sham1
9681
I took the plunge on this little delight! :-)
While waiting for my 3878J (the pretty skeleton which I have been tormenting all of you on this forum), I thought I might amuse myself with this under rated 5099RG. The watch came with its original box and papers and was in super mint condition even spotting its original Patek blue sticker on its cover. I can see myself wearing this watch on special occasions due to its unusual case and I would like to keep it in as new condition for as long as possible. Apparently, this watch was produced between 1999 and 2001 and only fewer than 350 pieces exist. It was never very popular during its time and it is an acquired taste with its small size (perfect for me!) and the hinged cover which selfishly allows only the wearer to view the time. Yes, this watch is so me 
Thank you for reading.
Collection
Discover the Patek Philippe Ref. 3878J skeleton watch. Sham1 shares his journey to acquire this rare, hand-engraved timepiece and its perfect fit.
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I took the plunge on this little delight! :-)
While waiting for my 3878J (the pretty skeleton which I have been tormenting all of you on this forum), I thought I might amuse myself with this under rated 5099RG. The watch came with its original box and papers and was in super mint condition even spott...
Thank you so much Alkiro!
You are the first to reply as usual I bought it a few hours ago and am pleased that I did. It is rare to find a watch where everything is right - size, weight, rarity, price, pedigree. Next watch - hopefully the 3878J
You’re on fire my friend 😊 Keep them coming
This 5099 is truly splendid with this little “twist” we talked about. I’m really happy for you 👍 Best wishes Alkiro
Quite rare actually
for me to buy two watches in two weeks (the Cartier tank cintree and this delightful gem). I really hope I can get the Patek skeleton later this year when I can afford it
Thanks Alkiro!
I am really hoping that the Patek Salon will keep the watch out of its display cabinet for the next 6 months. I would be eternally grateful
You think so ?!
They know me quite well and I hope they like me too because I do like them (is that a bit too much??!! )
I am doomed!
I have absolutely no hope! A total lost cause unless a fellow purist drops by at the Salon and makes it his!
I am glad you feel that way, cruel as it may sound! :-)
August cannot come soon enough!!
Unfortunately the Cartier
will only be delivered in November so hopefully my 2 watch collection, until earlier today, will increase to 5 by November - a 150% increase!!!
I am just glad that I am not brave enough
to venture into stock markets. I am infamously boring and predictable
You are smarter than I am!
No one will ever want to trade with my small size watches. My current largest watch is 34.6mm (the 7200R London Edition)
You know, it’s far to be easy. Especially when you want specific timepieces. But, it’s a way to downsize my collection
Well, time to go to sleep my friend 😉 Best wishes Alkiro
Good night Alkiro!
I have an early flight to Scotland tomorrow. No watches, just amazing scenery and snow
Thank you my friend
Travel safe and enjoy your trip in my favourite foreign country 🙏 Best wishes Alkiro
Thank you mu friend!
Switzerland was my favourite country until I visited Scotland and I fell in love (with the country). Amazing scenery, friendly people and I actually love the weather!! (totally brainwashed like with Patek!!) One day, I hope to buy a home there but right n...
This I definitely do Alkiro!
Life for me is either exceedingly good or the opposite At the end of the day, life is too short and I do not intend to have any regrets if possible. Such an attitude can sometimes be quite costly financially, mentally and emotionally but when things go ri...
Huge Congrats my friend 👏🏼
I know you made the right decision , excellent choice and like you said So You 👌🏻. Wear it in best of health 🙏🏻🤗
That you so much my friend!
My collection is actually quite against current trends but the watches do suit me very well
I dont follow the trends also 😉, i will buy and wear only what i like .🤗
Cant wait to see it in person one day 🙏🏻🤗
Thanks Raymond!
Only the 2nd? Hmmm, if that is true, that would be a pity as it is a gorgeous watch!!
You are absolutely correct Nico!
The top can be removed??!! I did not know that. That is an added bonus for those hot summer days
Thank you very much!
I liked the watch when it first came out but could not afford it and I told myself one day, I would buy one. Eighteen years later, I am just fortunate to have located one in such wonderful condition.
You know, I really like your style
you go your way but you do it with class. That is very cool. I have to say I like this one very much. Bravo!
Congratulations , you have a very unique watch.
Some what like a reverso ( Jlc ) but more charming. My opinion. Cheers! And may you wear your Gondolo often. Geross.
Many thanks Geross!
