Patek Philippe

Robert65
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Doha, Qatar 5170J

Full length




Wrist full




Wrist full 2




Wrist 1/2 covered

Having only researched online, the 5170 variant I thought I would find least desirable was the yellow gold (J) with Roman numerals and Pulsation dial.  I rarely have the opportunity to visit a Patek AD, and never physically held a 5170 in my hands.  I'd seen endless youtube comparison videos of 5170s and picture articles. Chrono24 and grey market sites consistently show that the 5170J Pulsation dial fetched the least resale value.  Highest resale value was the platinum, then the R black dial Breguet, then G black dial Breguet, then R white dial Breguet, then G white dial Breguet and so on.  I've seen many wrist shots of all the 5170 varieties and had decided that my choice to wear with a suit or smarter attire would be the 5170R or 5170G (white) with clean, open dial and applied breguet numerals. I imagined that traditional Calatrava inspired dial would be most elegant and understated. In my mind, the J Pulsation was not even worth looking at.

Yesterday morning, I took a special diversion to the Patek AD in Lagoona Mall Doha.  I did not know what they would have in stock.  I asked if they had a 5170 available.  He went into the back room and a moment later the salesman reappeared with a velvet covered tray and started unwrapping the protective plastic which surrounded the case.  As he unwrapped it I could see it was yellow gold.  Then he laid a 5170J gently in front of me.  I held a 5170 for the first time.  It was the only 5170 in stock and it was the 5170J Pulsation dial. I was stunned with its beauty, elegance, and classic presence. I didn't think, "Hmm, not as bad as I thought."  Truth is, the presence of that 5170J Pulsation dial watch made me forget that other variants of the 5170 existed.  That watch was sophisticated and commanding.  I asked for and was presented with a loupe to go over the dial, case and movement.  Having recently held and loupe-inspected an early model Lange 1815 Chrono and Lange Dato - I was no less impressed with the close up finishing of the 5170J. 

It's funny how picky I become when I'm online when nothing is at stake.  It's a testament to Patek Philippe design and execution that even the 5170 variant I thought I would least prefer left me stunned in appreciation.

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