akitaishi
295
That is why ...
I raised this question. One that is fundamentally curious to anyone that takes an interest in the watch. It also makes us wonder , going back in time, how did they choose the reference numbers for their first watch and then subsequently decide the numbers from there. The fact that it was random makes no sense and is hard to stomach. Assuming we consider the set of all reference numbers that are 4 digits, there are only about 9000 numbers to use.
Someday the brand will run out of numbers to use. No forgetting the mentioned problem that without a system, it's easy to have a "clash" in reference number and then the referencing would not be unique. Just like if our IP address weren't sorted out systematically, how many clashes and conflict in numbers would we have?
Well, it's a problem that Patek has to sort out someday and it will be interesting in the long run how they resolve the problem when they run out of 4 digit numbers to use. But till then, the burden is on our "mental library" to remember the reference number of our favorite pieces with few similar characteristics and trends.
The reference numbering..... Is there a system ?
Do they mean anything ? I wonder. As in references come in the numbering like 3XXX, 5XXX, 6XXX etc. Is there any meaning to the watch that starts with 3, 5 or 6 etc ? Just a random thought that crossed my mind.
So what does the.
reference number say about the piece. Series starting with 5, do they mean anything ?
No system...
See this interview with Mr. Stern himself which covers the topic. amp;fi=11&pi=2374081&ti=397486
5919?
Now I'm really confused. In the link you provided Mr. Stern referenced the 5919 as the successor to the 3919. Makes perfect sense numericaly (larger version of 3919) but I thought the model he was referring to is the 5119. Was there a model 5919? His expl...
From the horses mouth...
Well, it's indicative that "many new collectors" like myself wonder about the reference numbers. Since it's Mr Stern who said it, then the case is clear. However it just makes us wonder if they ever run out of reference numbers to use. For a watch company...
Well said..
"However it just makes us wonder if they ever run out of reference numbers to use. For a watch company with more than 1.5 century of tradition and having made so many pieces. It just amaze me how they keep track of their watch reference numbers especially...
What also doesn't make sense is....
why Patek will sometimes use the same number for a different version of the watch, where the new version is quite different for the old one. For example, the 5134 'Travel Time' at one point has all arabic numerals. In a later version, used arabic numerals...
That is why ...
I raised this question. One that is fundamentally curious to anyone that takes an interest in the watch. It also makes us wonder , going back in time, how did they choose the reference numbers for their first watch and then subsequently decide the numbers...
Patek staff told me that ...
... there is some logic to it and that's why they all can talk about different numbers and know exactly which watches they refer to Let me find out some more and get back to you guys
No Logic
There is no logic to this and it comes from the horses mouth. If there is and they dont tell you, then they dont want you to know.... a bit like their production numbers. Just because they follow the 3919 with the 5919 means nothing. they followed the 511...