MTF
[PuristS]
13383
Some answers
brettandstephanie,
5196P: First shown at 2004 Basel Show, probably first deliveries were in early 2005. No one has a crystal ball to predict production longevity but this is a simple and classical design and they tend to stay around a bit.
In comparison to some of the paperweights strapped on by our visitors, I don't recall anyone complaining about the weight of this slim watch even if it is made of platinum 
I guess never say never but it is unlikely that a special order display back for this watch would be done unless you are a MAJOR collector known to Patek Philippe. It's just not a business proposition for a standard production watch.
Light buffing may be done at regular service intervals and major scratches can be refinished. This watch has a delicate finish so NEVER try anything at home unless you are a qualified master case finisher and with the right machinery.
Nobody can predict the answers to your questions: Will the next non-diamond platinum Calatrava likely use the Cal. 215 movement? Will it have a display back? When do you think such watch will come to market?
5120G: The lugs for this particular case do look soldered on separately.......
How do owners feel about the addition of deployant clasps to either of these watches? It's personal taste; it's easier to share the watch if on tang buckle. This watch can be shared by a male-female couple, assuming you're not both at opposite extremes of a normal distribution curve for wrist size, for your gender i.e. one has 8 inch wrist and the other has a 4 inch wrist!
Do they maintain the comfortable feel of a leather band, or are they at all uncomfortable? In a way that is like asking, "When did you stop beating your wife?" Comfort is dependent on your wrist shape / size / form / fat / bony etc....... But generally, PP know how to make a comfortable deployant.....
Does the watch lay flat for storage with the clasp attached? Not completely; you can make a semblance of "flatness" by sliding out the leather strap from the clasp.
Hope some of that helped.
Regards, MTF
This message has been edited by MTF on 2007-10-26 11:38:44
Calatrava Questions