David Allen
185
Finally Joining the Patek Family: 5980
I learned about Patek on the first day of university. My new dormmate flashed a gold Calatrava on his wrist that his dad gifted him when he turned eighteen. I asked him what kind of watch it was and he told me that Patek was the greatest watchmaker in the world. I was fascinated since that day despite my being distracted by other watchmakers. Fast forward twenty-three years later and I decided that I needed to right this wrong.
Behold the 5980/1A-001. It's my first chronograph too, which is crisp and smooth on this watch. The blue is skewed toward dark (which explains why Patek identifies the dial color as 'noir' on the papers), but occasionally flashes a steal blue-grey as seen in this photo. The bracelet wears very comfortably. The size seems just right. I think this is the type of watch that endures. For the record, I'm fairly certain I will not be giving this to any future child of mine when they turn eighteen. 
💰1729 Marketplace Listings for Patek Philippe›Patek Philippe Calatrava · 2 for sale · 8322 discussions›
Finally Joining the Patek Family: 5980
I learned about Patek on the first day of university. My new dormmate flashed a gold Calatrava on his wrist that his dad gifted him when he turned eighteen. I asked him what kind of watch it was and he told me that Patek was the greatest watchmaker in the...
Beautiful watch! But... Are you sure the papers are accurate?
There was a noir dial version of the 5980 that had a red chronograph hand. It's not the one you have. Perhaps the seller got the papers mixed up (people are human, it's a possibility)? You should double check the papers and see if the serial number matche...
Thanks, Patrick.
The watch just came back from a full service and light polish from Patek. It came with a newly minted Archives paper that confirms the movement and case numbers matching along with the 'black' dial. I know the real black dialed 5980 didn't come to market ...
Got it! Good to know!
Black frame would make sense, as there is that ombre effect. Seems like you really did your research! I didn't know that there were different hairsprings! I'm very impressed!
I hope your roommate was a nice guy!
Did he know why Patek Philippe was considered the greatest watchmaker in the world? I'd be really impressed with your roommate if he really knew what set the top watchmakers apart! But perhaps he was only repeating the marketing message. Either way, the d...
I'd be impressed if any 18 year old young man knew the name of Patek let alone owned one.
At the end of the day, we all parrot what our parents say and do. He was no exception. ;-)
So very TRUE!
But yes! Good for him! I found Patek Philippe on my own - my parents weren't crazy about watches - at least not to the same extent I was.
Great choice! Enjoy it to the max
I have received a call some hours ago from my AD and will update on an N in some days as well
Congratulation! Superb watch for 1st PP!
I got 5711 as my first but couldn't resist 5980 as well 5 years after 5711. Have you measured its daily accuracy (Geneva seal vs +3/-2 for PP seal) ...
Great first choice! Congratulations!!
Hopefully you’d get to wear it everyday!! Given this is only available in the secondary market, hopefully, you didn’t have to pay too much of a premium. I think the prices are cooling allowing collectors to buy and wear the watches. All the best!
Warm welcome and what an
iconic piece ! Love the heft of this reference ! Enjoy it often and look forward to more of your Patek posts.