Patek Philippe

I could go on and on about PP and Aquanaut shortcomings. 

the 324 movement has an inconsistent accuracy as compared to at least 6 other movements of which I've owned and tracked the accuracy. The 324 gains and then loses as much as a second or more a day (whatever watch I'm wearing will be on my wrist 23/7 usually) as opposed to my ETA and Rolex movements which would have a very very rare jumps and variations in their consistency of accuracy but would usually only gain or lose a consistent 0.X seconds day after day. The PP movements are probably more made for beauty than accuracy/very tight consistency and there is probably no corporate goal of improved tight consistency/accuracy and precision only general innovations (although impressive ones, i.e., the new balance wheel design) of the movements and technology, but I'm only guessing. 

The Aquanaut and Nautilus cases are more fragile than Rolexes, Omegas or Balls and much more sensitive to scratches, marks etc. 

The price point is probably unjustified and more a point of marketing than actual cost, but that is only a guess. I just can't imagine that the human, physical and natural resources required to create many of the PP pieces justify the pricing, but again the market demand is there and their pricing strategy isn't hindering them much. The weakness of such high end pricing strategy is that it can invite unneeded competition. 

Some of the PP designs are a taste to be acquired. Many are just a bit odd for the preferences of even the most discriminating of buyers. Octagonal shapes etc. many numbers and especially faces just don't grab me where as many other brands a more consistent beauty in their line up. Vacheron is a perfect example. I have a great admiration for the Blanc Pain commitment to only round cases, or the Breguet classic theme in face markings, but I can find fault with them as well. 

What most impresses me about PP Patrick and what I think you are reading into and seeing as somewhat an obfuscator of my objectivity is my immense respect for the PP stated business philosophies and values. I consult with companies to help them build strategy and part of that process includes philosophy, values clarification and commitments and I see PP and the Sterns being great exemplars of such a clear and congruent set of business beliefs that will take them far into the future. I am enamored with PP/Stern thinking more than anything at PP, the products though have much opportunity for innovation and positioning improvements. 

BTW, if PP doesn't create a couple of new options for the active wearers like me I can see myself going from the World Time Aquanaut to a completely other brand. For now they have me for a least a few years. I switch watches about every 2 years. 

But you are right Patrick, I'm probably defending them a bit strongly in some of my writing. This is just a break from work (often involving writing) and I wax verbose a bit too often on here right now. 

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