sham1
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My three favourite Pateks of all time!
Earlier today, fellow purist and master photgrapher, Foversta posted two lovely photos of the 5959P, a discontinued ultra thin split second chornograph which for me is my favourite chronograph ever and one of my dream Pateks. It got me thinking what other Pateks would I rate as highly as the 5959P and I can think of two others, the 5029R and the 3939P. All three have two things in common - they are relatively small by today's standards (the 5959P is a miraculous 33.2mm, the 5029R is 35mm and the 3939P 33.3mm) and they all spot Breguet numerals which for me is the epitome of romanticism. But these three watches could not be more different in that one is a split second chronograph, one is a automatic minute repeater (5029R) and one is a manual wind minute repeater tourbillon (3939P).
The 5029R is arguably the rarest as it was produced in only 10 pieces to commemorate the opening of Patek's new facility in 1997 in Geneva,. The 3939P is arguably the most complex of the three with its minute repeater and gorgeous tourbillon visible from the case back. The 5959P is an absolute marvel - most brands would find it impossible to make a split second chronograph and place the movement in a case smaller than 40mm. Patek have done it in a 33.2mm case and with a monopusher, mind you. Its thinness make this a very wearable watch. I think that is one of Patek's strengths. Many brands can produce complications but few manage to make them in thin cases.
Unfortunately, the above watches are unaffordable for many of us and even though they are discontinued, their high prices in the used market makes attaining them a challenge. But for me, they symbolise the best of Patek Philippe, the finishing, the complexity of the movement, the beauty of the case,dial and lugs, the excellent residual values, the rarity.
Thank you for reading! I have little doubt that you have your own favourite Pateks and I would be interested to read what are your favourite three Pateks of all time.
The 5959P inspired by Patek’s first split second chronograph monopusher from 1925 where the watch has the exact same dimensions!
Foversta perfect photo of the 5959’s movement
The 5029R - simplicity at its best! Notice the knurled crown.
The hinged back case displaying the movement
The 3939P
Too breathtaking for words - the movement of the 3939P with the tourbillon.
The relatively sober dial of the discreet 3939P
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My three favourite Pateks of all time!
Earlier today, fellow purist and master photgrapher, Foversta posted two lovely photos of the 5959P, a discontinued ultra thin split second chornograph which for me is my favourite chronograph ever and one of my dream Pateks. It got me thinking what other...
Good choice Nico!
A hard one to beat. The new 5539 in 37mm is nice but somehow the 3939 is nicer in my opinion.
Please don't get me wriong
I like the hands on the 5539 but I love the hands on the 3939. Just me and my weakness for Breguet hands and numerals
I think Breguet hands and numerals are so beautiful
that they look great on any brand and should not be thought as exclusive only to Breguet. See what Kari has done below. ...
I with both of you on Breguet Hands. It is too gorgeous and perfect for almost everything
Nonetheless that 5539 is asymetrically seductive beauty. IMHO it is worthy of love, in addition to Breguet hands
The 5539 is definitely lovable for many
I think if one had to choose, it would almost come down to one's wrist size. Someone with a smaller wrist might prefer either the 3939 or the 5539 while someone with a the larger wrist would definitely go for the 5539.
I agree and disagree dear sham1.
If you allow me, I will start with comments on your choices and then I will say my three favourite Pateks. I kindly ask you to consider that, these are my very personel opinions according to my taste and contains no objection to your comments. Different t...
Kerem, thank you very much for your thoughtful analysis
I cannot disagree with your choices and one out of three is not bad at all considering that there are so many excellent offerings from Patek. Yes due to my small wrist, anything between 31mm to 39mm will suit my wrist depending on the lugs although 34mm t...
Ability of making tourbillon and rarity of Patek tourbillons of course makes sense.
In my opinion, if there is a tourbillon cage, it is better to see it on the dial. But here, comes the problem. Very small amount of watches are successfull on it. Cutting the dial without interrupting the complexity and harmony of it is really hard job. S...
Yes many tourbillon owners would prefer to view the tourbillon
but I think Patek keep it hidden with the logic that the light breaks down the lubricating oils of the parts causing excessive wear. This would result in a more frequent service required. I also agree that quite a number of tourbillons are not cut very we...
Of course!
All the great pieces I was lucky to have come across were my dad’s. Now I’m just taking care of them for the next generation!
5959 is ideal for women
I always thought. The smaller size, the crown - a bit too feminin for men but perfection for a woman with style!
No disrespect meant to CBB
but I have seen larger watches wrapped around her wrist beautifully.
Totally agree. CBB can put on any size beautifully
Especially all those rare special unique pieces😍
I wish one day
CBB would organise a private exhibition of her watches for purists. I know this may never happen but I will certainly make my way there if it did
I think CBB would be pleasantly surprised
at the warm response should such an event occur. And yes it would be a very special get together with fellow purists!
Meeting
Definitely after all the Covid things are gone. Would be so nice to get to know all you watch enthusiasts. I don’t know too much about watches, not even close to my father, or any of you. But I might know a bit more as a lady.
Ah, you are too modest!
