Patek Philippe

There is one thing that will never be achieved. Well there are many more than that in fact. But there is one that links us all here.

I'm sorry to write it so directly, without even knowing if you're comfortably sitting, safely readied for such fact. In case take a seat.

OK so let's write it: a Patek Philippe collection can't be achieved!

You doubt? You should not.

There are many factors that drive us constantly away from the goal, not even the fact that you have to begin the collection (I'm talking to myself there).

You think that specializing in certain models like minute repeaters for instance can help you centre the target, decrease it to an attainable selection? No way!

Have you seen how many models of minute repeaters have been launched this year and in the recent years, after perhaps a full decade of quietness and now deceived hope of achievement?

And that's not limited to such complicated models. There have never been in the range as many references of chronographs as of today, and the same for the discontinued ones of course.

In fact all ranges are regularly renewed so it's an endless task, a bottomless hole in your pocket.

And that's not only Patek Philippe that is responsible. You are too. Yes you are. Yes! Why can't you say no to an enamelled worldtime? Not even to a guilloche one!

Three years ago you were collecting mainly dressed watches, wondering which one was the most formal, and now you look for pictures of sports PPs taken underwater. Or the contrary it's up to you …..

You know you're sick, but the sickness is more pleasing than recovering, so you keep choosing a new target, a new reason to go ahead. You had never really thought of an annual calendar before, looked at them as if they were entry level complications, and now this new version is tempting you but you wonder if you should not take the one that has been out for nearly ten years and that you never looked at before. Why?

You never really own a Patek Philippe collection, you merely start building the basement on which the tens of future generations will try endlessly to achieve something. And they won't! Don't worry they won't do better than you do!

In fact time does it that some references that were vulgarly new when issued, or some ranges like the annual calendars, are now see-able as close to vintage.

And now who can seriously argue that the watch pictured on our mast head is dead gorgeous!

In fact time seems to be fair with nearly all Patek Philippe references. They are generally only increasing in appeal with time. And even when they no longer appeal to you they often appeal to others.

Furthermore former references are generally not buried by their successors, they just get to be seen as gone treasures that it is time to catch before disappearing in vaults (what a pity).

And speaking about vaults you may evaluate how many vaults of collectors would have to open for you to let you attain so many vintage references you may be hunting now or later.

Can you imagine how many vintage references unknown to you are already being chased by other collectors?

So I think it's clear that achieving a complete collection of Patek Philippe watches, even of a certain type, is an unreachable goal. Still if you got the virus and lived it well so far, why not pursue?

Again and as often isn't the road better than the destination?

On my side I feel that I'm addicted to a drug that I've never tried. I wonder if it's care to wish to try it! Probably I'm just at the beginning of the road.

An opinion? Do you want to have a look on yourself?

Anyway enjoy the summer and holidays (if applicable).

Cheers

Dje