quattro
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Why?
Why doesn't this Patek Philippe reference 5110, which on paper has everything I love, fully appeal to me?
Before trying it on, I was convinced I would love it and that it would become one of my must-haves.
Yet, when I tried it on, whether in rose gold or platinum, the magic wasn't there.
Why?
Let's start with the platinum version: it's clearly the cooler of the two and it's truly very attractive.
But coolness isn't a quality for me because what I look for in watches is something to be passed down, a family heirloom.
Does that mean a watch has to look like my grandfather's watch to appeal to me?
Maybe so, to be honest! I don't deny it, and it doesn't bother me at all because that's simply what I like.
The rose gold version is therefore my preferred choice, without the slightest hesitation.
And yet, even it doesn't fully appeal to me.
Why?
Well, first of all, I'm not drawn to automatic watches. The 240 micro-rotor movement is iconic and quite remarkable, but it doesn't really speak to me.
credit: perusiawatches.it
The only micro-rotor movement that has truly captivated me is the Laurent Ferrier:
I was sold on that one.
But, to be completely honest, if I could change it for the hand-wound Tourbillon, I would.
Secondly, even though I like the world time complication very much, there are other versions of it that I find far more appealing.
The reference 1415 HU, for example, which is a dream of a watch for me despite its small size.
Or an Andersen Genève Communication 24.
credit: A collected man
Not to mention the reference 515 HU, which would be an absolute grail and dream, but being a unique piece, it will necessarily remain just that—a dream.
In short, even though I love the world time complication, this isn't the version that truly captivates me.
Finally, let's talk about the case. Its size (37 mm) is perfect, and I like both the lugs and the crown guards.
But the case of the Laurent Ferrier speaks to me even more.
Or that of the Cornes de Vache.
The conclusion is therefore inevitable: even though the reference 5110 is wonderful in its own way, and even though I easily and completely understand why it's so dear to the hearts of so many among us, it's simply not for me...
Of course, I'm aware that I might change my mind someday, but that's my feeling for now, expressed as honestly as possible (and, I hope, with full respect for the feelings of others), and it was important for me to clarify my reasons.
Thanks for reading.
Best, Emmanuel
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Why?
Why doesn't this Patek Philippe reference 5110 , which on paper has everything I love , fully appeal to me ? Before trying it on, I was convinced I would love it and that it would become one of my must-haves . Yet, when I tried it on, whether in rose gold...
My reasons are of course purely personal,
but I'm glad if they sound understandable. Thanks for chiming in. Best, Emmanuel
Very nice in its own right, but definitely too sporty for me
and a little too “chunky” for my 16 cm wrist. Trying it on was very interesting, though: www.watchprosite.com Best, Emmanuel ...
😂 “But, to be completely honest, if I could change it for the hand-wound Tourbillon, I would.“
Hahaha, who wouldn’t….one of your better quotes! For the rest, I understand where you come from. Enjoy your weekend, Dirk
Yes, this sentence might sound a bit silly, my apologies... 🫣
That said, I think some of us prefer self-winding movements and would prefer an automatic (and front) tourbillon with peripheral rotor like those made by Vacheron for example. Have a great weekend too, Dirk. Best, Emmanuel credit: Sjx ...
Owning watches that truly suit us is obviously the best situation for each of us.
It is very personal and mostly comes down to what obscurely and persistently resonates within us. My sole aim was to try to understand and explain why this particular reference, which I greatly admire, doesn't produce that little something magical that I'...
I agree with you, for me it’s just something about the dial. It doesn’t sing to me.
Perhaps it’s the lack of contrast, not enough color I don’t know, but from my perspective, it does not give me that special feeling it should
You might be right, Tony,
even if the P variant has a dial with a nice contrast, but still doesn't move that little something deep inside me... I imagine that part of the reason for our likes and dislikes is destined to remain somewhat mysterious. Best, Emmanuel
My pleasure. Just some very personal thoughts and feelings,
but I wanted to try understand why I didn't feel what I expected to feel. Best, Emmanuel
Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
I have contemplated a 5110 vs 5130 vs 5230 on multiple occasions. They each have their own unique charm and appeal. If I could combine elements of all 3, it would be ideal. But obviously I can’t so my indecision, coupled with the fact that I don’t have a ...
Yes, the AG Communication 24 is wonderful.
Concerning the 5110, 5130 and 5230, I have a personal preference for the 5110: the size works best for my wrist, in particular. Best, Emmanuel
From everything you’ve said
I’d go with the latest Reverso duo with the travel complication that came out, I believe, in 2025 As far as I know, they still sell them. I’m partial to the blue dial but I’d personally change the strap for something more casual.
Unfortunately, I have a complicated relationship with the Reverso:
I admire it and like some variants, but only the small cases suit my wrist, and I regret that JLC made so many variations of this watch over the years because this profusion has ended up dissolving some of its originality in my opinion. Just my personal...
These are beautiful watches but they aren’t for everyone.
And I feel the same way you do.
What resonates with us and what doesn't is obviously very personal.
