Others have given great answers and opinions...

and none of us know you or your husband. You must have some reasons for having chosen to consider a vintage Patek, as have most of us, so I will not attempt to change your mind. Some have noted the pros and cons of the watch being age appropriate, but you say he has a streak of classicism in him, so... probably not an issue. But do consider, even if this watch is a debatable item for a 20+ year old, you will not long be this age. Your years together will fly by. Something that he loves now, in addition to you, that he continues to love as the years go by, is truly quite special. My wonderful wife presented me with a classic on our wedding night, which I wear more than my others due to its meaning as well as its classic proportion. I am 59 and it always makes me smile. On the other side of this coin, I would not buy him something that you think might go to the back of the drawer when he is 40. Even our fast aging 35 year old can't quite believe the speed of time. All this said, whatever you do is right and he is a lucky man. Best wishes.

Buying a PP as a gift. Help!

By: gardengirl35 : March 29th, 2011-08:11

Hi fellas! I need some advice! I would like to get my guy a PP Calatrava for our wedding day. He owns two very nice Hamiltons. They are simple, clean watches with only a few numerals. He really dislikes chronographs or anything busy. I am about to purchas...

Be sure that he likes expensive watches too...

By: COUNT DE MONET : March 29th, 2011-10:20

Although the 2598 is a humble looking Patek, it is still a luxury item. Not every watch fan will be also a fan of expensive goods. Regarding engravings on watches; a very nice way to individualize a gift, but, and I only mention this as you have already s...

I would say go for it

By: tourbillon001 : March 29th, 2011-10:56

You are going to know his tastes much better than we do so I can only assume he will like the watch. Now to answer your nonsubjective questions, he can easily wear a calatrava with jeans and to the office everyday. I actually think calatravas look great w...

Thank you...

By: gardengirl35 : March 29th, 2011-11:00

for your advice/thoughts! I can't see my guy not wanting to own a very nice watch. Even if it turns out he only wore it for special occassions, etc. My major concern is that the PP model I've picked is too old fashioned for someone in his late 20s? I am h...

I am a young man in my very early 30's

By: tourbillon001 : March 29th, 2011-17:18

31 to be exact and I'm not a big fan of yellow gold but as stated above I assume you know your future husbands taste way better than I do. I would say that Patek could be considered an older mans brand because they have rather classic designs but I don't ...

I think the 2598

By: ChristianDK : March 29th, 2011-11:09

is even nicer than the 5196! I think its a wonderful gift. Lucky guy! You already got good advise from the others regarding the engraving. It will depreciate in value. You could af course give it to him first, and see if it fits him, and have it engraved ...

You have a lot of options. 5096, 3919, 3893 etc.

By: whit : March 29th, 2011-12:50

for some additional pieces to consider. The 3919 is quite easy to read and quite elegant with the hobnail bezel, which I find shows very little signs of wear compared to plain bezel models. Other benefits are sapphire crystals, water resistant, etc. A lot...

Not an "old man's" watch!

By: mbeech1 : March 29th, 2011-18:01

I don't really think this is an "old fashioned" or "old man's" watch, and it is certainly not outdated. I think it is very classic, clean and simple. I am in my late teens and I own/wear a PP 5024, and I even wear it casually, with jeans. Like your husban...

Truth is....

By: asg : March 29th, 2011-21:35

These guys are right - he will love whatever you get him, however......I am 35 - married almost 10 years (jeez, it flies) - my inlaws bought me a YG Bulgari Diagono chrono as a wedding present. I wore it twice. It stays upstairs in a drawer in my safe onl...

Others have given great answers and opinions...

By: William C : March 30th, 2011-04:58

wow!

By: PP_Geneve : March 31st, 2011-03:18

i wish my non-existent girlfriend would buy me a PP as a gift! so far, i yet have to meet a woman who appreciates "the finer things in life" (i.e., PP)... anyway: no PP makes a man look "old". however, a watch is a very personal thing, and unless your hus...

Unless it really needs to be a surprise...

By: SRG : March 31st, 2011-19:28

I would suggest involving him in the process. Buying something like this can be a source of enjoyment for both of you. And he'll end up with something you know he'll like. You can show him what you are thinking about, and that may be the One, or he may li...

I would have it engraved

By: johnswatch1 : April 6th, 2011-02:50

I don't understand how everyone menations the resale value. Resale value shouldn't be a factor when discussing a wedding day gift. I'd have it engraved as a memento of the occasion. The gist shows a lot of thought and having engraved just reinforces this....

I went for it!

By: gardengirl35 : April 7th, 2011-10:48

Thanks for all of the helpful advice and tips, guys! I decided to just go with my heart and purchase the watch for my guy. I'm still considering getting it engraved. I've got a lot of time to decide, though. I have always loved all of the jewelry that my ...