Patek Philippe Ref. 5085/1A Ownership Story
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Patek Philippe Ref. 5085/1A Ownership Story

By dmedly · Oct 11, 2012 · 18 replies
dmedly
WPS member · Patek Philippe forum
18 replies11247 views12 photos
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dmedly's inaugural post offers a candid and relatable account of a collector's journey, from early watch enthusiasm to acquiring a Patek Philippe Ref. 5085/1A. His story resonates with many who navigate the often-misunderstood passion for horology among friends and family, providing a personal narrative on the evolution of taste and the deep satisfaction found in owning a truly special timepiece.

Hello,

I've been a reader of this site for a few years now but have never posted, after my latest purchase I thought I would finally take the plunge and share with some like minded people who are more appreciative of my obsession. My family and friends really don't understand my enthusiasm for horology and are at a loss as to why I would spend so much on something that "just tells the time."

As a youngster I always wanted the latest Casio, through my drunken teen years it was a durable Swatch and then finally at the age of 25 I took the plunge and bought a Omega Constellation. Then once in my early thirties I changed jobs and decided to treat myself to a new watch, I wanted to buy another Omega but the more expensive models just seemed to have diamonds on which wasn't my cup of tea. Whilst trawling the internet to find my next horological masterpiece I came across a name I had never heard of but once I started reading and learning about this company the more I realised that the best, most popular brands don't necessarily make the best products.

I'm sure you've guessed by now that the name of the company I'm talking about is Patek Philippe, I went through their watch list on the internet... some I liked, some I didn't and most I couldn't afford, but there was always one that tickled my fancy and it turned out to be their cheapest complication too, but still a bit too expensive for me. Fortunately one day whilst walking through a shopping centre in London a new jewellers and Patek AD had opened, I looked in the window and spotted the watch I had been dreaming of and went in to see it in the flesh. After a while the salesman approached me and asked if I wanted to take a closer look. I told him it was a bit rich for me but he insisted and then told me that as the shop was new and that they want to get punters through the door I could get 20% off the rrp, which really got me thinking...after a bit more haggling I was able to get nearly 30% off the rrp and was the proud owner of my first Patek Philippe!

The

The "controversial" but much loved PP5085.


Battered & bruised!

Battered & bruised!


But I believe a watch should be worn...

But I believe a watch should be worn...


...and this was worn everyday!

...and this was worn everyday!

Now I know this is not everyones favourite piece, but I loved it and wore it with pride, knowing that most people didn't know what it was because it didn't have Rolex, Tag or Omega stamped on it made it all the more special (to me). My work involves me dealing with the public everyday and only on two occasions in the nine years did anyone comment on it, one was the manager of Marcus and the other was a man picking up his watch from Watch Club.

Unfortunately this year I started to fall out of love with it, I have quite a large wrist (8 inch) and started to think that the 37mm size was a tad small for my wrist and the bracelet could be a bit tight in the summer when hot, not because I've put on a few kilos in the past few years!!! I contemplated keeping it and buying a few other brands so I could pick and choose a different watch every other day and I liked the idea of having a collection. i looked at a JLC Master Compressor Memovox - I liked the idea of the alarm, and also the JLS Tribute to Polaris. I looked at a Panerai PAM00048 and also a Hublot Big Bang Tantalum, but yet again there was another watch that caught my eye, well two...but the A. Lange & Sohne Langematik Anniversary is pretty rare! As you may have noticed I seem to like watches with a dark dial and after having watches with bracelets for the past 15 years I decided I wanted a strap this time around.

For six months I couldn't make my mind up what to do, did I really want to have four watches all with black/grey dials? Then one day I noticed the bracelet on my PP5085 was a bit loose around the lugs so I popped into the Patek Philippe boutique and asked them if they could check it and tighten whatever had come loose, unfortunately it was bad news and I was told that I probably needed a new bracelet as it had just worn away at the lugs (fat wrist!). So with the cost of a new bracelet, service and spit & polish I felt it was time to move on...

May I introduce you to my PP5726

May I introduce you to my PP5726 (CHUFFED!)




...and yes, this will be worn everyday too!
























