Patek Philippe 5205G vs 5905P Comparison

SharpPencil · 2021-02-09T17:05:26Z

Disappointed with the Patek Philippe 5205G's dial? Explore collector insights on trading for the 5905P, comparing dial colors, wearability, and market value.

SharpPencil

WPS member · Patek Philippe forum

26 replies16269 views3 photos

SharpPencil's recent acquisition of the Patek Philippe Ref. 5205G, a long-admired annual calendar, has sparked a crucial discussion among collectors. His unexpected disappointment with the dial's color rendition and the practicality of its sub-dials highlights the critical difference between online perception and real-world ownership. This thread delves into the nuanced decision of potentially trading a 5205G and a 5164A for a 5905P, exploring factors like dial vibrancy, wearability, and market value.

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Hi guys,

The 5205g has been my dream watch ever since it was launched. However, I just gotten my 5205g yesterday and I must say that I am a little disappointed as I saw that in most pictures, the dial looks like a really nice gradient blue.

However, regardless of how I walk around in the sun, or worst still, indoors, the dial looks more black than blue. As you can see in my pictures below, both was taken by me and the dial looks almost black.

Does anyone have experience with the 5905p ? In terms of watch making, I understand that the 5205g annual movement is Patek's invention. However, I find the moon phase & 24 hour sub-dial not too practical. Hence I was thinking if I should make the jump to a platinum piece with annual calendar & chronograph.

Part of my heart says to keep 1 classic & 1 sports Patek.

The golden question is, do you guys think it's a good decision to trade both my 5164a and 5205g for a 5905p ? Is the blue on the 5905p more saturated than the 5205g ?

I've not tried on a 5905p blue dial yet, just a little worried about the 42mm as I have a small wrist.

About the Patek Philippe Aquanaut Ref. 5164

The Patek Philippe Aquanaut reference 5164 is a travel time model within the Aquanaut collection. This specific reference is identified as 5164A-001, indicating a steel case.

The 5164A-001 features a rubber strap. No further details regarding the case material, crystal, or movement are provided.

This reference appeals to collectors seeking a Patek Philippe Aquanaut with a travel time complication and a rubber strap, suitable for various climates.

Specifications

Caliber: 324 S C FUS

Case: Stainless steel

Diameter: 40.8 mm

Dial: Black embossed

Water Resist.: 120 meters

Crystal: Sapphire

About the Patek Philippe Patek Philippe Aquanaute steel Ref. 5164A

The Patek Philippe Aquanaut reference 5164A represents a significant evolution in the collection s history, introducing the brand s first travel time complication to the sporty Aquanaut line. Launched as part of Patek Philippe s expansion of the Aquanaut family beyond simple time-only models, this reference bridges the gap between the manufacture s renowned travel time expertise and contemporary sports watch design. The 5164A demonstrates Patek Philippe s commitment to bringing haute horlogerie complications to their modern steel sports watches, establishing it as a cornerstone reference that elevated the Aquanaut s status within the brand s hierarchy.

At the heart of the 5164A beats the automatic caliber 324 S C, a sophisticated movement that powers the dual time zone functionality with characteristic Patek Philippe precision. This caliber features a 21K gold rotor and delivers a power reserve of approximately 35-45 hours, while maintaining the manufacture s exacting standards for finishing and reliability. The movement enables intuitive travel time operation through pushers integrated into the case, allowing the local hour hand to advance in one-hour increments while maintaining running seconds and preserving the home time display.

The 5164A s design language perfectly embodies the Aquanaut s modern aesthetic philosophy, featuring the collection s signature embossed Tropical composite strap and the distinctive rounded octagonal case profile scaled to 40.8mm in diameter. The black dial presents exceptional legibility with applied luminous markers and the characteristic dual time zone layout, while the fixed bezel and sapphire crystal contribute to the watch s 120-meter water resistance. From a collectibility standpoint, the 5164A occupies a unique position as the sole steel Aquanaut travel time model, making it highly sought after by collectors who appreciate both the practical complications and the reference s role in defining the modern Aquanaut collection s expanding complexity.

