the Limited Tourbillon Swatch at 15k, you gotta see it, nice watch!

Should have an eye on it.

Best,

Nicolas.

you should have a look at it, they did a woman and man version.
Not kidding you here

I'm stuck with the " Rabbit Sutra ", which is, ot me, the must of the must if Swatch watches...

Best,

Nicolas.

...  Here is a pics "turn 2 him" and "turn 2 her".
Now there is gonna be an interesting debate if swatch is starting to make tourbillons. Personally i find it interesting, the phenomen, the watch, the fact that its happening after the founder passed away, etc... any thoughts?

The phenomenon is very interesting!

What, who is behind this " concept "?

Who will spend 15 K ( Euros? ) in a Swatch?

Why woildn't we spend such a sum in a Swatch?

Snobbery, fairness, fear?

This question seems to be a very interesting Pandora's Box!

Please do not mention Hello Kitty, my 5 years old daughter is frequently looking at what I'm writing.

Best,

Nicolas.

.... actually i got the 2010 datejust gold and steel with the partially diamand bezel to my mum,... and she still can't take off her hello kitty!! Now thats a a real success story that's hitting the 7-77 ( or 5-77 )

It is a bit too soon to convert her to the " Rabbit Sutra ", but I would be really afraid to see my daugter in 10 years being such a fan of Hello Kitty.

Best,

Nicolas.

... tell her to log at watchprosite and learn about what is being said. Of course tell her to pay good attention to a certain Amanico ...lol...
Ah, and to behave, those moderator tend to nuke members quite easily, so for a hello kitty fan, it might be in a snap!

It's a very hard to find watch and quite collectible now as well. Fun!

Eddy

And which is now in my wish list.

Best,

Nicolas.

People who understands a little about fine watches understands and recognize Patek, Lange, FP Journe, AP and etc.  Most people who wears Patek deep down wears it because they also want certain level of recognition from their peers (not necessary from the general mass).   Heard of the phrase 9 out of 10 people masterbate, and the other 1 is lying?

From my experience, only one luxury watch brand that most people know is Rolex. And even that, most people don't know the price they just know that it's expensive but generally they will underestimate the price. Most of people don't know what Patek is let alone AP, Lange, FP Journe, etc.

... the people you are trying to impress on are not the ones 'in the know', ie not the watch connaisseurs but the general public.... You dont really impress or try to make other collectors envy or admire you, you just share your passion with them, price of the actual piece being perhaps one of the least important factors. More importantly: what's the story behind it and why are you so in love with it.

If you want to show off: yes go for a gold Rolex with diamonds, that will just about do the trick.

My advise: go to a dealer who sells a wide variety of brands with an open, unbiased mind. Then really buy the piece that you really like and that immediately catches your eye. In my humble opinion, people will be able to spot whether what you are wearing is just for show off or whether it is an expression of who you are / your individual unique identity.... Arriving means that you are no longer concerned about the opinion of others, so wear what you like!

My 2 cents

well put D10... i couldnt agree with you more... even though few recognize Patek, the majority only buy it because they've heard its the best and they want the best.... i highly doubt most people who own a Patek know why its so expensive!!! DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT CHAMFERING IS???..... exactly....

so when i read your post the first thing that came to mind was a little saying my colleagues in the states say, "You wear a Patek for yourself.  You wear a Rolex for everyone else"

That being said to answer your original quesiton, i think the 5980/1A is the perfect everyday watch that i would wear everyday just please dont use it or any watch in the steam room or anywhere that could cause condensation and damage the watch... the more expensive the watch does not mean the more indestructable, but rather more delicate...

Go get it and wear it.... if you like it, then get it... dont listen to everyone.. get it if you like it... ive learned that not every one lucky enough to acquire a Patek deserves it but who are we to judge who deserves one?

Good luck and wear it in good health!

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Quote ' Rolex Daytona... for its versatility to wear with jeans or suits.'

I think you will never ' arrive' when you are wearing a Daytona with a suit...

A real Faux Pas.

 

 

it's a little amusing to read all the negative reactions to a simple admission that d10 wants to show that he's arrived. 

to come clean, i don't own a patek, so i can't speak from that perspective, but i have some decent watches that no one where i work knows or recognizes.  i only wish there were some watch aficionados around who could appreciate a jlc or a go or show me their patek or lange so i could learn something from more knowledgeable folks. 

that said, the idea of not displaying one's wealth to all but a select few seems a little bourgeois.  quality: always important, but historically, the wealthy always engaged in conspicuous display.  what on earth were the pyramids about (afterlife aside), or commissioning vermeer to paint a portrait of oneself with prized possessions?  the wealthy have always engaged in display.  it's just a little contrived, and perhaps a little modern, to pretend otherwise. 

some folks don't need to be flashy (i would never buy louis vuitton for that reason; i do love the idea of avoiding really obvious, vulgar expressions of wealth...esp. since i'm not wealthy) but there's nothing inherently inferior or to be scorned about someone who admits to the feeling that owning a patek is symbolic of more than just an appreciation for fine watches. 

chris hoffman

and.... why would i wear a gold rolex daytona if i am wearing a white gold rolex daytona.  i am getting a lot or moronic answers that doesnt make sense.   i sense a lot of hostility and snootiness around here.  sad. This message has been edited by D10 on 2010-12-29 12:54:48

In your initial post, you wrote, "Patek, because, Patek indirectly and discreetly instills the "you have arrived" type of a message to others." As I wrote, I don't think that PP will achieve your desired "arrival' message as very few people will be able to instantly recognize it unless your daily peer group are a bunch of WIS's! I just don't think the majority of those who are even in the upper levels of society would necessarily be able to identify a Nautilus.

But more importantly, the Nautilus 5980, while a very rugged and heavy watch is not going to take the beating that you anticipate on putting it through. As I also mentioned before, the polished and brushed bezel on the 5980 is going to get scratched and dinged more than a Rolex would. I have a SS Daytona and other Rolexes and they do take a beating well and will still look good with scratches and dings (even adds character in some cases). I do not think the 5980 will look nice at all with scratches and dings and am not sure how well it will hold up in a steam room as the pushers do not screw down like a Daytona. For me, it would be annoying wearing a beat up Nautilus as it will not show its wear very well.

I don't think any comments here were "snooty." You asked for advice on a watch based on several variables that were important in your decision-making. I think the answers you got were made under the parameters you dictated!

This message has been edited by wilson on 2010-12-29 13:23:31 This message has been edited by wilson on 2010-12-29 13:24:56 This message has been edited by wilson on 2010-12-29 13:26:50 This message has been edited by wilson on 2010-12-29 13:27:29

.... even if i think its meaningless to keep on debating. We are too far here. The example about the 9 guys out of 10 admiting masturbating and the 10th one lying says it all
I'd say enough mental masturbation here