Thanks for provoking an interesting discussion, Shun, on a much more substantial topic than it would seem at first! Here's my take, which might surprise a couple of you: Patek Philippe is NOT a cult! :-)

Disclaimer for anyone who got into watches a few minutes ago: 1) Nobody loves Patek (the people, the brand, the philosophy, and most of the watches) more than I; 2) I've been fortunate to call myself a good friend of Patek (the people and the brand) for several years now; and 3) I've even been its Moderator for this platform for 3.5 long years (co-Moderator for this first 2, to be always fair 😅☠️😱🤴🕺🚑, and single Moderator since April 2022).

Well, that watch collecting (including Patek and Rolex collecting!) should not be viewed as an investment is obvious to most of us....but I'm romantic enough to reiterate it in these overcrowded and unpredictable times of ours!

Now straight to the point: While this is a joyful, fantastic passion, it is NOT a “cult” my friends! The term sounds way too cheap, narcissistic, and naive to be used in horology --- whether you are an independent author or... Patek Philippe themselves!

If you happen to moderate a major brand for a forum or publication, you'll soon become familiar with their communication style. As many of you know, among other things, if you do a serious job as Moderator, you'll receive the materials for their official announcements. (It was a true honor to make them live for you, right here, for the past 3 years.) And I can guarantee you, as someone who also writes for some top academic journals for a living: Patek Philippe's style --- and the quality of their English translations! --- is top notch, on multiple levels.

However, it turns out they DID occasionally use the term "cult" too! Ha! As far as I can tell, it mostly happened in reference to the unprecedented success of the Nautilus line... But honestly, it surprised me. So here are two of Patek's (otherwise spotless) recent releases, which I did not include in my official WPS announcements but are now publicly available:

https://www.patek.com/en/

Final, happy note: My friends at Patek currently appear to favor terms such as "legend" or "icon" (or derivatives) in lieu of "cult," which I find more appropriate

Thanks again, Shun, for a typically thought-provoking thread!

FabR

Patek Philippe

Thanks for provoking an interesting discussion, Shun, on a much more substantial topic than it would seem at first! Here's my take, which might surprise a couple of you: Patek Philippe is NOT a cult! :-)

What does the title of this book,「 Cult Object」, mean? Could someone please tell me the nuances of it?

Cult would be in the sense of worshiped. PP are worshiped or subject to a "cult" in the religious term... Paraphrased to something like: Worshiped object and Investment

Thank you very much. In short, does the content of this book be written from two perspectives: an introduction to models worth collecting, and investment methods and precautions?

Hard to say as I don't know thi book. My gut feeling would be that it is an introduction to PP and how horology can become an investment. I would say more for newbies than for actual collectors, but you would better ask someone who knows the book !

I have the book...

Thank you. Thanks to you, I finally understood the position of this book.

By the way, what is the title of this book in German?

Patek Philippe Armbanduhren. Kult Objekt und Wertanlage.

danke schoen

:-)

Haven’t read the book, but I find it weird that the cover watch, Ref 5135 (while I happen to like it), is generally not appreciated, has gone nowhere value wise

The original german version has a classic calatrava on its cover :)

Thank you for giving me this very important information.

Which is great for me as I love this reference : )

To me, a 'cult object'...

I am in your corner. Always loved 5020 especially the P. I think the 5135 is extremely attractive (although too big for my wrist… I have tried more than once). Maybe it will have its day like 5020.

The 5020 is a grail watch for me...

I don't like the combination of Cult Object and Investment at all. Or it is about Cult, or it is about Financial Times.

I got the book in 2015 and love it since then. Cult object means something specific: the classy calatrava, which hasnt changed from the 30s to the 80s. The book focuses on this line and time.

Am perplexed, as still trying to figure out the difference between a Religion and a Cult.

The difference between a cult and a religion is about a thousand years : )

Hmmm, I better get going then on my religion of the Mechanical Timepiece.

I think the term Kult Objekt in German can be translated to "very desirable" or 'sought after"

This is The Cult one must follow

Or... The Blue Oyster... ;)

Thanks for provoking an interesting discussion, Shun, on a much more substantial topic than it would seem at first! Here's my take, which might surprise a couple of you: Patek Philippe is NOT a cult! :-)

Fab, couldn’t agree more that the word “cult” as applied to Patek collectors is IMHO demeaning and extremely negative. It often connotes an almost blind obedience

Thanks Patekova, and in perfect agreement. I can't imagine the author had any nefarious intent, or at least more nefarious than selling a book by confusing his readers on my beloved brand! :-))

New book about Patek watches

Thank you Sir! ;-)

Thank you very much. In short,　does the content of this book be written from two perspectives: an introduction to models worth collecting, and investment methods and precautions?