What also doesn't make sense is....

Aug 30, 2013,15:02 PM
 

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 only for the 3 and 9 and made some other cosmetic changes to the dial, and the watch looked quite different, yet they still used the 5134 designation.  On the other hand, when Patek updated the 5110 'World Time' it changed the designation to 5130.  I don't understand why sometimes they decide to change the model number and sometimes they don't. It can't be based on the movement, because the 5110 and the 5130 have the same 240-based movement.


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The reference numbering..... Is there a system ?

 
 By: akitaishi : August 25th, 2013-09:23
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.

Yes, numerical... [nt]

 
 By: *P*A*T*E*K* : August 26th, 2013-12:21

So what does the.

 
 By: akitaishi : August 27th, 2013-01:47
reference number say about the piece. Series starting with 5, do they mean anything ?

No system...

 
 By: Dave G : August 27th, 2013-03:27
See this interview with Mr. Stern himself which covers the topic. amp;fi=11&pi=2374081&ti=397486

5919?

 
 By: sam1234 : August 27th, 2013-05:48
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...

 
 By: akitaishi : August 27th, 2013-07:09
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..

 
 By: bulliondesk : August 30th, 2013-09:40
"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....

 
 By: descartes1 : August 30th, 2013-15:02
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 ...

 
 By: akitaishi : August 30th, 2013-19:14
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 ...

 
 By: GLau : August 31st, 2013-10:06
... 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

GOOD QUESTION

 
 By: worldtime : September 8th, 2013-09:21
It's a good question. will try to find out whats behind referencing.

No Logic

 
 By: justindependent : September 9th, 2013-06:28
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...