Most of us only appear as if we know a lot but in actual fact, only a handful of us are truly knowledgable (me not included!! )
I have little doubt your collection
will make your museum one of Thailand's most popular attractions. I can understand the complications with logistics unless of course your father has asked you to keep the collection private in which case, it is totally understandable. Just keep spoiling u...
I beg to differ
I think the 5959 is a great unisex watch especially for men with small wrists. Only 15 years ago, the standard 3919 Calatrava was 33mm in diameter. Here is a 31mm 3878J on my deformed wrist ...
You know me Mahesh with small watches :-)
My wrist somehow is very adaptable to small watches but struggles with anything starting with 40!
The man obviously had good taste! :-)
Yes watch sizes have increased ever since Panerai entered the market but I am hoping that watch sizes stay between 36mm and 39mm.
The watch was made for you!
But I was also impressed by your beautiful Patek Philippe handbag!! Gorgeous colour and perhaps only reserved for owners of the 5959P?!!
i was almost expecting you when i started reading this article...
you arrived with a bang ! you've a great taste for fine things !! Best, mahesh.,
Thank you all for your kind comments
I was surprisingly shocked to have received many comments on my 5959. I saw this lovely piece in Geneva and told my dad he’d have to definitely get it! One of 2 pieces I told my dad he had to get! It’s so classic looking with amazing movements although a ...
Your dad was clearly a most wonderful man and father with exquisite taste
The 5959 is quite an amazing watch like no other. Montblanc just produced a much revered split second chronograph in 44mm which is also quite thick but Patek has managed to do it in a tiny package which in itself is a complication and a technical feat! Of...
Why would anyone need anything else?! :-)
Split second chronograph and a minute repeater tourbillon! Great choices.
You and I my friend :-)
I love legibility of a dial that exudes class which is why I chose these three watches. But that of course is purely my personal taste
That's two out of three which is quite something :-)
I was afraid that few would appreciate my selection and would be more partial to the 2499 or the 5070. I prefer simpler watches or at least simple to look at
My pleasure :-)
I have noticed anytime a top 3 or top 5 is mentioned, a healthy discussion will develop because in most of our minds, we have our favourites and grails.
Along the lines of the 5029...
...the 7200R-001 is not a complicated watch, but I consider it an amazingly beautiful watch for women...what I would buy for my wife if she'd let me : ) As a bonus it has the 240 movement along with the Breguet numerals and lovely hands... Credit: Watchon...
I could not agree more!!
You must convince your wife or better still, surprise her!! Here is my 7200R London Edition which I truly treasure. ...
I didn't know about this one...
...I don't like the rose gold and strap color in the photo I posted for a man's watch...but yours is beautiful. I would wear that in a heartbeat...size not an issue on that classic : )
Thank you for your kind remarks!
Mine was actually released as a ladies watch in a limited edition of 80 pieces but when I saw it, I just had to have it because that comes close to my perfect Patek. In fact, it remains the watch I have owned for the longest period which is a testament to...
I've always assumed it was meant for the 'ladies' market but that's not a fair assessment on my part...
...there are many men (me included with my 7.25" wrist) who would gladly wear this watch. It is a pure dress watch, and I would wear anything in that category down to 34mm or so. My only quibble was with the original strap that I saw...you have remedied t...
My London Edition came with a black strap
but I requested for a brown strap which I thought would bring out the best in the watch. I agree that the standard 7200R is a tad more feminine but with the right colour strap, it could pass for a men's watch and you could share it with your wife!
The brown works great...good choice...
...writing a check today for a Rolex for my son's birthday, so won't be buying a Patek any time soon...don't have the deep pockets of this group : )
Your son is a lucky man!
My son only received a Tissot from me as fortunately he is not into watches Lots of nice Pateks at reasonable prices in the used market too so one is spoiled for choice at every budget!
i saw a 5959P on sale recently...well now all you've to do is write a cheque ;-)
i think all of them are timeless dial designs with one thing that adds to the brilliance...Breguet numerals, i'm a big fan too ! Best, mahesh.,
I am happy to write a cheque Mahesh
but my bank manager will be laughing when he sees it!
I also saw a 5959P-001 for sale recently and I haven't seen many for sale
The was a bit surprised when I saw the asking price and I think the watch offers fantastic value for money.
I saw that one too!
I too was shocked at its 'reasonable' price and I think it has to do with its 33.2mm case size. I am actually keen on this piece but am thinking how many of my watches I will need to sell to get close to the asking price!
I also think the secondary price is 'reasonable' due to the case size.
Secondary price for a 5950A- 001 is significantly higher than the secondary price for a 5959P, even though still below last known MSRP.
I personally prefer the round case of the 5959
I have a 5940G perpetual calendar which has the same case shape as the 5950. Lovely case but I believe a round case is always preferred, even if small.
You are most welcome!
It was your post on the 5959 that inspired me. In fact, I am even trying to do a deal on one that is currently for sale but I think the timing is against me!
Wow, I had never seen that split second chrono!
Absolutely love the classic look of it, and the 33mm size sounds perfect! It's unfortunate that complicated pieces with clean dials and smaller sizes are such a rarity these days...
We think alike! :-)
This watch was only discontinued two years ago and I wish Patek kept it in its collection. Apparently no more than ten pieces were produced annually in platinum (2005 to 2015) and in rose gold (2016-2017) so quite a rare beast!