I have to say 'I love It!" I know some would prefer to have a bracelet, but for me this is the best looking watch on Patek's list apart from the new regulator, or maybe the chronograph versions, but I have know need for a stopwatch and moonphase & date are more important to me.
Now I know I've got a bit carried away and taken up far too much of your time but I would like to point out that I am not rich, I just work hard and appreciate the finer things in life. I saved up for years for my first watch and have saved up for years for this one, maybe in another 8-9 years time I will sell up again and move on to the next big thing. but I have one question...

I'm considering fitting a PP5712R brown alligator strap to this watch, with beige/cream stitching...brown shoes - brown strap, black shoes- black strap, your thoughts?

Thank you for your time.

dmedly

ps. Apologises for the poor quality pictures, first time for everything! smile

About the Patek Philippe Ref. 5726

The Patek Philippe Reference 5726 represents a significant milestone in the manufacture s annual calendar collection, combining the practical sophistication of an annual calendar with a sleek nautical aesthetic. Introduced as part of Patek Philippe s modern sports-elegant lineup, this reference demonstrates the brand s mastery in creating complicated timepieces that maintain everyday wearability. The 5726 builds upon Patek Philippe s rich heritage of calendar complications, offering collectors a contemporary interpretation of haute horlogerie that bridges the gap between dressy complications and contemporary sports watches.

At the heart of the Reference 5726 beats the exceptional Caliber 324 S QA LU 24H/303, an automatic movement that showcases Patek Philippe s technical prowess in calendar mechanisms. This sophisticated caliber features an annual calendar complication that automatically adjusts for months with 30 and 31 days, requiring manual correction only once per year at the end of February. The movement incorporates a 24-hour indication alongside the traditional calendar functions, displaying day, date, month, and moon phases through elegantly arranged subsidiary dials. The self-winding mechanism ensures consistent power delivery while maintaining the thin profile necessary for the watch s refined proportions.

The 40.5mm stainless steel case presents a contemporary interpretation of classic Patek Philippe design language, featuring clean lines and perfectly executed finishing that exemplifies the manufacture s attention to detail. The striking blue sunburst dial creates remarkable depth and luminosity, with its rich color serving as the foundation for the symmetrically arranged calendar displays. Protected by a sapphire crystal and featuring a fixed smooth bezel, the 5726 balances functionality with aesthetic refinement. For collectors, this reference represents an accessible entry point into Patek Philippe s complicated watch segment while offering the prestige and technical excellence associated with one of horology s most revered manufacturers. The combination of stainless steel construction, practical complications, and distinctive design elements positions the 5726 as a highly desirable piece for both seasoned collectors and those building their first serious watch collection.

Specifications

Caliber
Cal. 324 S QA LU 24H/303
Case
Stainless Steel
Diameter
40.5 mm
Dial
Blue sunburst
Water Resist.
30m
Crystal
Sapphire crystal

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The Discussion
AM
amanico
Oct 11, 2012

Welcome here! Best, Nicolas

SM
small-luxury-world
Oct 11, 2012

that you decided to post your story after reading only. Welcome! Your passion is all what counts and from your story I would say there is lots of passion :-) Looking forward to your further contributions. Congrats you got yourself a great watch - once more. Oliver

JO
joeysing
Oct 11, 2012

I'd say go with the 5712r. With the synthetic strap, the watch would be great for everyday use.

IM
ImranLondon
Oct 11, 2012

I loved the 5085 too As for changing the strap would you believe I have thought of that exact same combination and have yet to make my mind up I'll try to photoshop it and post the pic here Best Imran

TO
Topcat30093
Oct 12, 2012

You are far from being alone, when you say "My family and friends really don't understand my enthusiasm for horology and are at a loss as to why I would spend so much on something that "just tells the time." I have had the "pleasure" of listening and responding to that very same question on many occasions! LOL Your replacement choice imo is an excellent one. Now that you have made the first step with your post, the rest will be easy..........look forward to reading further contributions from you

PA
patrick_y
Oct 14, 2012

Congrats on your new watch and your first post! Great looking watch, and I would love wearing it on a the rubber strap that is included with the watch as well. Enjoy! How many years of service did that 5085 provide you?

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