Vintage
Ron (Moka-Tiger), a seasoned collector, recently navigated the complexities of acquiring a semi-vintage Patek Philippe Calatrava. His original post sought community wisdom on the critical distinction between a Certificate of Origin and an Extract from the Archives for older references. This article distills the expert advice shared, offering invaluable insights for anyone considering a similar acquisition.
I am considering purchasing a 25-year-old Calatrava.
This will be my first purchase of a "semi-vintage?" PP watch.
I found 2 options that are in excellent condition. (Both are the same model.)
Option 1) "Certificate of Origin", brand-new PP strap, paper PP box with leather case. (No overhaul by PP)
Option 2) Extract of the Archives, receipts for 2 overhauls by PP service center (in April 2022 and in 2008), brand-new PP strap, paper PP box (seems no leather case).
I am considering option 2 not only because the watch has been overhauled 2 times, including one done this year, but also because it is priced several thousand $ USD less.
I wanted to know your opinions in regard to the necessity, importance, or value of having a Certificate of Origin vs an Extract from the Archives for older PP watches?
I assume for an older watch the Extract is good enough. Or maybe, "watch only" is good enough without any papers for this one (?)
Thanks in advance for feedback.
Ron
that if a certificate of origin accompanies an older Patek watch, chances are the owner may have kept it in better condition than one where the certificate of origin is missing. I personally keep every box and documentation that accompanies a watch but some people do not unfortunately. Watches with the certificate of origin tend to cost more than those only with the extract from the archives simply because there is only one certificate of origin issued per watch whereas an extract from the archi
Sure extract is second best but still proves solid verification. You must produce the case serial and the movement serial as well as five pictures of the watch including the strap/bracelet. Patek will check to see that what you provide corresponds to how the watch was born. No mis matching and assembly from parts will pass the test. So yes extract is important when buying a watch without the certificate of origin. As to which watch the one that is unpolished i.e. best condition case. You can alw
As this is my first foray into an older Patek, all of your feedback gives me more direction on how to approach Option 1 and Option 2. So far I have only seen the watch online. It looks beautiful in pics, but could be disappointing when on the wrist. I never buy without box and papers, and I know the Certificate of Origin is the better paper. The Archives I thought would add some benefit in lieu of the Origin. But several of you feel it's not much of a benefit, so hence the cheaper price of Optio
I would pay more for a watch with the original papers because that, for me, is the icing on the cake. I cannot comment on the deal without knowing when the watch with papers had it's last service, how old it is, what the price difference exactly is OR what a rehaul would cost Questions!!
A) you know the dealer and can try on the watch not just see pics of the watch! B) when a watch has the papers, it means it comes from someone who took well care of the watch and cared for it! C) it canβt be copied papers vs a archives can be touched the watch! D) if you ever wanna get rid of the watch it will be a easier and more valuable sell!
This time I was wondering about the importance. Both A and B are 25 years old. Paper is icing on the cake for A, but I am wondering if it has ever been overhauled in 25 years. I am planning to go check this week, if the watch is still available.
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