I am quite surprised that so many purists like yourself have replied so favourably on this watch as I thought it was not very popular. Yes it is somewhat like a Reverso and Tank Basculante but as you correctly say, a bit more charming
May it remain a dream :-)
Not a bad dream at all and Thierry may decide to make that dream come true one dayl
I don’t know
Only things I can tell you is that watch is one of the most preferred of Thierry stern I had a conversation with him and he told that it’s very complicated to realize the invisible welding between the 2 gold on the top
Yes I have been told
that the case is pretty complex to make but I am surprised and pleased to know that Thierry likes it as much as he does. Hmmm, an added bonus!!
Thanks Patrick!
One of the watches I first saw on that crazy Saturday when we bumped into each other at the Salon. First this, then the skeleton - what a day! And this was after having placed an order for the Tank Cintree a couple of day before at the SIHH. I think it wo...
No more money to restrain fortunately!! :-)
One trip to London and all gone!! Sometimes, it takes me months to like anything - the last 3 weeks in London have been expensive!!! But honestly speaking, I count myself terribly lucky to have found three great watches and also managed to meet some affab...
Patrick, it was anything
but expensive or else I could not afforded it after my Cartier purchase
Thank you very much!!
I will definitely let you know but it is one classy looking watch
Well what can I say..
when you are on a roll, you ARE on a roll!!! Big congratulations dear Sham Looks like the first weeks of 2018 has been a good catch for you. Bravo! I am looking forward to our next meet to see this beauty in the metal... Till then, safe travels!
Thanks Kamal!
One of the reasons I just had to buy this watch is because I had nothing new to bring to our get together later this month and you guys do!! So now I feel better equipped Yes so far 2018 has been a splendid year. And if I sell my flat here (fingers and to...
this reminds me when I was little
and had to bring my best 'power' cards to play with the other kids... I think with this watch [not withstanding the 'skeleton' and the JLC], we'll be blown to bits!!! Looks like you'll be holding court Sham
Congratulations!
I recall a conversation with a high ranking PP personnel years ago during a Patek event, and he made it a point to mention this reference as a very rare model. Extremely difficult to make, yet a sleeper among collectors when it was readily available. He s...
Thank you very much for this!
My figure of fewer than 350 came from a former manager of the Patek Salon so the information could not be too far off. Not sure how popular this will ever be due to its square case but I love it and hope to keep it and wear it a lot
There was a model made years ago by Patek
It was a one and only of this reference . This just shows you that the Patek owners really like this model, to make a special one out of their line up.
I have learned something new, thank you.
That also shows how Patek thank their customers
Thank you Gordon!
When we meet next, I hope to have at least 3 new watches to show you
Awesome!
Never seen this before and you just know how to find and pick these little jewels! Looking forward to seeing this in the metal when we meet!
It was approximately $9K when it was available with AD
Readily available to order, about 15 years ago. Based on my recall.
With a good haggle for a nice discount at the time.
Times were different then. It also was a sleeper, although the Watchtime special Patek edition did devote a page about this model at the time. I remember visiting the Geneva boutique and they displayed 3 of the same model on the floor.
Ah, I was quoting the RRP!
The watch was not popular hence only few were sold making rarer than many limited editions before and since. But I bought it for its beauty rather than its rarity!
Cherish it
I love the way the different metals line up on the cover. Wonderful workmanship. I recall the special article talking about the cover to protect the glass during the 20’s when roads weren’t well paved and cars were cabriolet top down models. Pebbles could...
Would love to read that article and file it in my Patek file :-)
At least the watch was not made for polo players of the 20s and 30s!! Thank you for your feedback.
Just google it
Watchtime Patek Philippe special edition magazine. There’s copies available on ebay. It’s an old magazine. Specifically talking about the brand history, the introduction of the modern world time, which is on the cover
I am just wondering
I might even have this magazine which I just packed up bubble wrapped in my suitcase to be taken back to Malaysia to join the rest of my Patek memorabilia Thank you for the suggestion. Things that are quite obvious to many on the computer are less obvious...
I have read the article as
I had actually kept the magazine in 'as new' condition! (yes I know, I lead a sad life ) Quite interestingly, the work on the development of the hinged cover and its locking mechanism took three years. Its 52 components are twice as many as in other compl...
Silly me!!
I just realised that I had posted someone else's watch and someone else's wrist!! Here is my watch on my wrist (finally! I may leave the original Patek plastic on the watch. Over protective perhaps?! The tan leather strap is brand new and matches the rose...
Totally!
Lovely to look at when the lid is close and an ingenious idea to keep the lid attractive.
Had one too... (PS: you're using my pics)
Always wanted one so one day got a deal on a used version a few years back. While they are relatively inexpensive, with a small case that is perhaps the most complicated of any Patek, i found it wears very awkwardly. Case/movement combo is quite small, ye...
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