sham1
9768
In terms of complexity of movement
I would say that the 5100P is definitely at least twice as superior as the 5500P. I cannot comment on the complexity of making the pagoda case compared to the manta ray. Based on this I would say that a 5100P at two thirds of a price higher than the 5500P would seem a good buy. Saying that, for that amount of money, one should seriously consider a 3970P or even the new 5170P!! 
Available on the marketplace
2,850 Patek Philippe listings are live on the eBay market and 1721 collector listings on the WatchProSite marketplace.
Hi All, my "lurker" friend needs your advice. For his milestone birthday, he had wanted a collectible piece. Hence, I researched, suggested and then sourced a 5500P (aka the Pagoda) for him. His questions now are:
1 - how does it look on his wrist ? 2 - how rare and meaningful is this piece in your opinion ? 3 - reasons why would you wear the Pagoda as a daily beater or only for special occasions ? 4 - after wearing it (infrequently), would you think that the Pagod...
My take as first one to answer
Dear Gordon, I understand that you know well 2 friends (the seller and the potential buyer). It is quite difficult as each person has his own criteria to add a piece in his collection. - his style of life - his others watches - to wear it in special condi...
Hi Patrickh, many thanks for your frank advice which is exactly what is needed in this situation !
Being the PuristS friend of both the buyer and seller, I need to be independent at the decision point because I brokered the deal as a personal favor to both (the process was enjoyable BTW). They are happy with the terms which represent a win-win, and it ...
Distinctive watch, but not for everyday
i own the Pagoda in platinum and it's an extremely special piece. I could wear it with a suit or jeans - day or night. I would worry however about it as an everyday watch.
Hi Michael, thank you for your reply from a...
owner's perspective ! The buyer is kind of feeling that the Pagoda is more for formal attire. Cheers, Gordon
The Pagoda
Hi Gordon, I used to own this reference in P, R and Y, not at the same time though. Meanwhile there's none in my collection. It's a very special Patek in that the case was unique to this reference, which means after the 2000 pieces had been produced, the ...
size are different for his small wrist
5100: 33,9mm x 46mm 3969: 28mm x 38mm=my recommendation, but maybe not in Pt due to the higher price. But gold versions could be more casual! Cheers, Patrickh
Hi Francis, if the 5100P can be obtained at a price less than 2/3 more than the Pagoda, would that ...
be a really good deal in your opinion ? Cheers, Gordon
FYI, the Pagoda price was struck at a level...
...less than what buyers paid in auctions and higher than what sellers got at the end. Thanks Gordon
Hi Gordon!
1. The watch looks fine on his wrist and black dial would be more suitable for a formal occasion. 2.This piece is rare mainly because of the number produced but the movement as many have said is quite common unlike some of the other limited editions. It r...
Hi Sham, thank you for your views ! What do you think about the Pagoda vs the Manta Ray given
the pricing information I gave in my replies to Francis ? Cheers, Gordon
In terms of complexity of movement
I would say that the 5100P is definitely at least twice as superior as the 5500P. I cannot comment on the complexity of making the pagoda case compared to the manta ray. Based on this I would say that a 5100P at two thirds of a price higher than the 5500P...
Very elegant watch for special occasion Glau....
I think all Pateks' are collectible. If it would be the only Patek Philippe he owns I would go with something like Annual Calendar or a Aquanaut. Something to wear everyday if you feel like it and to hold in the box if not. Best Regards Edward
Thank you Edward for your thoughts ! IMO, the Pagoda definitely
would be suitable for certain occasions (work with suits/business casual and parties). Cheers, Gordon
Yes, I agree this is a watch for all occasions...
and a show of good taste. I am sure he would love it. Best Edward
Having never seen a plat model ( I have the YG model and wear it occasionally)
The model wears large and high off the wrist I have never had a big issue with scratches I think if he loves it - go for it but I suspect he may find it spending more time off his wrist than onion he is not totally smitten Me I just love these pieces!! Ju...
Hi Julian, thank you for your feedback as a owner !
The yellow gold looks regal ! Did the YG come with a black strap ? Cheers, Gordon
I like these shaped Pateks quite much
I would like to have one. It has a very unique character, a special flavor and are very interesting to look at. They have also this less traditional though very classical elegance that define many Patek watches. Now, when dealing with this type of shape, ...
That's a very good point Mark!
The 5500 is definitely more wearable than the 5100 which is 6mm longer although not as thick as the Pagoda.
Hi Mark, great comments from you !
Definitely food for thought on the selection process. Cheers, Gordon
Thanks ch9698 for the nice photos !
Your garden watch photos are excellent ! Cheers, Gordon
Thank you all for your useful comments ! After reading your replies, my lurker friend decided to ...
NOT buy the Pagodas P. Main reason being that, although he likes the watch, he felt that it was too elegant for him to enjoy often. He was also worried about damaging it.
Thanks Gordon for the update.
wise decision and besides, quite a lot of money for a simple watch with no complications even though it is rare. I have the same problem with the 3960G and 3960P which are great looking watches but I will be paying over the top for rarity!