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Patek Philippe

Patek No. 2

 

This is one that I have always had my eye on and that has been on my wish list for a couple of years - although my AD told me that he has rarely seen these. I planned on the 5226 being my next Patek, but I got a call two days ago from my AD indicating that he got an extra allocation for the 5212. Initially, I said no - I literally have not given this watch a thought in a year or so. In response, my AD said to give it some additional consideration, check it out tomorrow in-person, and that if I wanted to pass, that would not be a problem. However, there was another guaranteed buyer, so I had to make my mind up with some quickness.

I spent the rest of the day thinking, researching, before ultimately coming to the conclusion that I would snag it. It is different from the 5226 but for me it fills a similar role - something that feels less precious that my 5205 and that will get more wrist time.

Without further ado:




This watch is very divisive - I know, I know, it looks like Patek used comic sans - but I find it utterly charming and quirky. I have a deep love for watches that are derided by others. The week complication is very odd and sort of rudimentary, but I think it is clever and I love calendar watches. I adore the 5 hands jutting out from the center, there is so much to look at. The case, with its welded lugs, is truly a pleasure and it is an incredibly comfortable watch on the wrist.

The 5212 feels completely different from my other Patek, the 5205 - the 5205 feels like a precious jewel, whereas this one feels much more casual and wearable and approachable. From a distance, it kind of looks like a sector dial. My biggest issue with the 5205 is my relationship to it - it feels precious and it has been reserved for specific occasions. Conversely, I do not want to take the 5212 off of my wrist. The fact that it is rendered in SS makes it extremely light, and it will not show as many dings as the 5205 - which, unfortunately, gets dings by looking at it funny.

Between it and the 5226, I am moderately torn - but I think I made the right decision. My AD relayed that he is expecting numerous 5226s next year, and he does not have a long list. But I doubt that I will add both to my collection. They fill a similar niche, and I am not too interested in filling my watch box with Pateks - especially when they are derivative.  I love that this is SS - which is unequivocally the better choice for a daily wearer - and it is an absolute strap monster. I already ordered a blue nubuck, which I think will be a great pairing.

Most importantly, I love that I want to wear it - that I am reaching for it. I often find it difficult to wear my nicer belongings, and I hate that such belongings often gather dust. But for some reason, I do not feel the need to keep this pristine - and I am not entirely sure I understand why that is the case.

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