Patek Philippe

I recently came upon this - a PP 3796S in yellow gold. My understanding is that these are exceedingly rare (Sapphire back for the Japanese market). I've only seen mentions of this in G white gold but this one was in Yellow. The seller was asking 20K which...  

could be a different reference - 5096 - if diameter is 33mm instead of 31 mm (3796, solid cashback)

I didn't get a chance to measure it but I tried it on and it definitely wore like a 31mm. 5096 has sapphire back, right? But I'm pretty sure it wasn't. The case back (see image) is stamped 3796S. I've never seen the yellow version, though

if genuine, a great find and should be very rare

The most important thing is whether the seller, assuming a dealer, is a reputable one ! In such case, ask for references and online comments. Other members will provide great comments for you. Let us know what you decide and why.

Thanks. I guess my impression of the seller is that he didn't know exactly what he had (meaning the specialness of the sapphire back on a 3796). I found him in the diamond district 47th St. in Manhattan - and so there is a bit of hit and miss with reputat... 

WARNED by a big watch collector about the diamond district watch dealers 😅

totally agree, though there are a few good guys there too. not sure if the person I met with really cared too much about the watch, so he wasn't trying to hard sell it. he said it was sitting in his vault for a year

A small 3998P Calatrava and no regrets. My dealer there was pleasant to deal with, had great reviews, and had a friend come over who worked at Henri Stern to open it up and also had the crystal replaced for me there. Actually wearing exactly that watch to... 

Is in line with other references (ie he doesn’t know) just buy it and then find out. If he catches wind he’s not selling it to you. That seems fair game. If you are just arbing him on information that’s not something you should expect. Especially if you a... 

I have been looking at the 3796 a lot lately, all versions of it. Like you, in the digging / research that I’ve done I have only seen references to the White Gold Japanese LE. But I was not necessarily looking for that, it just so happened it comes up a l... 

I'm leaning toward passing on it. Based on everyone's feedback, it seems like this is a legit example but I'm not super keen on the condition and it's certainly not a bargain at 20K given the condition.

Several ref. 3796SJ can be found online, attesting that it isn't a myth. Some even come with papers. You can follow the links below to see by yourself: Facebook https://ginzo.jp/en/products/802500031342000 https://commit-watch.co.jp/products/s9s02954?srsl...  

Thank you so much for sharing these examples from Japan. I'm leaning toward passing on this find and looking for something in better condition. I'll be out there in July (I go once a year). I've done my walks around Ginza and Nakano Broadway but there are... 

because the asking price is high for a watch in not great condition and without papers! Have a great weekend.

As a culture, I’ve found conditions there to generally be the best and you are more likely to get box and papers.

Japan’s a decent market for this kind of watch, classic Patek in small case size. And as you likely know you’ll see them everywhere. I do those same rounds regularly, although until the upcoming trip I’d not been looking for “boys size” Calatravas ! 😂 ...