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 adept at "knowing" what will and what will not work. Of the modern references that I bought from new, I still own every single reference....and that process started some 8 years ago. SO, yes, I think there is always some element of "faith leaping" but I think it changes as we mature as collectors.