My reference to the price point not supported by its

level of complication was comparing it to the 3970, same movement - different case and today a way different perspective of each not to mention their respective price points. Of course, you are right about some of the auction sales of pieces just blowing the doors off.

I often wonder how pieces like this, whose commercial success was dismal during the day, are now "the" pieces to own? What I mean is who got the ball rolling .. auctions, secondary market folks? And why these pieces? Was there an opportunity because of its low production and demand which allowed these pieces to become what they are today?

The 3450/3940 relationship was equally strange. During its production, the 3450 did not fare well, but the 3940 was a smashing success and in my opinion, for good reason. But what makes the 3450 such a grail watch now? Why so special to command the premium over the 3940?

There are several other references which could be considered including the 3700 to the recent 5135.

This is a very interesting topic which could be discussed till the cows come home, but oh what fun.

💰1730 Marketplace Listings for Patek Philippe›

Who Said Two's Company, But Three's A Crowd?

By: patekova : May 26th, 2015-11:24

If ever there was a Patek, the appreciation of which (or lack thereof) has changed dramatically it is the 5020. During its short production run it was almost universally reviled as "ugly". Today many Patek collectors regard it as a grail watch and "beauti...

crazy picture ... I am still ambivalent about this so called TV watchh

By: watch-guy.com : May 26th, 2015-13:29

Would love one see one on my wrist to make any final decisions Any chance of a loaner? Julian

Lucky to see one, let alone 3, and for those that love it, its a magnificent piece [nt]

By: ImranLondon : May 26th, 2015-15:28

I quite like the new 5940, 5950

By: Mark in Paris : May 26th, 2015-15:25

The cushion-shaped new Patek Philippe are really beautiful and there is always a kind of period when they are appealing again. This 5020 is really elegant and has not been yet replaced in the new collection, it exists with a PC+Split (5951) or Split only ...

Love

By: el1125 : May 26th, 2015-16:10

i love them! Phenomenal collection you have there.

Interesting Perspective

By: patekova : May 29th, 2015-11:18

Mark, thank you for your thought provoking analysis and expression of appreciation of the 5020. I was quite surprised when Patek revisited the 5020 shape in 5940, 5950 and 5951, etc. Frankly, I was a little disappointed. patekova

That's a nice crowd...

By: patrick_y : May 26th, 2015-20:43

Murder of crows. Bale of turtles. Army of frogs. Gaggle of geese. Crowd of Patek Philippe 5020s. I simply look at it as the way to describe multiple nice Patek Philippes. And I've always liked the TV-style case of the 5020s.

Cushion shaped pateks

By: geross : May 26th, 2015-22:55

Wow , great collection. Both chrono & pc , i am sure a joy to own. So much pleasure to wear. 2 complications are better than one. Great. Cheers! Geross

I didn't care for it then and time has not changed a thing.

By: whit : May 28th, 2015-13:54

I believe its low production is the sole reason for its status as a "grail" watch. The price point is not supported by its level of complication. It's amazing how the demand for a reference can be poor during production and once discontinued, BOOM! When t...

Low Production=Grail?

By: patekova : May 29th, 2015-11:13

Whit, thank you for your reply! and certainly you may be right that the sole reason for the 5020's "grail" status is low production. However, I must disagree with your more general statement "The price point is not supported by its level of complication"....