FabR
[Senior Patek Moderator]
26166
Welcome here. I'm not familiar with the rest of your Patek collection, but I view this model as a truly excellent "entry-level" Rare Handcraft (if such a concept exists) and you would be making a terrific choice by acquiring this in-catalog reference ;-)
I did include its "cousin" 5088/100P in my private collection last year, which is also in-catalog, as I believe at least one hand-engraved model should belong to any serious Rare Handcraft collection. This year, I kindly received a TERRIFIC yellow strap for it (pictures below), and I TRULY love this craft more and more! 
As I said, I'm not aware of the rest of your collection, but a Rare Handcraft in regular production (this 5738G or even a 5231G) is of course relatively more accessible --- always for a good collector --- than the out-of-catalog references (5089, 5077, 5177, etc.), for which the competition has been incredibly tough during the last few years. You can take a look at the models I announced here on March 30 if interested, which I believe have not been posted on Patek's site yet.
Since I always want to be fair to everyone, here are also a couple of possible issues I personally see with this reference (hence I chose the 5088 over it). First, as some members already pointed out, legibility is, for obvious reasons, not optimal on either a 5088 or 5738 (not a concern for me, as I don't use Rare Handcrafts to tell the time, but it might be a legitimate issue for some! ) Second, both the 5088 and the 5738 house the iconic....round....Caliber 240. Since I view Patek's Rare Handcrafts as the highest meeting point between art AND horology, let me just phrase it that, for me, a 5088 was THE way to go
) Second, both the 5088 and the 5738 house the iconic....round....Caliber 240. Since I view Patek's Rare Handcrafts as the highest meeting point between art AND horology, let me just phrase it that, for me, a 5088 was THE way to go Finally, back to a huge plus side, keep in mind that for all of its Rare Handcraft techniques (wood marquetry, miniature painting, enamel, and hand-engraving), Patek ONLY employs THE top artists on this planet. Hence, with this 5738, you will be certain to have acquired --- and be wearing --- a true artwork
As a closing point, I see where you took the picture from, and also that the secondary market on a Rare Handcraft reference can expectedly reach 2x the retail price (which for a 5738 is 67,700 Euros including taxes; I can ask Patek for a price in your currency if you need it). My best and very frank advice is always: *never* pay one cent above MSRP for watches in current production ;-)
Hope this brief feedback will be helpful!
FabR (Senior moderator)
My 5088/100P with its new yellow Patek strap
Engraved buckle and yellow strap
Yellow moderator
The iconic 240 movement
More posts:
PP 5738/51G-001
What do you think? [Included the full reference number in the title so as to avoid confusion with the earlier Platinum iteration --- FabR (Senior moderator)] ...
Two classically beautiful designs brought together…
the GE case and the arabesque engravings. I wish this one was in platinum like the calatrava version.
Good point, though a P version was in fact introduced first, on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the Golden Ellipse, as a LE of 100 pieces. Subsequently, this G iteration entered the regular catalog (of course still very limited in production).
I'll correct the title of the thread now to eliminate any possible ambiguity Below is Patek's link with some details on the "original" hand-engraved 5738 in Platinum. Cheers ;-)
Oh wow, Fab, that P version is amazing! I had no idea they actually produced that!
This must have been infinitely more difficult to obtain than these current 50th Anniversary AP models. Thank you very much for sharing the link showing the exquisite P version. 🙏🏼
Seriously, this is one of those pieces that I could seriously consider trading in most of my collection for…
but it still wouldn’t be enough! 🤣
It's a work of art...
But I wonder how to value that art. Is it really worth as much as asking over the standard dial? That, I am not sure of but value is, of course, a very personal subjection.
This watch appeals to a niche market due to its dial and case design
Most importantly is that do you love it? If you like it, don;t buy it. If you love it, buy it irrespective of what anyone thinks!
It's lovely to look at and I love it....BUT......
I could never wear it because as a watch, it's alost impossible to tell the time. (Or is it just me?)
Very difficult to read ..
Hi, I considered it, but found it difficult if not impossible to read. While it is great art, I therefore didn't take it, while loving the series in general. I think it is a personal choice of finding the right balance between art and functionality ....
Welcome here. I'm not familiar with the rest of your Patek collection, but I view this model as a truly excellent "entry-level" Rare Handcraft (if such a concept exists) and you would be making a terrific choice by acquiring this in-catalog reference ;-)
I did include its "cousin" 5088/100P in my private collection last year, which is also in-catalog, as I believe at least one hand-engraved model should belong to any serious Rare Handcraft collection. This year, I kindly received a TERRIFIC yellow strap f...
Wow Fab I’m guessing you’re a huge fan of yellow?😉
I should have sold you my yellow turbo back in the day. Best, Jorge ...
Thanks
Thanks for your ideas and information, very useful and directive ☺️👍. I am in Hong Kong and there is one in AD. I am asking for buying that one and hope PP will sell to me. 😃😃
Well done with the strap!
And the suit and yellow buttons on the shirt! What are some of other strap options you would consider?
Lovely engraving 👍
It fills a good spot in a collection if you need a rare handcrafts piece. In terms of legibility, IMO telling time is not the primary function for this piece 😃
This is going to be a biased reply
Winding a watch to some is a chore and to others a pleasure. Telling the time with one of these watches is kinda the same. It’s either something you can enjoy, or not. I enjoy “finding” the time against the backdrop of what I consider to be art, and beaut...
