keks
4948
Interesting project!
5196P is a gorgeous piece.
A few years ago I had one in my collection but let it go to another Purist who I hope still enjoys it... Why sell? Well I found it too dressy for my lifestyle and had other projects to finance. These days I have come to appreciate the casual potential of the 5196P all the more. When fitted to the right strap it can easily become a really cool casual piece to wear. Saw this recently which I thought was a cool look, even though I like the beat up spirit I would probably struggle to let mine get that much character personally... (pic credit bob maron):
The other thing that bothered me somewhat was the 215 movement. I thought it was too plain and boring for a watch at this price point. A few years later I probably have more oversight on this as relative value in wristwatches is an irrational concept. One likes what one likes and then efforts to justify choices can all be out the window if the overall feeling of joy towards any given timepiece is there. A mechanical time only movement is generally not that exciting anyhow.
However, in terms wear I did find it wore a bit large relative to its height (or lack of should I say?). I generally find 40mm timepieces to be optimal for my wrist I might add. The thin profile and
shape of case makes the 37mm feel considerably larger. One mm less could have been a bit better in my opinion... but this is naturally a highly subjective point as we all like to wear them differently. However it is one of the reasons I did let it go...
Attached an old photo of what used to be in my collection, fitted with a glossy custom made strap which I thought made it look less formal than the supplied very formal and glossy crocodile strap:
Now, if I was to add a modern (post 1990) Calatrava today what would my wish list look like? The 5522A is fantastically cool but unfortunately not something I have an opportunity to acquire at any reasonable cost. If we exclude that my immediate thought would come to 5565A.
5565A I have never had the opportunity to handle in the real so reserve judgement on that. But on paper it looks superb. Drawback being the 215 movement, but a steel two-tone dial homage to 565A is something I think would be worn by me with great joy! Yes not Breguet numerals and it does have lume on dial. But this makes it cool in my opinion. Also at 36mm slightly smaller than 5196.
Another modern Calatrava I find appealing, but with completely different character is the newly released 6006G. Personally think a piece that is not getting the attention it deserves. It is quite different from its predecessor the 6000G (which with its anthracite dial I also do find very appealing for that matter). The dial on the updated release is far more alive than the black dial 6000G and the updated size feels very balanced on the wrist. It is a piece I could see myself going for in that space I must admit.
Now having said that I do not think you will regret should you pursue a 5196P. It is a marvel to wear. So thin and elegant. When I look back on the photo I posted of my long gone 5196P I somewhat miss it... terrible idea to look at pictures of old exes 
My aim with this ramble was merely to confuse so hope I did not do too well.
Available on the marketplace
Patek Philippe Reference 5196P - one to consider?
I have a passion for vintage Calatrava. I didn’t start out aiming to build up a collection of such pieces, but it did evolve into a collection. Over the course of this year, I have reviewed several in my collection. My collection, overall, is about half v...
without a second thought 5196G....
if i got a sponsor, 5196P ;-) go for it, the x-mas is close by... Best, mahesh.,
A watch that looks superb in all three variants but ...
looks unproportioned on the wrist: it is simply to slim to be in 37 mm. A comparable 5199 is way better proportioned. Maybe 36 mm or even 35 mm would have been more fitting but these sizes are difficult to sell, at this moment in time. It is a big shame f...
Totally agree
37mm seems to be too large for this ref while e.g the 5127, another 37mm Calatrava, is just right.
The 5196P offers a more modern look for me compared to its three other cousins. They even could be two different references with these two very different dials
If I were a Patek collector with a deep wallet, I won’t go for the four different versions (too easy) but for the P and the R. Not opposite but definitely complementary for me. Thank you for this interesting comparison and you personal feeling. Best wishe...
5196P is a watch to seriously consider. Yes, the Cal 215 is too small, which makes the small second subdial look too centered.
BUT this is such a charm and beauty! Go, my friend, go. I had one... Which was stolen alas...I loved it! Best, Nicolas.
There is another version to consider, in steel, for the Calatrava lover... Ref 5565.
Credit picture: Only Watch. ...
Listen to Nico....
