Patek Philippe

I’ve never seriously thought about buying a 5711, both because of the availability issues (and gray market prices) and because 43mm seems like a serious stretch for my 6 inch wrist. But I did try on a 5800 back in the day, and it fit rather well. The 5800 is obviously not in production anymore (a shame), so I’d have to buy it pre-owned, but the prices seem nearly as stratospheric as those for the 5711. How do people feel about the value proposition of the 5800? I worry sometimes that smaller versions of contemporaneously produced watches get less love from collectors over the long term — for example, the Royal Oak 15450 37mm (the only version that fits me) is sometimes styled as a “ladies’ watch” and seems less appreciated than the larger variants. Curious to hear people’s thoughts.

Had a 5711 a number of years ago, and it was nice. I wish I could have ended as a one-watch collector.

But then I saw a 37.5mm 3800 and wondered how that wore. I fell in love immediately.

Same thing with an AP where I preferred the 36mm 14790 to the larger current model.

The point is that if you are looking at what other people find is popular, be it for resale value, the current 5711 is always going to be it. For me, I have learnt collecting is about missing a piece when it’s not on my wrist. I don’t have the 5711 anymore but I still have the 3800.

The 14790 has always intrigued me, so maybe I will try to source one to see how it looks on me. The main thing about those older Royal Oaks is that they often show the wear and/or polishing of the years more than the Nautilus does—at least in photos. That might be because the Royal Oak has more conspicuously sharp edges, and it’s hard to keep them looking as sharp as they did when the watch was new.

I liked my full set and crisp case, though I picked the dial for its longer markers.

But then I decided the 3800 served my needs. Now I do wish I kept the 14790 as well.

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That AP dial did degrade further 18 months later after I sold it. The new owner took it into the service center and scoffed at their quote to open the case, and promptly left with his untouched piece!

Maybe someone would have robbed you or whatever. The Nautilus sits even a bit better on your wrist anyway.

On the other hand, the 5800 is just as expensive as the 5711 so for now, there is not much of a difference between the two. You should obviously buy what you like, but have you really tried the 5711? It wears really small because of the specific style of the lugs. I would say anyone can wear the 5711 pretty well.

All the best for your decision!

I’m not sure I ever have tried on a 5711, in part because you obviously never seen them in an AD. But wise counsel to check that box before concluding that it won’t fit as well.

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But 43mm ear to ear.

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The motivation for that rule is sound, because we don’t want this forum to become about the money rather than the watches. But the word “value” appears in the Patek forum more than any other, and for good reason. The price points we’re talking about here are very high, and though few of us are flippers, many of us trade watches from time to time because what once seemed like true love just doesn’t work out five years later. For those of us in that position, it would seem very odd *not* to inquire about long-term value in a qualitative sense before taking the plunge — if not for ourselves, then at least “for the next generation.”

So this has clearly been the case: we talked about size, style, collectors views and the price was a part, but only a minor part.
Now read the terms of conduct. I does not say that this talk is not allowed, it just says it should not be our focus.
Posts about street prices and seller references: Connoisseurship, ownership and collecting is about much more than price and who sells what. Price and seller references tend to overwhelm the other more subtle, though equally important aspects of the aficionado experience.

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...so when I read as only question in this post "How do people feel about the value proposition…" then I raise a warning flag to say please discuss what you think about the watches, about the smaller or bigger size attraction on the market but please do consider the terms of conduct are here to be applied by all. Thanks

My wrist is also on the small side and it wears quite well for me.

I rate the 5800 higher than the 5711. I say this not just because of its size which I find a lot more attractive but due to the fact that the 5800 was only produced for two to three years in 2006 to 2009 I think.  To this day, it is the only watch I regret not buying when the Patek Salon in London had 4 left in 2009 at the then retail price of 12,950 pounds.  As it has taken me 56 years to wear a bracelet watch (a Rolex date just which I purchased 4 months ago!) and I was a naive 46 years old then, I did not see the attractiveness of a bracelet watch!  And for the record, I am now waiting for a 5711 which should arrive later this year

If your wrist fits 5800 the best, go for it (be prepared for its HIGH price as you said 😫) Picture is not mine but I wear 5711 daily.

Concidering a 3800, however have been reading quite a few stories with concerns on the movement. Would be interested to hear your experience.