Specifications

Caliber: Cal. 324 S C

Case: Steel

Diameter: 40.8mm

Dial: black

Water Resist.: 120m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The blue dial of the Patek Philippe Ref. 5205G often appears black in most lighting conditions, only revealing its blue hue in specific light, which can be a point of disappointment for owners expecting a consistently vibrant blue. In contrast, the 5905P's blue dial is described as a more saturated, consistent blue with a sunburst effect.
The Patek Philippe Ref. 5905P, while featuring a more vibrant blue dial and the desirable annual calendar chronograph complication, is noted for its significant weight and thickness, making it feel substantial on the wrist. This can be a decisive factor for collectors with smaller wrists, potentially leading to discomfort or the watch spinning.
The 24-hour sub-dial on the 5205G is considered by some collectors to be less practical or somewhat outdated, not significantly enhancing the watch's utility or enjoyment.
A chronograph function, such as that found in the 5905P, can be surprisingly practical for everyday tasks, like timing cooking, despite its horological complexity.
Trading a Patek Philippe Ref. 5164A, known for its beauty, versatility, and strong market performance, requires careful consideration, especially if the collector recently sold a 5711. The 5164A's value appreciation makes it a strong piece to retain in a collection.
The Patek Philippe Ref. 5960P might be a more suitable alternative to the 5905P for collectors seeking a more casual and versatile platinum annual calendar chronograph, particularly if wrist size is a concern and a more sporty aesthetic is desired.

The Discussion

FabR

Feb 9, 2021

Thanks for the nice pics SharpPencil, and welcome to the Patek forum! It's a personal decision, so even if I do find the 5205 (dial included) extremely classy, if you don't like it enough I agree the right call is to replace it with another reference..

As far as the 5164 goes, because of both its beauty and versatility (without going into market considerations), personally I would think *a lot* before moving it, also considering that, from what I understand, you recently sold your 5711.... If you are fully convinced, then I believe you should go ahead and sell it, but I do hope you won't have regrets ;-) Please keep us posted on what you decide! Cheers

SharpPencil

Feb 10, 2021

You’re welcome !

Yes yes.. the 5711g is gone. So far no regrets as I am absolutely happy with the 5164a. That’s why I’m stuck in a dilemma whether to trade it in for a 5905p. My love for the 5905p temptation started mainly due to the datograph which made me appreciate a chronograph for the first time in my life. But like what everyone else says, I’ll probably have to try on the 42mm. Just have to look for a dealer that has it in stock. I’m trying to love the 5960p but not sure if it’ll be a better buy than the 5

Jay S. Lpnk

Feb 11, 2021

Congrats on your new 5205G.

I would rather not trade these two for 5905P. I once owned 5170P. I think 5170P has the same dial colour as 5205G. It is one of the watch I regret letting it go. By the way, I just got 5164A, so imo I will keep these two in the collection for at least a year since price of 5205G and 5905P won't increase in the market. Only price of 5164a that will go up.

Monopolisf

Feb 9, 2021

I have spent time...

...with both models in person. The 5205’s dial is a darker gradient vs the 5905P which is a lighter shade blue and is a sunburst (it doesn’t fade to a darker color). I find the 5205’s dial to be stunning but it sounds like you may like prefer the 5905 dial. In terms of size, the 5905 is a much larger watch and it is also abnormally thick for a Patek. Definitely try it on before you purchase it. It’s a beautiful watch but I also have a relatively small wrist at 16cm and it’s borderline too large

SharpPencil

Feb 10, 2021

Thanks !

Good to hear from someone who experienced both the 5905 and 5205 blue dial in person. Yes now it sounds like I’ll prefer the 5905 dial. But guess I really have to head down to take a look at the size.

SharpPencil

Feb 10, 2021

Makes sense.

Trying to wear the 5205g as much as I can for this one week.