Patek Philippe

I occasionally read posts about Patek's not being suitable for every day use. Sometimes it's more related to the fact that wearing a very very expensive watch isn't always appropriate, which is fair enough depending on your environment, but other times it seems to be implied that the internals aren't up to the job of daily wear - they're not made for that kind of punishment I guess is the message. Too delicate in some way.

So what's the consensus on here guys? Up till now I've really been a Rolex guy, and regardless of your thoughts on Rolex they really do cope with most things you can throw at them on a day to day basis, and the movements are pretty indestructible. I'd be gutted if I cashed in my Rolex collection (which would be pretty much necessary other than maybe keeping a Sub ND or something) for a 5980 or 5726 and then found that wearing day-to-day wasn't possible because the movement couldn't take it for some reason. This is a genuine post guys, not trolling or anything like that. I'm just looking to be as informed as possible before making such a big purchase.

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The only reserve is the bezel, which is a scratch magnet.

Personally, I wear my World Time 5110P without fear.

Best,

Nicolas.

Assuming that you are not going to use a jackhammer or take a MR on your next diving epedition, there will be no problem.  In general, these are not delicate watches that are only suited to living in a safe.  From your post, I think the issue may be that a 5980 costs almost the same as your current Rolex collection - and all in one watch.  So you if you would be uncomfortable wearing that much "watch value" on your wrist, you might never actually wear the 5980 for fear of damaging it (accidental knocks, dropping it, etc etc).  If that's the case, stick to what you are comfortable wearing, and what fits your lifestyle.  Also - there are PPs available at more "reasonable" cost.  Maybe try something like that.

But the movement and the watch are not made of glass.  They are made to be worn.

...but wearing my watches, regardless of value, has never been an issue to me. I take good care of them, but I always wear them to get my money's worth, sitting in a safe is a waste for me, which is why I want to convert 4-5 watches that don't get much wrist time (because they don't interest me that much any more) into one that will. I'll hold onto a Sub ND or SD or something, for gym time and stag parties etc...
This message has been edited by cmcm3 on 2011-07-09 14:18:24 This message has been edited by cmcm3 on 2011-07-09 14:19:14

... if it survives the landing on the ground and runs still, or keeps time: than let us please know.

It is a marketing myth that Rolex movements are "indestructible".

A Patek for every day?

Any, I would say.


Regards

Moritz

You will have no issues with wearing a Patek for everyday use.

was maybe a bit over the top, but I got a DJ for my 18th and it went 10 years with me day in day out, surviving everything that a crazy guy does between being 18 and 28 and never had a service, and never missed a beat. Sadly it was stolen in a burglary, so I don't know how it's doing these days, but not too many watches could cope with what I put that watch through and come out the other end looking and working so well!

... do not know if I would do that.

But it is your decision, certainly.

Let us know what you went for.


Happy hunting.


Moritz
This message has been edited by COUNT DE MONET on 2011-07-09 15:03:42

Unfortunately the Aquanaut doesn't do it for me, really the 5726 is about as cheap as I'm interested in when it comes to Patek line. I wouldn't be dropping my whole collection though - I'd still have a Zenith Elite, an IWC Portuguese 5001, an AP ROO Diver and whatever sport Rolex I decided to hold onto, so I'll have a few choices! I'm just a bit fed up of my Rolex sports as they are so similar I don't get much joy from pulling a different one on my wrist. An LV ceramic, a GMT2c, a Deep Sea... yeah they're somewhat different, but... well I'm sure you know where I'm coming from.
This message has been edited by cmcm3 on 2011-07-09 15:21:07

... makes sense to me.

Although, there are a few more Rolex watches that I would like to own, but all with the 3135 movement.

Same with Pateks.

Unfortunately, my next Patek or watch purchase is written in the stars of my Lange moonphase and as I, try, not to sell any already aquired ones ...

I reckon I have plenty of time to contemplate about it.

At the moment I feel very Vacheron-ish ...


Regards

Moritz

I was hoping to get positive responses, to give me comfort over the durability of the watches. I know the difference between using and abusing a watch so obviously I wouldn't be keeping it on going rock climbing or anything, and I\m comfortable that my day-to-day use wouldn't pose too much danger to the case/bezel, and even if I pick up a few marks, I don't mind - just wanted comfort that the internals weren't made of cheese! LOL!

So I definitely recommend this watch for daily wear and I don't worry about going out in rain unless a torrential downpour.

Nautilus 5980 in the wild d'_'b

One thing made me smile " Since delivery in April 2008 ".

Funny we can remember exactly when we got some watches.

Is it valable for each of your watches?

Best,

Nicolas.

Life has been pretty much a blur for me since IGOTT2; probably because I'm burnt out from work. But meeting you and many other Purists for the first time as well as reconnecting with non-CONUS folks that I previously met like AndrewD, Peter, Max, and so on was the highlight of my summer.

Truth be told, my organic memory for watch delivery dates is augmented by the silicon spreadsheet enhancement.

