5004

“Grail watch”, “final watch”, “exit watch”. These terms excite, motivate and intrigue collectors in much the same way Indiana Jones

By: patekova : October 26th, 2021-15:24

risked life and limb in seeking the “Holy Grail”. For me grail watch is slightly different than final or exit watch. Grail watch is often thought of as the ultimate watch a collector might reasonably (or unreasonably) hope to acquire to fulfill a deep sea...

Patek Philippe

“Grail watch”, “final watch”, “exit watch”. These terms excite, motivate and intrigue collectors in much the same way Indiana Jones

Sadly there is no such thing as exit watch or last grail ……

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Ay Ay Ay.... My friend, you are killing me, deliciously.

As you say, GRAIL WATCH does not have to be the final watch. For me, it just means a model with a particularly good presence. So it will appear one after another

Thanks for your reply. There are probably almost as many personal definitions of “grail watch” as there are watch collectors.

All your points are well stated and well taken. I imagine that there might be some collectors who have the will power and discipline to say

Comparable to 2499

Thank you for your detailed analysis! 5004 is an incredible watch - also clearly with the DNA of 2499. Slightly larger than (36.7 to 36 mm) than 3970 and for me a more pleasing dial.

For me, it would be…

A very, very special watch. Visually an understated, but absolutely beautiful mechanical marvel. I hope someday the dream comes true!

Agree there's no such thing.

Great analogy. If someone ever asked me, if you could only have one watch what would it be? I think my response would be ...

For me now, it's 5370, 5970, and 5539. And in a sense, 5711 is also applicable

All great watches. I particularly like 5370 with the blue enamel dial. In person, that dial is mesmerizing. I don’t like all the hues of blue Patek uses.

Very interesting topic, mon ami. Personally, I would happily get a Grail as a final watch, but just for a brand. About Patek, for example, I would say the 5970P. For JLC, it would be the Gyro One.

Thank you for your extremely interesting reply and concept. A different grail for each brand. So, one can have the personal best of each. Great idea!

Yes, because it is a complementary approach of horology, I think. I also feel that the best collection could be around 10 pieces. No less, no more.

As you know me I am a fervent supporter…

Ooooof, you are killing me!

I totally agree, less is more. Quality vs quantity. Sometimes it is psychologically challenging to apply the principle to reality.

It took me some time also to implement the strategy

Thanks Patekova for making another

Thanks Gordon for your kind words. While “passion” might sound better than “addiction”, when it comes to watch collecting they often

3970

3970 not only has a very large following, IMHO aesthetically it is much closer than 5970 to the watch many regard as Patek’s greatest ever, the legendary 2499.

5004

That is a fabulous trio! The split seconds function on 5004 takes it to a much higher technical level than 5970. Plus it is beautiful!