karen1122
10
Help understanding Patek Philippe ref. 1431
Hi All,
Not sure if my last post made it to the forum, so I am trying again.
I am a newbie but have always admired PPs for their engineering. Recently, I had the opportunity to buy a vintage PP #1431 YG. I chose the #1431 because it was for sale in my price range and it was a good compromise, size- wise. My intent is that I will wear it casually and then give it to my son when he is older (currently 2). If he doesn't like it he can sell it.
I have had the watch serviced and have received an extract from the Archives. So at least I know that I have a true PP. From the extract it states that the caliber is 10-200 and that it was manufactured and sold in 1950. I also know that the crystal was replaced and the case refinished, all else is original.
I am interested in learning more about the watch and what I have gotten myself into. Also, for the vintage aficionados out there, what is the "sentiment" about this watch? Is it held in high regard or have I just bought the Edsel of PPs (not that PP would ever make an Edsel....;-).) Should I carry out my plan or lock it in a safe and only open it to wind it?
Thank you for your time and expertise on this.
Karen.

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Lovely buy
By: Timertom : June 26th, 2007-09:46
Hi, The 1431 is a very wise buy and lovely watch. Dont feel in any way that you have bought a cheap Patek. They dont make them as good as that any more. I am of the personal opinion the best watches seen today were made around these years. If you compare ...
More PPs
By: karen1122 : June 27th, 2007-12:14
Hmm...more PPs.... I'm afraid I may be in for some trouble. It's bad enough to have a jewlery problem, but to add a watch collection problem on top of that, well....THAT's TROUBLE, especially if they are PPs. (;-). I've already been eyeing a ladies enamel...
No need for remorse
By: Timertom : June 28th, 2007-02:06
Theres no need for any any buyers remorse here. You got a great watch there, so dont let anything make you think otherwise. The boys size Calatrava sounds interesting. My mum has this one she wears since she was a young girl, stainless steel screwback cas...
boy's Calavatra
By: karen1122 : June 28th, 2007-09:57
I used up a lot of "marital karma" buying my first Patek. So I don't think I will risk buying another for a while. The one for auction on Ebay is very similar to your mother's, except that it has a white dial and doesn't have the name of the dealer on the...
Yes
By: Timertom : June 29th, 2007-08:10
Yup, I saw the one similar to my mums with the white dial on eBay as well. Your watch is really nice. Just a suggestion- it would do it a world of good were you to service it next time round by Patek Philippe themselves. While I cannot afford the HUGE pri...
I agree
By: karen1122 : June 29th, 2007-10:08
Next time around I will have it serviced by Patek. When I bought the watch I was uncertain that it was original and didn't want to go to the expense of sending to Patek only to have them laugh at me and send it back if it wasn't the real deal. The photos ...
Ref 438
By: Timertom : June 29th, 2007-13:08
Yup, I got the ref number for that one, which is almost certainly #438. We are lucky to have a few in th family. Almost all come from my grandad who was an avid clock/ watch collector through from the 1950's to about 1990. Regards from India.
refinished case
By: karen1122 : June 26th, 2007-19:38
Hi Julian, On the front left-hand side of the watch case there was a deep scratch which was easily visible. This scratch was "taken out". It seems to have been done well and was done by Tourneau, my local AR, by their watchmaker. It was a gift from them f...