patekova
1832
Who Said Two's Company, But Three's A Crowd?
If ever there was a Patek, the appreciation of which (or lack thereof) has changed dramatically it is the 5020. During its short production run it was almost universally reviled as "ugly". Today many Patek collectors regard it as a grail watch and "beautiful". It was so disliked, it is generally accepted that during its short production run, fewer than 250 examples were manufactured in all metals combined. Compare this to its round version cousin, the much beloved 3970, approximately 3,600 examples. How did it happen that the appreciation of the 5020 changed so dramatically? It's a mystery to me, although I guess some factors could be: It is a large and thick watch in line with contemporary standards; and maybe rarity somehow influences one's aesthetic sense and leads to "desirability".
Obviously, I love the 5020. Did I feel that way from day one? Frankly, no. Didn't love it, didn't hate, but I did like it. Over time I got to appreciate it more and more.
I wonder how other Purists feel about this reference and if their view of it has changed over time. Also I wonder what other Purists think has contributed to this relative "dog" becoming the "cat's meow"?
Best, patekova
Who Said Two's Company, But Three's A Crowd?
If ever there was a Patek, the appreciation of which (or lack thereof) has changed dramatically it is the 5020. During its short production run it was almost universally reviled as "ugly". Today many Patek collectors regard it as a grail watch and "beauti...
crazy picture ... I am still ambivalent about this so called TV watchh
Would love one see one on my wrist to make any final decisions Any chance of a loaner? Julian
I quite like the new 5940, 5950
The cushion-shaped new Patek Philippe are really beautiful and there is always a kind of period when they are appealing again. This 5020 is really elegant and has not been yet replaced in the new collection, it exists with a PC+Split (5951) or Split only ...
Interesting Perspective
Mark, thank you for your thought provoking analysis and expression of appreciation of the 5020. I was quite surprised when Patek revisited the 5020 shape in 5940, 5950 and 5951, etc. Frankly, I was a little disappointed. patekova
That's a nice crowd...
Murder of crows. Bale of turtles. Army of frogs. Gaggle of geese. Crowd of Patek Philippe 5020s. I simply look at it as the way to describe multiple nice Patek Philippes. And I've always liked the TV-style case of the 5020s.
Cushion shaped pateks
Wow , great collection. Both chrono & pc , i am sure a joy to own. So much pleasure to wear. 2 complications are better than one. Great. Cheers! Geross
I didn't care for it then and time has not changed a thing.
I believe its low production is the sole reason for its status as a "grail" watch. The price point is not supported by its level of complication. It's amazing how the demand for a reference can be poor during production and once discontinued, BOOM! When t...
Low Production=Grail?
Whit, thank you for your reply! and certainly you may be right that the sole reason for the 5020's "grail" status is low production. However, I must disagree with your more general statement "The price point is not supported by its level of complication"....
My reference to the price point not supported by its
level of complication was comparing it to the 3970, same movement - different case and today a way different perspective of each not to mention their respective price points. Of course, you are right about some of the auction sales of pieces just blowing ...
3940 Versus 3450
Hi Whit, Thank you for your post. I always find your posts both interesting and well reasoned and since you are a former AD you bring a unique and valuable perspective. For whatever its worth (or not) here is my take on 3940 versus 3450. 3940 is a fantast...
Thank you Julian, Miranda, el1125, Patrick and Geross
for taking the time to respond and share your viewpoints on 5020 - certainly a watch that engenders mixed reactions, from strongly negative to strongly positive and everything in between. patekova
Interesting point
Short lived References due to lack of desireability can end up being more collectable. Good point.
Don't know who said it
but obviously he was not right :) Still this reference is not what induced mental picture of what Patek is for me Cordially D