Patek Philippe

I like the look of the 3998P, but have two questions before I buy. Can any one offer some advice? [1] When buying pre-owned PP watches, how important is it to also have: [i] the original box and [ii] the original paperwork? Is one more important than the ... 

Welcome to the forum! The Ref. 3998P is a very classy Patek Philippe from the 90's. The kind of watch you want to take care of for your children. It will then be as classy as it is today. So, a very good choice for a start ... I like to have box and paper... 

Thanks for your comments Eric09. I agree with everything that you say, and I'd certainly like to think that this watch can be passed on to my future generations. The watch that I've been offered doesn't have the box, but has the original papers. Do you th... 

The original papers are more important than the box. You can always buy a box second hand - just make sure to match the style.

Went in to buy the 3998P today only to find it doesn't have original papers, although it does come with something like a certificate from PP. Does this matter that the original papers are missing? I feel like I'd be buying a house without the deeds, or a ... 

sounds like you have an abstract from the archives. Very common with older watches. Some collectors will pay slightly less but not much. If the watch is a good deal and you like it then buy it.