Duffymcpatzer
108
Vintage Patek Collecting
Hi all, been a while but thought I popped in and get some much needed advice from this crew. I have spent a long time reading and enjoying learning more and more about Patek’s history, Rolex history, general watch history, and movements history. For me it is all amazing and interesting.
I was thiiiiiiiiiiiiis close to picking up a 1951 ref 2460 before the 32mm size gave me pause. I generally don’t have a problem going small but I freaked a bit. That said, there were a few other issues with the watch which made letting it go easy.
Which brings me to you all - what are your thoughts on smaller pateks? I’d love an early ref 96 for the historical appreciation but yeah 30.5mm ooof.
What about vintage pateks in general? Any tips? Buy the seller, best condition and originality, etc… but most of the watches are not quite perfect and frankly I’m not sure what the best trade offs are.
What are your top checklist items?
What’s a red flag for you? Hiding the serials online? No papers?
What are some things you’d let slide? Light polish? Dial refinish?
I have poured over the Banberry book which is MUST have in any watch library. I’ve studied movement design, case design for many references I’m interested in, and dial layouts that intrigue me. So I feel like I’m as armed and ready as I can be to start my vintage watch journey. Let me know your thoughts!
Side note: Watch pic just for fun. Also my focus is on center/sweep second movements - 12-120 SC, 27 SC - and early Automatics - 12-600AT, 27-460. I'm hopefully going to do a deep dive on these movements and I'll post it up here at some point.
Ref 2460
Vintage Patek Collecting
Good luck Its along road ahead
9-90 is a beast!
Julian covered it well, I'll add my 2c.
Everything has been said I would say. Regarding the size, I will share my own experience, my 1st (serious) watch was an IWC Portuguieser Rattrapante (42.9mm) diameter and for years could not imagine myself with less than 40mm...
Good luck with hunting for vintage Pateks ! My PuristS friends tell me that they represent a very
Condition…Condition…Condition… These are the 3 most important factors for me in buying a vintage watch but of course there is MUCH more to it than that.
You are very welcome and thank you for your kind words of appreciation. I forget to include one very important factor which is …