There's nothing wrong with the 5110; on the contrary, it's a reference I greatly admire, but it doesn't produce that little indefinable something I personally look for. I'm glad you share my feelings, here, but I certainly and completely understand why ot...
I had a 5110R I bought new from an authorized dealer and the lever for changing the time zones felt like a clunky loose afterthought. The small rotor was never too reliable.
It felt like a cheap thing generally so I got rid of it. But then, I’m not a PP fan at all.
I find it very interesting that you mention
the the clunky time zone mechanism because it’s definitely a thing I noticed and found a bit disappointing too. Thanks for sharing your personal experience with the 5110R. Best, Emmanuel
Well mon ami, I think it looks gorgeous on your wrist!
But… To each one his own. You are more inclined to vintage, especially 40’s - 50’s watches, which happen to be exquisite timepieces. I loved the JLC also! Best regards
To each his own, of course!
In fact I find the watch nice on my wrist too! It just doesn’t feel like a watch I want to own or feel I “need” to own. Is it the Geophysic you have in mind when you say “the JLC”? Best regards, Emmanuel ...
Hi Emmanuel, everyone has his/her own favorite watch, right ?
Many find 5110 attrative, including me ! On the other hand, the 5130 scissors "hands" are iconic !
Absolutely, Gordon!
My intent was only to clarify the personal reasons why I don’t feel fully compelled by the 5110 even though I think it’s a great watch in and by itself. And I fully agree with you concerning the “scissors” hands of the 5130! Best, Emmanuel
Because you cannot overrule your heart!
My dear Emmanuel, I understand your feelings very well. Sometimes we love the IDEA of a watch more than the watch itself. On paper, a Patek World Timer is almost impossible not to admire: history, complication, elegance, travel romance, and of course Pate...
I completely agree with you, Thomas!
You express very well the possible gap between the idea of a watch and the emotion it gives in person. My intent was just to try better understand the actual reasons of the absence of deep emotional connection I felt with the 5110. Which means trying to b...
MY BIGGEST MISTAKES
were the watches I bought for intellectual reasons: brand prestige, perceived brand value, movement reputation, technical hierarchy, all things like that. Almost all of those watches eventually left my collection again. The ones that stayed were the watch...
It's interesting what we like and what we don't like...
I find the post- ca. 2000 world time pieces to be modern classics. I'm a bit smitten by most of them. The 5110R on my wrist is gorgeous, if slightly small. John
They definitely are modern classics, John!
And I really admire them. But it seems that they don’t fully connect with what I’m personally looking for in watch. And I just wanted to try better understand why. Best, Emmanuel
Sometimes there is no why - just the presence or absence of an emotional connection...
As you/others note... That's the most important, after all. This is not really an intellectual pursuit, although that can be an important element...
Of course, you're right,
emotional reasons can't always be clearly grasped and intellectualized. But I still find it interesting to try to understand them better, even if a part of the mystery remains…
I think it’s a great piece too.
But the 39.5 mm diameter doesn’t work as well as the 37 mm of the 5110 on my wrist. And as I said in the post above, I just feel more attracted to other kind of Worldtimers and I’m not passionate enough about automatic movements in general and about the 2...
Of course Emmanuel. This is such a personal hobby. Everyone needs to follow their heart.
There is no other path to being happy with the watches one has imho. Have a great weekend my friend, Alex
I’m not sure what you mean by
“let us “Rachmaninov over these”” but you definitely have a great trio here, Ivan! Best, Emmanuel
Thanks for sharing your feelings about the 5110 Emmanuel
I fully understand, it's very personal and the wrist test is unpredictable. For me it is the go/no-go test for all my watches. The WT is a complication I love, both for practical and esthetical reasons. ...
Thank you for being so understanding and for sharing your wonderful duo!
The 5110 and 5130 are both wonderful references in their own right. For the reasons I have tried to explain above, they do not evoke in me that obscure but essential feeling I’m looking for, but I know that this is purely personal and that it does not det...
I fully understand!
Many times that I thought I would love a watch but it didn't sing to me in the wrist.
I certainly understand, respect, and share your perspective!
Having said that, the 5110R is love at first sight for me, and not just for her aesthetic beauty!
Likewise, I absolutely understand your love of the 5110R.
There's no doubt for me that it's a great piece in itself. Were my expectations and inner dreams different I could/would want to own it. Best, Emmanuel
Thank God we don’t all love the same watches
…and of course your pov about 5110 can only be respected but for me ref 5110 will always remain one of the most beautiful worldtimers specially in rose gold and platinum versions
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with the 5110!
On the contrary, it’s a gorgeous watch. It just lacks this little something I’m looking for in a watch. Nothing more than a personal feeling and very personal expectations. And my only intent was to try clarifying my reasons not at all to criticize this r...
I can understand your pov
5110 P (and even R) are really top cool but I also didn’t pull the trigger on them again (I say again as I had both of them in the past). Probably I need something more spicy now, a Worldtime that would bring me a WOW effect and not only being super cool…...