patekova
1840
One of my absolute favorite watches- the Patek 5496P-015 “Mystery Watch” ….. whaaaaaat? Mystery Watch??? I know
I know … you are thinking “who is he kidding”? This certainly is not a mystery watch. But to me it certainly is a mystery why this watch is relatively so unpopular.
Objectively: 39.5 mm, platinum, retrograde PC, 2 backs, platinum deployant clasp, winding box, sweep seconds, approx 11.2 thick, highly unusual rose gold appliqués raised numeral date markers and other raised gold markers
Subjectively: very comfortable to wear, relatively thin, nice profile, classic Calatrava case, a relative bargain (about the retail price of a gold AC) and simply beautiful.
So waaaaz up? What’s the problem? What am I missing?
Best, Patekova
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Collection
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Discussion
Patek Philippe perpetual calendars: vintage 3448 vs modern 5496P. Explore collector preferences, practicality, and design nuances in this in-depth comparison.
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One of my absolute favorite watches- the Patek 5496P-015 “Mystery Watch” ….. whaaaaaat? Mystery Watch??? I know
I know … you are thinking “who is he kidding”? This certainly is not a mystery watch. But to me it certainly is a mystery why this watch is relatively so unpopular. Objectively: 39.5 mm, platinum, retrograde PC, 2 backs, platinum deployant clasp, winding ...
You asked so I will answer as respectfully as possible.
IMO the gold hands, indices and date numerals don’t look good with the white metal case. The red tipped date hand is too bright red, sticks out too much. I don’t think the gold framing on the day, month and leap year windows looks good. Lastly the moon ph...
I absolutely love the two-tone nature of this watch...
...and will try it on if I ever get the chance. It is very 'competitive' on the secondary market : )
A mystery to me too...
But who cares? I love mine, even if it doesn't have the raised gold date numerals like yours. And I love your version too. Perhaps I should hunt for one... let's see. ...
the raised numerals are 100% the DNA of this model
and were notoriously difficult to produce. but know that someone mentioned the Moon that is below par, I cannot unsee it
I like it .
Would need to see it on my wrist first but according to pictures i like what i see
Why this watch doesn't get all the love it deserves
is a mystery to me too, dear Patekova. It's a stunning watch with what I think is my personal favorite layout for a PC (or among my favorites). Best, Emmanuel
Popularity?
If everybody adored and bought this beautiful watch what would the rest of us wear on our wrists?
Hi Patekova, Same as you, I am at a loss on why this lovely piece, full of Patek DNA, is so unloved, ! :-(
For a PC with retrograde function, the dial is CLEAN and BALANCED ! The small red arrow brings a nice touch to the watch overall. Furthermore, the applied date numerals are tiny but very visible. To me this piece is well designed. Perhaps the general purs...
Gordon, I think you have hit on something that makes some sense as a general proposition in relation to Patek,
namely that the pursuit of sport watches has dampened the enthusiasm for complications. As for the future ???
Hi Patekova, Hopefully the "recent" group of collectors from sports models
will eventually learn and appreciate more the history and DNA of Patek in terms of design and complications. This process then would lead to a stronger pursuit of PCs overall and the related interest then would extend to your 5496P-015.
Personally I am not a fan
And this is just a matter of taste.. I don’t like the position of the date ring and leap year position especially (it’s taking quite a central position when it’s actually not a key info practically But my main criticism is actually the empty space around ...
I like it…
Didn’t have this version on my radar, but it is great imo. I like the applied embossed date figures combined with the brushed dial. Looks stunning irl I bet… The looks from the AR 5550P which I admire too!
Thank you for the very nice things you. Also and especially for pointing out the connection to the 5550P. That never occurred to me,
but I can definitely see the relation, especially in the colored gold hands and hour markers.