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Please share your views and help me decide: Patek Philippe's 5396R-012 vs 5205R-001

 

All,

I am interested in adding a Patek Philippe annual calendar to my collection and, after quite some deliberation, have narrowed the selection to the 5396R-012and the 5205R-001

Both pieces appeal to me and are ultimately excellent interpretations of this complication, whilst each has its own unique character. I have sought to highlight some of my headline thoughts below;


5396R-012


+ A relatively more clean dial design
+ Fantastically-formed Breguet numerals
+ Supplied on a folding clasp deployant buckle
+ Slimmer case
+ A classic interpretation built on the iconic Calatrava case design philosophy
- Complications are relatively more obscured and less easy to read


5205R-001


+ Spectacularly-scuplted and skelotonised lugs alongside an interesting concave (but appearing convex due to high-polishing) bezel
+ Easier to read annual calendar complications, whilst the moonphase is the same as the 5396 variants
+ A modern interpretation that appears to have greater versatility, being slightly more casual whilst sufficiently formal also (and perhaps greater resale value should one move on later)
- Rose gold date frame at 12 o'clock position does not align with aperture-opening and leaves a white dial border around the date disc
- Supplied on a pin buckle and, generally noted to use a lower volume of gold (presenting a relative value case)
- Relatively chunky for a dress piece, making it less suitable in formal settings (but still sufficiently so) and perhaps more susceptible to knocks and damage, given the raised and concave bezel


Whilst resale is a consideration, should I later evolve my collection, the purchase price for each is the same, though the lack of the deployant on the 5205-001 may later prompt a purchase of this part.

I would very much appreciate your votes and, even more helpfully, any thoughts and insights.

Thank you!







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