FabR
[Senior Patek Moderator]
26166
Thanks for such a good and thought-provoking post, Julian!
It’s hard to overestimate the beauty, character, and horological importance of our vintage production. And I find it even more refreshing than it is surprising that — at least for a large number of references — Patek’s vintage world is still relatively affordable.
To be fair to everyone though, modern Patek collecting is much more complex and interesting than “big flashy sports models” — outside of instagram, at least!😄
And to be equally thought-provoking (or at least provoking), let me add that while I don’t care about an extra name on the dial, personally I care A LOT about having it on the certificate — and I mean my name, not Tiffany’s!😂😉
I’m sure I can speak for many of us here if I say that I’m hugely fascinated by the advances Patek continues to bring to horology *today*, both on technical, scientific, and esthetic grounds. We certainly agree that its undisputed leadership in so many areas, and the uniquely broad array of complications it offers today, would not be possible without such a rich history….however, at the same time, Patek has created too beautiful and irreplaceable of a world for it not to continuously advance!😄
Our platform is arguably the finest example of modern watch collecting, and of the importance of a true appreciation for the continuity between the vintage and modern Patek worlds. Neither one would have any relevance without the other.
Thanks again Julian for kicking off such a nontrivial discussion —- if I find it interesting at 4.50am, it means that it REALLY is!😂❤️
General population opinion versus collectors
Hi Just wanted to share an experience I had the other night i was wearing my vintage ref 2551 . Colleague opposite saw it and commented on how much he liked it and it a really elegant watch . I explained that these old PP vintage pieces are really unloved...
I’m so glad you posted this
There is a lack of appreciation for the vintage segment these days, but so much intrinsic value there. Patek is easy to relate, the brand value is very relatable. I believe there will be more focus on these pieces in due course. The vintage military segme...
LOL
I’ll gladly take the blame ;-) Cheers mate, nice hearing you chime in! Best Gatsby
I could not agree more
And apart from the financial aspect that you correctly mention I would add that these vintage pieces have real charm because they have a history and they have a soul! A small but quite important detail imho on ref 2551 you have the nice PP crown which you...
Hard to disagree here. So much QPR in the vintage Calatrava space.
Service costs can be high for a vintage piece, but once fully sorted, should be good to go. They were made for the next generation, after all. One drawback that weighs against them is the smaller size than preferred nowadays. 35 mm or smaller are tough se...
Beautiful example of a vintage PP Calatrava
It's really charming. Thanks for sharing. I think (hope) that these might become more popular as time goes by and tastes change. Personally, I tend to like, I mean really like, BIG watches, so I avoid even contemporary watches that are less than 40mm. How...
Thanks for such a good and thought-provoking post, Julian!
It’s hard to overestimate the beauty, character, and horological importance of our vintage production. And I find it even more refreshing than it is surprising that — at least for a large number of references — Patek’s vintage world is still relatively af...
Fab Vintage PP is fascinating at any hour Even 04.50
I am really delighted this post resonates so much with you and the pp community on this site You stimulate intense discussion with your passion about the brand My only issue is that the PP powers that be , do not always seem to appreciate us vintage colle...
Beautiful reference. Thank you for sharing
As for what everyone like or not, each to their own I guess. The current Patek catalogue seems to expand each year with more colourful novelties. The reality is market forces drive every brand to some extent and Patek is not completely immune. They have t...
IMO taste and preferences have
evolved as the collector community got bigger. Hopefully the trend works in your favor !
Appreciated
I love your 2551. The construction of the movement is superb and the watch is supremely elegant. It is not for me, but nonetheless I love it from a distance. Not wishing to provoke, I also love my Nautilus. All has been said already, but my answer to your...
The crown and rotor!
The 2551 never sees as much instagram time as the much loved enameled 2526, but I love it as well. The 12-600AT can't be beat and the "Double P" crown is the collector flex to have IMHO over any iced out steel sports models. Enjoy!