While I did not expect the 5980 to be my favorite watch to wear, it makes sense that it is--durability of stainless steel case and bracelet, nice heft and good balance on wrist, chrono features with a date, variable weather robustness, and stealth factor although at least PP fan at my car wash called me out even though I feigned it was a replica.

Cheers and live well!

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Have used PP 5140G daily for over 1 year. My issue with using gold watches daily is the excessive scratches and dents that accumulate over years. Once I accidentally hit my 5140 to the glass desk's corner, and received a dent. It really felt bad, bad, bad... A funny feeling in my tummy. After that incident, I was too conscious of wearing my watch, so much so that I was not really enjoying other things in daily grind. Then I switched to my old faithful ss Rolex. I felt so relieved... so liberated.. And, I developed the feeling of anticipation of wearing my PP over the weekend or on special occasions. Frankly, I feel more at peace and relaxed after I made this switch. Let me also clarify that it is not the issue of money!. It is the issue of sending my 5140 to Patek service and having to wait 6-12 months before I start enjoing it again. My new mode of operation allows me to enjoy my PP anytime and have a peace of mind on a daily basis. Also, the leather strap of the 5140 is a nuisance as well. Clearly, if you use an all steel PP, then it could be a different story. Cheers. Jim

   

 

 

Wore my Patek 5055g for 4 years everyday with now problems at all. In fact the only problem was that I regret every selling it!!!!

...that seems to be perpetuated by people that can't afford them.   Maybe it's not a good idea to go snorkelling with a platinum repeater on a leather strap but I think the Nautlius and Aquanaut ranges are targeted at owners who don't want safe queen's or investments. 

Also, lets not forget that Rolex went to Patek to develop the Parachrom hairspring which Rolex takes all the credit for. 

Here's a link you may find interesting and amusing, Cliff:

patek.watchprosite.com

Tony

...as with any product there will be a few examples where Patek owners have been let down by their watch and these cases will receive much more publicity that the hundreds/thousands of cases where all is well. Contrary to my earlier statement I did actually buy a Sub LV that "blew up" on me after about a month (the mainspring went) so even with Rolex there is never 100% guarantee.

As before, I'm sensible with watches and if it's tough enough to withstand a bit of desk time, and a bit of bar time (not crazy nights out), I can sleep with it on and I can leave it on for my morning shower, then that's tough enough for me!

develop the parachrom hairspring?

Thanks

Cheers

Hi, PinkPanther

I have always understood that Rolex went to Patek to develop the Parachrom hairspring.  Patek made it out of various metals for Rolex and made a silicon version for themselves.

Tony

in the in-house chrono movement for their daytona ( it was not blue originally).I have read an extensive article by James Dowling ( on another forum which I cannot link to ) and I am sure it was a Rolex development not Patek. Please point me to any references to the contrary. Kind Regards, dreamer

- Nautilus 3800/1a, used daily for seven years, taken down water slides at Atlantis (in my pocket since they would not let me wear it).

- Gondola 5135G, tougher to use in ALL conditions due to leather strap.

- Aquanaut 5060a, very light and comfortable, not suitable for dressier occasions.

- Nautilus 5980/1a, my current daily wearer. Perfect for all but the most formal occasions.

I still have all these watches and rotate them as desired.

I would suggest not worrying as much and enjoying more. The worst that would happen is losing a watch and making an insurance claim (you MUST insure them to wear). Damaging a watch may cost upwards of $1K. I have only had to send my 3800 in once when it fell through my torn shirt pocket of my scrubs and landed on the operating room floor (OUCH!).

Life is too short to waste time without a fine watch on your wrist.

Mike S.

i wear a PP everyday because, frankly speaking, i don't know which day will actually be my last day...lol. and Patek, like any other watch, is made to be worn.
but if the weather is too hot or humid, i decline wearing anything with an alligator/leather band. instead opting for a Rolex submariner or a TAG, or whatever else i fancy.
in the heat of the summer, i still wear a Patek at home with air--conditioning on, but will switch to another watch if i go outside.
i also prefer wearing Pateks when i can "hide" them under my sleeves. i guess that would not be the case for a nautilus or aquanaut, if i had one.
but there are no rules and i change my mind all the time. i want to associate wearing a Patek with good memories. hence, if i have a bad day or feel bad, i abstain from wearing a swiss watch altogether.
 

of support for daily wear--I have worn a Calatrava or a Nautilus (both 18K) daily for many years. I even dropped my Calatrava from shoulder height onto a tile floor with only a dent to show for it! And that was minimized at the next service so only I know it is there.
Enjoy your watch. It is made to be worn.

tempusfugit

for a Patek. Even everyday. With shorts, jeans, suit, t-shirt,...whatever! Of course, golfing? I may not use it that often because of the "shock" factor. But like any activity, common sense.

Aloha,

Bob

the complications for rolexs and pateks are very different.  i wore my daytonas as daily wear (gym, swimming, steam room, driving, motorcycling, etc.) for many years without any problems.  tried that with my 5980, and the button for the chrono came lose after 2 months of wear.  sent it back to patek and came back 3 months later.  i can only imagine what will happen if i do that with my 5960 or other PPs.