Patek Philippe

I took an extended break from purchasing watches, in an effort to enjoy the watches that are already in my collection (a JLC dress watch, a Rolex Submariner, a Speedmaster Professional, and others), but I have decided to come out of retirement.

I short, I have always wanted a Patek and my next watch will be a Patek.  I doubt that anything else can scratch the itch.  I would like something more than a simple Calatrava - a complication is a necessity.  Further, I would like something that is horologically meaningful to Patek - in other words, I am not interested in, say, the pilot's watch.  I do not want to buy used, but am OK going grey (my AD sucks).

Strong wearability is a must for me.  I'd prefer something that is on the thinner side and the smaller side.  My wrists are 7", and I do not like to go too big.  I often wear suit and tie for work, but also dress very casually at other times.  That said, I have no qualms wearing a dress watch with a t-shirt, shorts, and sneakers.

At this point, I am vacillating between three watches, specifically, Refs. 5231J, 5236P, and 5327G.  I'd be interested in hearing thoughts and, if anyone has any tips on how to make this kind of decision, I would love to hear those as well.

There is a strong likelihood that this will be my only Patek.  After this, I'm interested in a Lange - most likely, an 1815 up/down.  Thereafter, I want to go back to collecting watches in a more reasonable price range, and focusing on my other hobbies.  In any events, some of my thoughts are set forth below...

5231J - I love this complication, I love the romanticism of the dial, and I love the size.  I'm a wee bit skeptical of the YG, but I do think it is a great color with the cloisonne dial.  Perhaps my biggest reservation with this one is, perhaps, it does not feel that youthful?  (I'm a younger guy).  Also, I am not too excited about how I surmise I will be purchasing this watch (i.e., paying above MSRP at a grey dealer).  I have some ideas for how I may convince my AD to sell me one (i.e., other watches, diamond earrings for wife, etc.), but my AD is a jerk.



5236P - Honestly, this watch is just about perfect - my only reservation is with the size!  Going to see if I can try it on at my AD (funny/sad story:  I have probably spent over $30k at this AD, and I called asking if the new Patek novelties came in; person I spoke to said she couldn't tell me one way or the other whether they had come in; she said if I stopped by and provided my name she may be able to tell me; I asked whether I could provide my name over the phone; she said no, she was unwilling to do that).  This kind of epitomizes what I am looking for - something horologically meaningful, with an interesting design, and a beautiful movement.  Again, however, I do have some reservations about the size.



5327G - I go back and forth on this one.  Some days, I love it.  Other days, I wonder whether the breguet numerals were the right call!  I love the size of this one, and the Cal. 240Q.  I also love that I can buy this for a significant discount.  But perhaps that is not the best reason to buy it!