WatchFan1
1367
welcome here twobar...
I can appreciate your situation.
I started with Casio when I got out of college.
In 1993/4 I 'splurged' (I thought) on $700 Tag (Quartz!!!) and I felt guilty for a long time that I spent
“That kind of money - on a watch !!!” In 1996 came another Tag ;-)
in 2000 I purchased my first Rolex and just at the end of last year I bought my first Patek.
You came to the right place for information. Stick around here - read archives and old posts and use Google some more ;-)
There are other sites, other blogs & forums. Sometimes even second hand stores and Internet sellers have great info on their web pages.
Visit your local AD and get this year's and last year's brochures AND the BOOK. Ask if you could get the Hard cover
catalogue (about 200 pages.) Read it. There is a lot of great info about Patek watches, history, models, calibers etc.
It is not conclusive info - but a great start without getting overwhelmed.
Not all ADs have this book readily available as they just normally give away cheaper (much thinner and smaller) brochures.
But call or visit more dealers & get this book - it is a good start and will not cost you a penny.
also...instead of waiting many years before purchasing that dreamed about new model....while you are learning
more and more about Patek...why not get a nice vintage piece that is more affordable.
Best of luck and welcome here !
M.