Comments:
1. Suffer the bi-daily winding and enjoy the watch.
2. Enjoy something else.
3. Get an Orbita winder designed for manually winding watches.
What a pleasant problem!
Best, Kari
www.watchtime.com #
Patek grand complication question
I am looking to acquire a Chrono-Perpetual Patek. 5270 or 5970, either way, they are hand-winding manual watches with calendars. My question, is it a pain to keep them set? I have two automatic annual calendars, 5396r and the 5960p, but I can keep them on my winder. Does anyone have any feedback as an owner of a grand comp manual? Seems like a pain to set the watch or keep it set... But I may be over thinking it.
If you think it's pain, you have three options:
1. Suffer the bi-daily winding and enjoy the watch.
2. Enjoy something else.
3. Get an Orbita winder designed for manually winding watches.
What a pleasant problem!
Best, Kari
"bi-daily"?
"1. Suffer the bi-daily winding and enjoy the watch."
I assume that you don't really mean "bi-daily" as winding the watch twice a day would seem a bit of a chore, no matter how much I enjoyed the experience.
I am very sorry for the mistake!
Because English is not my mother tongue, I most likely will also in the future make lots of mistakes. But that's not a reason good enough to stop posting.
Best, Kari
Just use the 'day' pusher...
On the 3970, top left push will foward once per day. Overall reset after a month is more effort yet quite easy using 'normal' method.
Thank you
I wonder if the 5970 or the 5270 has the "day" pusher? The 3970 is too small for my personal taste.
5970 and 3970 have this single pusher
to advance all displays by one day. Makes it easy to re-set the watch when run down.
5270 is a step ahead in some regards, but a step backward in this respect without this convenient pusher.
Thank you for the insight
Thanks for the insight, I really like the 5970, and I want an R and there is no 5270 R yet... I will have to research the benefits of the 5270 over the 5970. I thought I read the 5270 is all in-house... This of course is half the fun, the research and hunt.
I have the 3970P
And it is a breeze with the day advancer at 11:00. Not sure about the 5270 or 5970. Also did not know that Orbita made a winder for manual watches?? Interesting....Just checked their website and can't find one. Kari if you know where or what model let us know. Cheers,
Orbita Watch Winder
SteelerFan,
I found a link to the winder Krol was talking about... Just scared now about the box malfunctioning and overwinding the watch!
It can't do that but the price...Will keep using my fingers! LOL
Again with the 3070 it is super easy with the day advancer at 11:00.
I hear ya!
I know you can afford it, i've seen your picture gallery! You have some sick watches. I see you're also from PA.. I grew up outside of Williamsport and went to Bucknell, though I live in South Florida, Pa will always be home...
Consider this
I ditched Orbita Winders (they're not bad) for Swiss Kubik's. I've been VERY HAPPY with the switch. There have been no problems with over-winding including Minute Repeaters and Tourbillions. Also important is that they're small and stackable and fit into safe(s) quite well.
MST
Its a pleasure actually...
Talking about 5270G. Which is really smooth and reminds me every 2 days how great that watch is... Don't worry, its about gettin used to it, but its a moment when you are caring and contemplating your watch without being bothered. I love those moments
To answer your question, I don't believe you're over thinking it.
When you acquire several different watches, having to set a 3970, 5970, etc. can be somewhat of a pain. Not initially, but after a while. Of course, you could pick it up and just set the time and go but I was never of that mindset, I wanted it to be right if it was on my wrist. What initially was fun became a time consuming effort.
I found, after many years with a 3970, the watch just sat because I was in a hurry and just didn't make the time to reset it. So after 20 years, I sold it last October along with a couple of others that just weren't being worn. I thought I would have missed the watch but really didn't .. until 5 months after it was gone and I realized it was the one Patek I really, truly loved. So, I bought another and have yet to enjoy it as I'm having to wait, for what seems an eternity, for it to be serviced. But patience will reward me with a watch I truly want to wear and enjoy daily. Maybe others have experience the same but as I have gotten older, having a number of complicated pieces just seemed to be too much and too much to take care of (service, a host of different straps, etc.).
Would I consider a winder for a manual wind watch of this caliber? Never. Some may have had great experiences but I just don't feel comfortable with the thought.
I believe you will find, as I have, the perpetual calendar chronograph is a great watch but it does require some effort on your part, but boy o boy it is worth it!
Thank you Whit
You helped articulate my thoughts. I know I want one, I guess I want to go into it with "eyes wide open", I'll probably wait for the 5270 R. I like having my name on the papers, supporting my local AD (All of my Patek's have been from the same AD) I also hear stories about buying things "sealed" and having nightmares. Besides, the anticipation is half the fun, and it could be another year or two before I we see a 5270R! I could be buying great vintage pieces, but I plan on holding all of my Pateks forever, I want to look back and know I bought the best of my generation.
How I wish my 3940 were a manual wind!
I don't fancy putting it on the winder, and I gave up setting them. Whenever I wear mine, I just adjust the time and I'm good to go.
When I really feel like it, especially when it's nearing the months of Feb, Jul, I would set them right as I like watch the hands jump! On any other days, I'm ok with the wrong settings, just me.
Mech.
I had similar concerns before I got the 5270..
However, as most have described.. holding the watch in your hand, admiring it's beauty and taking the time to set it becomes a pleasure and a joy every single time! Good luck on your hunt. You can't go wrong with either piece.