Patek Philippe

I first discovered the yellow gold variant.

Ref. 5100J-001

My very first reaction was: this model feels much better than the original "manta ray" ref. 2554J, which I've been able to try on a few months ago and which, however nice, felt to me a little bit bland and dated:

Because of the incredible reshaped "manta ray" case and because of the livelier dial and of the wonderful layout and rectangular shape of the 10-Days power reserve caliber 28-20/220, the ref. 5100 feels absolutely special. 

I was lucky to be able to compare it at the same time with the ref. 5124J, with its very nice caliber 25-21 REC PS, and there was no doubt for me that, as nice as the 5124J is, it can't really compare to the 5100J, which genuinely feels in a class of its own:

I was also very happy to see that, seen on the wrist from a distance (in a mirror), it looks quite nice:

So, is there anything I didn't like or didn't find ideal about this watch? Well, yes, two things:

1) The winding experience felt a bit disappointing to me for two reasons:

• First, because the crown, being inserted into the right "wing" of the manta ray case, isn't easy to grab. The only way I could wind the watch not too uncomfortably was with my index finger rubbing the back of the crown, my thumb being more or less useless. 
• Then, because the feeling given by the ratchet click isn't as delightful (I mean as distinctly and smoothly "clicky") as what I'm used to with my L.U.C. Quattro Spirit 25, which also has a long power reserve movement, or with the Vacheron Cornes de Vache (which is an absolute delight to wind).

2) The watch is also a bit thick and, as it is rectangular too, a shape which feels unusual to me, I kept asking myself if I would wear it as daily, as easily, and with as much pleasure as I do wear my "trio" of watches (LUC, Cornes de Vache and LF micro rotor):

The next day, I went to another watch dealer and was able to discover the rose gold version.

Ref. 5100R-001

As I've always loved the warm tones of rose gold, this variant felt very attractive: darker, warmer, almost like a "nocturne" version of the same watch:

But I didn't like the sunburst finishing of the grey dial of this variant as much as the matte grainy finishing of the off-white dial of the yellow gold version:

But, on the wrist in a mirror, it felt just as good as the yellow gold version:

And, of course, the caliber is every bit as beautiful too:

Conclusion

So, ultimately, how do I feel about the ref. 5100 and which variant do I prefer or would I consider?

For me, this watch is unique and feels exceptional. Its case design and caliber set it apart from any other. But I still have a doubt concerning the way I would feel, on a daily basis, about its thick rectangular shape: if I felt both financially and emotionally comfortable with the idea of wearing such an expensive watch only now and then for a special occasion, I wouldn't hesitate and would buy it instantly. But, for me, the only reason that can justify such an expensive purchase is the daily pleasure of enjoying it. I know it might sound paradoxical to some, but this daily pleasure is the only reason why I didn't find it completely unreasonable to buy each watch of my "trio" collection.

Finally, regarding the hesitation between yellow and rose gold, I think my heart leans more towards the yellow gold variant because I like the matte dial better and because yellow gold feels to me to be somehow "truer" to this watch's identity (if that makes sense). I know that the yellow gold variant is the most common one, but don't care about it (ref. 5100 was made in a limited edition of 3,000 pieces: 1,500 in yellow gold; 750 in rose gold; 450 in white gold & 300 in platinum).

Thanks for reading.

Best, Emmanuel