My definition of the perfect fit! :-)
On my third visit to try on this gem of a watch, I finally remembered to have a wrist shot taken. Although measuring only 31mm, my fellow purist buddy, John who knows me like an open book and who has seen it on my wrist has told me that the watch has my n...
Thank you very much Alex for saying so!
This watch will not appeal to everyone but its artistry is a sight to behold in my opinion.
I hope you'll be able soon to show us many macros
One of the best examples of craftsmanship and real hand engraving. That is something that can't be done by machineries
Absolutely! :-)
I think I will ask the great Alkiro to take some close up shots when I meet him with the watch
Wow! Great post!
I think you remind us all how we each strive for that one piece that sings to our hearts. You are fortunate to have found this and I’ve no doubt you will soon be gracing us with more photos of your grail. Best of luck!
Thank you very much for your kind words!
I am indeed most fortunate to come across this piece. Considering it was discontinued almost 20 years ago and then to have an esteemed collector commission the last available movement and then to decide to cancel it makes me feel that perhaps it is fate a...
I have a preference for the 5099 here but the work of art made on this 3878 is incredible
If it’s not visible on your shot, you’re right about the sides of this timepiece which are amazing too. But I think my favourite engraved element is the micro rotor both front and back. I’m quite sure that’s truly mesmerising when it moves. I sincerely ho...
Thanks Alkiro!
I hope you don't mind the next time we meet that I ask you to take some close up shots because for me, you are one of the best among us Great to know that you like the 5099. It is a remarkable under rated watch with a complex and well thought of case!
That would be a great pleasure my friend 🙏
Regarding the 5099, I have to confess that I love watches with a “twist” element like this one. It’s super cool. Best wishes Alkiro
We are in a minority my friend
and I totally agree with you. Instead of the more common Reverso and Tank Basculante, it is nice to see a different take to protecting a watch face. I believe the original idea came about in 1928 or 1929, a couple of years earlier than the launch of the o...
Another good reason to acquire one!! :-)
Not many watches can boast that characteristic!
Excuse my ignorance but
is that the watch with the vertical 'shutters'? I had tried that many years ago but unfortunately it did not fit my wrist so well being rectangular and quite a bit larger than the 5099. Clever idea nevertheless.
Yes absolutely. It’s the reference 91002. Padj bought one very recently. It’s a very nice VC and watch for me
Of course, if you already tried it and you didn’t feel comfortable with it, the Patek was another seducing option 😉 Best wishes Alkiro
Padj and I
seem to be liking the same watches lately! Or maybe he just happens to be buying everything!!
LOL maybe 😁
Well, you’re right. It’s time to sleep now for me. See you in 3 hours my friend 😁 Best wishes Alkiro
3 hours??
You should have been a doctor my friend. I hope I don't wake up for at least another 7 hours!!!
Ah! Up already?! :-)
Have a good weekend Alkiro! Although I am 100% of wanting the 3878J, I am now also debating whether or not to add the 5099R to my three watch collection
Up and ready to go to ski 😁
I think the 5099 would be a great addition. In my opinion, you should contact ch9698 who owns one if I’m right. You’ll discuss about it 😉 HAGWE too my friend. Best wishes Alkiro
Thanks for the advice Alkiro!
And your life is the envy of most! Enjoy the ski slopes of Switzerland!!
Beautiful watch.
I have never seen a Patek skeleton watch. It looks amazing. It fits you perfectly. Wear it in good health and please post pics often.
Thank you for your kind feedback!
Patek currently produce the 5180 skeleton watch in rose gold but it is in 39mm (great for many) and there is a glass surround on the movement which I personally feel makes the watch less attractive. The 3878 on the hand is all movement
Having seen the skeleton watch in person...
I'd have to agree, it is very nice... I won't give you any more encouragement. John is already a bad influence. But I can't deny that it's very nice! Good thing I didn't put it on my wrist! Or else I'd have the same dilemma!
Too right Patrick! :-)
The skeleton would have fitted your wrist perfectly too! John is merely returning the compliment as I have been responsible for his recent watch spending. I had more than persuaded him to acquire his 5270R and I believe that today with the news of the wat...
I would agree that the 5099 is so under valued. Interesting I j=have seen a few up for sale recently
Loving that she;tonised watch > beats the crap out of that weird " terminator" - sorry Joe! ) Julian
Thank you for your favourable views!
I think the 5650G is quite different from this skeleton. The technology of the 5650G aka the terminator is at its most advanced while the skeleton is a showcase of artisty and hand engraving. Looks wise, the skeleton looks absolutely gorgeous but the intr...
Not only is the 5099 rare...
I recall being told that a few have been sent to PP to have personal initials engraved. This makes the 5099 even rarer, in terms of watches in their original condition.
You are not helping me my friend! :-)
The watch I saw came with its original box and certificate of origin and was in mint condition at an unbelievably good price from arguably the most honest and reputed used dealer in the UK. Almost a 'must buy!'
A watch of beauty. Happy for you. The Gondolo is also a nice watch.
You will definitely stand out on the occasion you are wearing these 2 watches. Best wishes! Geross.
Thanks Geross!
Stand out I certainly will but to be honest, I love these watches for what they are, how well they fit my wrist, their creativity and artistry. They are unique I must confess, especially in their day and in a way still are today.
Hi Sham, the skeleton looks good and the fact that it...
fits your “small” wrist is a BIG (pun intended) plus ! Hope to see it in the metal in KL soon ! Regarding the Patek “tank”, this reference is interesting and IMO is a different take on the “officer case” in that the cover is in front to protect the watch....
Thanks Gordon for your always valued feedback!
The two watches are actually in different leagues and are not competing with each other. Both are small and fit my wrist. Both would be a worthy addition to my tiny collection but pulling the trigger nowadays requires a lot more thought than prior to reti...
Dear Sham , they are both made for you imho 🙏🏻
Lets hope when we take a Loupe we see your name engraved in the 3878J 🤗 that sure is a piece of wrist art imo 😘 and it looks perfect on your wrist as well . I do like the 5099 also a lot . I like these kind of watches 👌🏻 i really hope you get your watch a...
Thank you very much my friend for the encouragement!
The 3878J I really hope will be mine in August this year. The 5099 I almost feel compelled to buy as it does suit me and the price is very attractive with it original box and papers. And yes, you will see them or at least one of them, the next time we mee...
Pretty Patek Philippe 3878J
sham1, Hey! It even makes a nice acronym....PPP 3878 for PPro 178. Thanks for showing. You should be careful promoting the pretty little skeletonised watch here as you may be gazumped... I like the skeletonised watch and as I don't usually like Patek Phil...
Hello MTF!
Yes I did think about that and the possibility of a purist beating me to the watch but hey, all is fair in watch collecting and if it is fated to be with someone else, then so be it. There are so many other watches that are par excellence at that price br...
A quick update!
With the invaluable assistance from a director at Patek UK who made a special request to Patek HQ, the Patek Salon has agreed to transfer the watch to my AD. The Salon normally has a policy where their watches cannot be transferred to the ADs. The watch w...