Mike H
[AHCI Moderator]
10327
You will probably be surprised but I am another one…
…who doesn’t want to choose exclusively vintage OR modern, I go for vintage AND modern. Of course I have a soft spot for vintage but without exclusivity. As Oscar Wilde was saying « I am a man of simple tastes, I am satisfied only with the best » 😉
As an evidence my favorite trio:
Of course my Wonder Watch on the first step of the podium
The 5970R is also on the podium but I would not qualify it in the modern era: it is semi vintage (mine is 16 years old) and last generation with Lemania movement, the best of two worlds between vintage and modern…
And I agree that a modern one in the collection is quite convenient for all the reasons you have mentioned, and I confess I find the 5168G utterly perfect for this purpose…
My two cents…
More posts:
Patek 3448J versus Patek 5496P. Vintage versus modern. Usually Patek collectors collect vintage OR modern, a relative few collect both. What do you prefer?
For me it has been a journey. Starting in the mid 1980s it was exclusively vintage. Then starting in the mid 90s after the introduction of the 5035 leading to other incredible watches, I moved exclusively to modern. About another 10 years after that I mov...
Thanks Patekova for a thought-provoking (and potentially really broad) thread! ;-) I guess one could write a book in response, but let me just mention that, so far, I have personally focused on *modern* Pateks...
I haven't "studied" too closely the reasons behind my choice, and I definitely don't rule out I'll get into certain aspects of Patek's vintage production in the future. However, in brief, my preference came so naturally that I assume its initial motivatio...
Wow!!! Fab, your response is precisely what I was hoping to receive. The 3448 vs 5496 comparison, was merely intended as a vehicle
to lead to a broader discussion of 1) vintage vs modern and 2) the individual collecting journey. Your very detailed and personal response regarding both broader topics is illuminating as to what makes your horological clock tick (pun intended) and your j...
I hear what you’re saying
Modern classic both have pros and cons. But it’s the “family” or brand that’s connecting the dots.
Yes, you are absolutely correct. There is a lot of vintage/brand DNA in almost all the current offerings. (I would not say that applies to some of the super high end current collection,
but Patek is also very forward looking trying to appeal to new collectors’ sensibilities.)
You will probably be surprised but I am another one…
…who doesn’t want to choose exclusively vintage OR modern, I go for vintage AND modern. Of course I have a soft spot for vintage but without exclusivity. As Oscar Wilde was saying « I am a man of simple tastes, I am satisfied only with the best » 😉 As an ...
Mike, I think your viewpoint is worth a lot more than 2 cents😊. Nice to receive a response from someone who is “bi-horological”.
Totally with you on 5970. Already a classic, soon to be vintage. For me the most appealing modern watch by Patek. While I have and thoroughly enjoy my 5167A, your 5168G blue has tremendous aesthetic appeal. Also love your Oscar Wilde quote. Hope you don’t...
When facing such beauties, it is difficult to choose
Question about 5496P: a large part of the appeal (for me) are the tiny date raised numerals, which are pretty much unheard of! Patek seems to print the date numerals on the current 5496P dials: is this correct or are there two dial configurations? Thanks ...
To the best of my knowledge there have been 3 versions of the P dial. First, silver with non-completed circle around moonphase.
People did not like this aspect. Second, bronze colored dial with completed moonphase circle. Third and current dial added highly unusual raised gold numerals for retrograde date. Hope this is helpful.
The first is gorgeous
I guess it’s the vintage Patek. Sure, the other newer Patek is not bad. Back to the vintage. 3448J. The open look, silverish, white and lovely leather strap. Actually, it was better if a modern movement was in, albeit the charm of the ancient movement is ...
Firstly those are lovely and historical wristwatches.
Now to the other part of your question. I personally am more into modern watches because they are generally more robust as well as modern sizes fitting me better. With vintage there is more work making sure the watch is all correct as well. I purchased a ...
Thanks Patekova for such
an interesting post ! 👍 I focus on modern Pateks but do realize many of vintage watches are really good. I am just afraid it will take me down to. Rabbit hole
My pleasure Gordon and thanks for your kind words. Yes, vintage can be tricky. From a security/confidence standpoint one can’t beat buying brand new
direct from an AD. That said there are some pretty nice rabbits down that hole.😊
I’m a vintage baby but I equally and enthusiastically collect both modern and vintage. They offer very different things and neither can serve as a replacement to the other
But right now especially I’m enjoying “post-vintage”. Late 80s, 90s and 00s.
Thanks HA for your reply. I noticed that you straddle several decades in your collecting, eg 2499 1st series to 5970 to 5270.
Certainly Patek has produced many amazing watches starting with the 150 th anniversary introductions into the 90s and 2000s.
Stopped by AD today and strapped on a 5496P
Incredibly beautiful! These watches need to be put on the wrist before making any judgement. ...
+1, that is an excellent point (on an excellent watch)...It looks like I also posted two pictures of the 5496 here in the past if it helps, apparently from two different visits to ADs in Europe or the US (given the different shirts! ;-)
It's a reference that I'm pretty sure is not difficult to source at MSRP in most regions, if someone is interested. Cheers ;-) ...
Thank you for your very kind words.
Yes 3448 occupies a special place in Patek history, the first self winding perpetual made in series by any manufacturer.
