Patek Philippe

Does anyone know what was the first series of Patek 5050 when it was launched in 1993? I read on some auction house literature that there are 3 series of 5050 but none of them ever describe what differentiate them from one another. I know there is he Baton dial, Roman dial and Breguet dial special edition.

To my knowledge, the piece initially came with baton markers and (approx. mid-90s) also with the roman numerals. I guess that's what they might have called 1st and 2nd series. 3rd series is probably the last run in the early 2000s where Patek decided to build some more pieces. These have a different movement thought and are less interesting for a collector, if you ask me. They did some special dials then, though (including the Breguet dial you mention).

Thank you very much. So there are two movements for 5050? Do you know the different model reference?
So, first series is basically referring to the baton dial, second series is the roman dial while third series has a new movement and also some breguet dial.
I love both the baton and roman dial 5050 but never warm up to the breguet dial version. Find it weird to have two different numerals appearing on the dial.

You are welcome! The later ("3rd Series") came with the 324 movement. The original production ("1st" and "2nd Series") came with the 315 movement.
BTW, I agree with you regarding the Breguet style dials of the 3rd series... Not my taste either. Also, these watches are far less attractive as they were done later, not the original batch.

the new movement 324 is less desirable than the old movement. As long the size and the vibe are the same, it's still the 5050 we love. The breguet ones feel a bit like an afterthought. I saw a 5496 in an AD store 2 days ago and it's just shockingly bad. I don't know how they can approve such design with so much obvious flaws. Comparatively, 3940 evolution to 5140 seems a lot more seamless.

The image is from John Reardon’s book Patek Philippe in America Reference Guide Volume 1.

From the photo, the case seems slightly different from the other 5050. The Roman index seems thinner too. The breguet hands go very well with the Roman indexes.
Personally, I really like 5050 in YG case. It feels authentic to its classic vibe.

The reason I question that is if you compare this image with a Roman Dial 5050, it is impossible for the date apertures and the moonphase to be in this position when the case size is the same, especially when they are using the same movement. Could this be a rendering?

Two versions of 5050 for your reference

They will be very sought after 10 years from now :P

Was hoping to find a photograph of one in the metal. eg at an auction - but didn't. If I come up with anything I will let you know.

After all these 5050 was launched just before the internet era, so many info are harder to get.
I do believe this will be a big classic in the next 10 years. But do note that being a classic has nothing to do with price increasing :P
Personally I hope the price can keep going lower on this so I can get a few variations...haha.

Many years ago, there was a Patek factory and museum visit arranged by the purists site. The last stop was the boutique in Geneva. I recalled that they had the last 2 5050 watches available one J and one R. Priced at the selling msrp of 5059. Both were sold to 2 purists on the group.

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In the secondary market, Roman dial seem to be more demanding and better in price. If you check the auction prices for 5050, it is quite reasonable and really can be a daily watch! Perfect size! Don’t forget it comes with 2nd case back when you are looking for the watch in the market.

The price is soft now and may get even softer. Nevertheless, it is the very best classic PC if you cannot bear spending so much money on a 3448.

...it is one of my ‘first loves.’ Another thing to look for is the treatment of the leap-year aperture. In some watches (maybe based on series?) the window cuts significantly into the date arc. In other cases the intrusion is minimal. Either way I may also be in the market. Good luck.