They can be found. History Steel Size Manual wind Ticks all the boxes But the 6196P also brings some attraction J
A superb reference in my book
and no issue for me with the movement size, I think overall I see no negative impact on the dial layout. Now interestingly, the P leaves me cold, just don't like the look of the dial, but the R is the most alluring, followed by the G. CC
While I would enjoy a 5196p in my collection,
I think it has some proportion issues, which become more evident not so big wrists like mine. I do not think I will find it as enjoyable as its vintage predecessors. But don't get me wrong, all in all I think it is a great reference, specially the platinu...
Nice ref and post Joe, thank you.
Although the movement is too small for the case size, I am somewhat relieved that the watch comes with a solid case back unlike the 5119. So at least e can't seen the movement drowned in the case back like the 38mm 5123R for example. Nice watch in all var...
As much as I like this reference, and particularly in P version, I am not convinced.
I like almost everything about it. I love the 'sector' dial, distinguishing this from the other version. I absolutely love Breguet numerals. I also like the size. But like I said, almost. The main issue is with the seconds subdial. IMO, it is too close to...
I'm a fan of the G
The P does have its appeal, as you say a bit more casual, maybe the only wristwatch for a classical Gentleman (yes, I do mean to capitalise the letter). I also regret the too-small movement, the top-high sub-seconds, the closed back. I have been wondering...
My Calatrava would be a VC Patrimony Traditionelle small seconds, preferably the rg boutique edition with guilloche.
here is the pt version (click) and here is the boutique rose gold guilloche (click) ...
Thinking of it versus a Breguet 7787 or 5410!
What do you think? The 7787 classique https://i. And the 5410 heritage
Well, hard choice but, as I mainly select my watches from an aesthetic point of view, my ranking would be as following (purely subjective and based on my personal tastes of course)
Third position: Breguet 5410 Why? I’m not a big fan of the Heritage models. Maybe I’m too conservative but when I buy a Breguet, I buy a piece of history what I can’t find here with this tonneau case. Breguet wants to try to please everyone with this one ...
Very interesting thread ...
... especially since I am also considering a simple yet classy Patek to be added to my collection. I am personally looking at red gold, but find the dial of the 5196 maybe a bit TOO classical for my taste. If it were available in red gold, I'll definitely...
Half the fun is coming up with a list like this one!
Not sure if that is a feature or a bug, as they say, but it's definitely fun! I hope you will share a few pictures when you decide on the right one for you. For Calatravas, I can forgive a lot if there is a hunter caseback involved!
Interesting project!
5196P is a gorgeous piece. A few years ago I had one in my collection but let it go to another Purist who I hope still enjoys it... Why sell? Well I found it too dressy for my lifestyle and had other projects to finance. These days I have come to apprecia...
Hey Keks....
....i was reading through your reply and started to laugh to myself. You know, you are absolutelyright. We can intellectualise so much about watch buying, but ultimately it just boils down to a very simple thing for most people....when i look at it on my ...
Great read, Baron!
Must admit, I am having a hard time choosing a winner here... They all look beautiful! Best Blomman
Funny.....
.....for years I felt the same. Then, about 2 years ago, I actually saw one in the flesh and it changed my thinking. Then, a few months ago i saw it again and it looked stunning...was on a grey strap. Its a watch that needs to be seen for sure.
Great idea to put a spot on this very humble but great reference.
I´m a big fan of Breguet numerals but actaully I don´t like the dial of the P so much. I prefer the classic look of the G dial as it is reinterpreting the classic Calatrava style. This is why my last PP purchase was a 5196G last May. With a matte croc str...
Yes....that is excellent
For me it is between the P with a matt dark grey strap against the G decked like yours. I think I am erring to the P, but find both fabulous.
Nothing wrong with the 5196 series.
Some like some do not. The movement size is really irrelevant to the final watch. The series has the PP look and heritage which other watches do not. I suspect the 5196 will be retired soon and a watch with a larger movement with more features will be pre...
Joe, Joe. You know what to do...
Get the right one plus an interesting strap plus folding clasp and you are there. I love 5196P a lot! Best, Kari ...
Th flaws are limited but one can always find those when searching.
As whole, 5196P is a fantastic Calatrava representing the heritage very well. Get it and soon our Pated collections are identical. LOL. Best, Kari