sham1
9674
Dear Mike
As you correctly say, they are two different watches and you need to ask yourself which watch appeals to you more on emotional grounds. For me, it does not really matter that the 5396 is in current production and the more complex offering because I would prefer any of my Patek dress watches to say for example the annual calendars or even perpetual calendars in current production. The 5010 is quite a small watch and the fact that you have been missing it may indicate that you have a penchant for smaller watches. Absolutely nothing wrong with that as I too prefer Patek's smaller offerings. The 5396 is 38.5mm and although not large and quite a good fit on most wrists, it will certainly wear larger than the 5010. It is all to do with one's comfort zone and what makes you feel more special when wearing it. Also, one might argue that as the years pass, the 5010 has become rarer than a 5396.
Do try on a 5396. It may be your dream watch but I am sure you will agree that the dream of others may not necessarily be yours! 
The regrets of a past Patek owner
Greetings all, I hope I may trouble you all for a moment. Im in the need of some advice and I can think of no better forum. Like all of you, I have a passion for fine timepieces. I find them to be the most wonderful intersection of art, science, and craft...
Dear Mike
As you correctly say, they are two different watches and you need to ask yourself which watch appeals to you more on emotional grounds. For me, it does not really matter that the 5396 is in current production and the more complex offering because I would ...
Your input is always appreciated!
I recall about a year ago you provided me with a comprehensive answer to questions I posed regarding Breguet from a watchmaking perspective. And yes, it was a very useful response as I can still recall it, including both your affinity and respect for PP. ...
Mike, I share similar sentiments with you
and after reading your reply, I feel the decision has been made and you should definitely get the 5010 because it is so you and that is what matters most. Never get a watch which you feel is less than perfect because sooner or later, you will find fault i...
Very Impressive
Shammy, those really are some exquisite timepieces and not exactly the sort that one just strolls down to the local AD to purchase! As I mentioned, I love Breguet numerals....and I think they look keenest on PP actually. But this Limited London edition ta...
Hi Mike!
I was tickled that you called me Shammy!!! Only one other person has ever called me that and she was an ex lover who I just spoke to last night coincidentally! You are being too modest in your analogy of my 7200R against your 5010. Yes, admittedly gondolo...
The magic of Patek Philippe...I like that!
In the Italian culture we love to make names smaller/younger to signify friendship, and in English that’s best achieved with the “y”. So, Shammy you made me think about what it is about PP compared to other great companies (non boutique) that evokes such ...
I can tell
that unlike me you are an exponent of all things relating to the opera, I salute you Mike! Current Breguet watches excel with their guilloche and enamel dials and I only wish their movements were less industrial and the lugs were not so straight making th...
Comparison
I was actually looking at the different 5010 models and I actually payed attention to this one. You were 100% correct in saying that the Roman numeral variety is very rare which would also make it hard to find, even harder to find in pink gold which would...
I too prefer
rose to yellow gold but I believe the 5010 with roman numerals is pretty difficult to find in rose gold. As you noticed, there is one in the market in yellow gold. The 5010 with baton markers is a handsome watch, it is all down to personal preference and ...
Very different watches. It is all about what you want to do. A link to your past, and then the 5010 is for you, or a new page of your horological life, and then the 5396, which...
... Is very nice looking! AND whose proportions are very good for me, at least, with its 38, 5 mm case. Best, Nicolas
I'm generally biased towards moving forward.
Have you had an opportunity to put a 5010 on your wrist recently? If not I think you need to do that as it should tell you whether that emotional connection is still there and whether or not it's time to move on. My bias towards moving forward does not me...
Great Point
I hadn't even thought to see if I could try it on now that so many years have passed. I understand about gauging the emotional response but since it is small and unfortunately I currently about 20 lbs heavier it may look like a ladies watch now!!!! Thank ...
That point alone Mike may make it feel like a different watch and if it does you may find as you say the watch doesn't have the same allure.
You need to get it on the wrist somehow.
Depends on how you like to wear your watches
Aside from your personal connection, for my taste the 5010 is a classic dress watch. The 5396, while certainly a dress watch, could be worn for more varied occasions. I would get more use out of the 5396 but that ultimately is a personal decision. Good lu...
Counterintuitive
Sounds funny but I never actually thought about that. 5396 has significantly more complications but it is not as dressy as the gondolo. I always associate Breguet numerals on PPs with uber dressy timepieces so I guess I might not have ever noticed. Thank ...
The dial ergonomics are a bit erratic...
...on the 5396. While I love the Breguet numerals, the cut-off 11-13 of the 24-hour counter is PP logotype seems too large and is too close to the day/month windows. And the '24' is almost entirely obscured by the hour and minute hands. Don't even get me...
Wow, and I thought I payed attention to detail
I must admit I’m chuckling to myself as I’m reading your post and flipping back to my photos. I will say that I can’t disagree and I love the “don’t get me started” bit. I will say that I haven’t studied this watch closely as I’m in the formulation stages...