patekova
1851
Buying an expensive watch (or any watch for that matter) when you have not had the opportunity to try one on, can be risky, but ....
Sometimes an opportunity is presented where there is no chance to closely examine a watch, let alone strap it on before committing. One can see it on Patek's website, see it in a showcase (a la the NY Grand Exhibition), view many images online, read reviews, etc., but until an example is on your wrist one cannot know for sure. Will it be comfortable? Will it appear in person as it does in promotional images or the flattering light of an exhibition, eg might the dial color in images be different than in person? Will it have the ineffable "wow"! factor?
I was confident I would like the 5522A. Frankly, I was intrigued by it. I did my "due diligence" to the extent possible. Happily, it easily meets, in fact exceeds my expectations. I love this watch! It is big, bold and while large for my wrist, thin enough to be very comfortable. Also, a pilots watch should be large, no? The image was taken outdoors in the shade after exposure to sunlight, hence the green luminescent hue to the numerals and hands .
I am wondering what the experience of other Forum members has been buying Pateks somewhat blind, without having had a chance to get up close with the model?
Best,
patekova
💰1729 Marketplace Listings for Patek Philippe›Patek Philippe Calatrava · 2 for sale · 8349 discussions›
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Buying an expensive watch (or any watch for that matter) when you have not had the opportunity to try one on, can be risky, but ....
Sometimes an opportunity is presented where there is no chance to closely examine a watch, let alone strap it on before committing. One can see it on Patek's website, see it in a showcase (a la the NY Grand Exhibition), view many images online, read revie...
When i bought my first Patek Calatrava i relied on a picture in the catalog.
As i was dealing with a branch of the dealer in my country. Paid a downpayment then it arrive 4 days later. Paid the balance , then great its on your wrist. The real thing. It kinda hits you but then you realize you got a good deal. And in your case , i f...
Nice Feeling
Yes it's always a nice feeling the moment you first see a watch after committing to it and you just know you made the right move. Perhaps it's part relief and part surprise?! The clarity on this watch is astounding. Less is more. I like where Patek is goi...
Congrats!
It is a piece I would have loved to own but not being US domiciled made it a tall task for me unfortunately. Gorgeous. With regards to your question on buying a watch without ever had the chance to try it on I have done it a few times. In my experience it...
Nice practice
Congratulations on acquiring a watch you like. I think buying a watch without trying it beforehand is a common practice. For example if you admire a particular movement or set of functions. As for me - I bought JLC Memovox this way and have never regrette...
First, congratulations! Love this reference. So distinctly unique. Second, your question. I share others sentiments.
I purchased most, if not all of my PP, site unseen. Of course the requisite research was done, but in truth my "diligence" isn't particularly useful. With or without, I don't think I'd have ever made a different decision on a piece. I'm not sure others wo...
That's a quote I use a lot.... but with a modification....
I'll take consistent luck over skill every time.
For me, when I bought
my 7200R London Edition, I knew I had to have it the minute I saw it displayed at the exhibition. I knew it would fit my wrist at 34.6mm but more importantly, it looked stunning with its Breguet hands and Breguet numerals. The price was within my budget t...
Hi Patekova, big congrats on landing this reference and liking it ! Now that you have this Pilot watch, may I suggest that you match it with a new...
plane ! On your question about buying watches unseen, my experience / journey has been a positive one. My first Patek was purchased based on looking at photos only. It was procured overseas on my behalf by a friend, who was and still is not a fan of horol...
It can be risky but sometimes it is worthy of the risk , however some importants things are to be considered
First and as golden standard rule "always buy the seller first not the watch." Also ask as much as possible pics of the inside and the outside. And final and utmost important thing, always ask for the community feedback of where you are going to buy the w...
Congrats Patekova!
Now, that's my idea of a great pilot watch. Granted, I would prefer a 38-39mm size. But, since I have scrawny wrists, I may be biased. Did you change the shoes? If I remember the announcement, it was on a brown strap. Enjoy that beauty! Mark
At least you could see it in the metal
That's an interesting question Patekova, showing quite well the differences of approach between us all. I've seen many examples of people buying online or without seeing the watch in the metal and it seems to work quite well. However, as far as I'm concer...
Mark, thanks as always for another thought provoking response!
I think your approach to buying as best I can surmise from your reply and other things you have written is: thoroughly research a prospective purchase, carefully review the watch's attributes, don't rush and see if over time one's desire grows and see it ...
You summarized it perfectly
Of course, we all work differently and I can totally understand that some others prefer to act when they "feel" it Best, Mark
I think it is often a leap of faith.
Most, if not all, of the modern Patek Philippe that I own have been purchased without having tried the watch on my wrist. I started with the 5970P in this way, and it was initially a stress. However, as one matures in terms of collecting, one becomes more...
100% success rate is pretty amazing!
Suppose, however you love a watch in large part because of the dial, e.g. the 5230 G NY skyline. On the website and in publicity photos it appears to have a captivating royal/navy blue dial and then the watch arrives and it appears more gray/black. One mi...
Well...
I wouldn't say it was 100% success rate. I would say instead that I still own all the references. I prefer some much more than others so there is still clearly a spectrum of success. For many of the watches I have bought from new, it has been extremely ha...