Patek Philippe

Firstly I must disclose - I own a 5035 and I am a huge fan of this piece.

I have loved the 5035 since its release in the late 90s.  Prices for the 5035 are at an all time low - about US$23,000- on the used market.  This I believe will not last long.

For I believe the 5035 is the greatest annual calendar ever released.

Why do I say this?

1) The 5035 was designed in the early 90s.  The "dinner plate special" crazy was not in swing... the 5035 was the perfect size for a complicated watch. At 37 mm the size is perfect.

2) The 5035 was designed from scratch with the 315 movement - the 315 movement is superior to the replacement 324 movement in many ways.  The placement of dials on the 5035 is near perfect.  The replacement 5146 simply is a larger 5035 with moonphase and power reserve added.  Unfortunately as the increase in size was a "marketing" demand - the dial rearrangement is a compromise.

3) Moonphase feature is associated with people who are into voodoo, witchcraft and astrology.  I love the absence of the moonphase.

4) The 5035 has a lovely vintage feel to it even though the piece is modern (released in 1996).  The black second hand is like so many vintage 1940s, 1950s pieces.  The  perfect second hand in MHO.

5) The 24 hour am pm feature is very useful as one needs to be very careful when adjusting an annual calendar.  Many 5036 and 5146 pieces have needed repair due to being set when in the wrong/danger time zone.  Therefore the presence of the 24 hour am pm is essential for an annual calendar.

6) I own one - SO IT MUST BE GOOD!

I am a huge fan of the 5035.  I think it is perfect in so many ways.  I think it is the most "investable" piece produced in the past 25 years.  If you want a definate winner value wize - there is no better.

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