Comments:
Patek No. 2
This is one that I have always had my eye on and that has been on my wish list for a couple of years - although my AD told me that he has rarely seen these. I planned on the 5226 being my next Patek, but I got a call two days ago from my AD indicating that he got an extra allocation for the 5212. Initially, I said no - I literally have not given this watch a thought in a year or so. In response, my AD said to give it some additional consideration, check it out tomorrow in-person, and that if I wanted to pass, that would not be a problem. However, there was another guaranteed buyer, so I had to make my mind up with some quickness.
I spent the rest of the day thinking, researching, before ultimately coming to the conclusion that I would snag it. It is different from the 5226 but for me it fills a similar role - something that feels less precious that my 5205 and that will get more wrist time.
Without further ado:
The 5212 feels completely different from my other Patek, the 5205 - the 5205 feels like a precious jewel, whereas this one feels much more casual and wearable and approachable. From a distance, it kind of looks like a sector dial. My biggest issue with the 5205 is my relationship to it - it feels precious and it has been reserved for specific occasions. Conversely, I do not want to take the 5212 off of my wrist. The fact that it is rendered in SS makes it extremely light, and it will not show as many dings as the 5205 - which, unfortunately, gets dings by looking at it funny.
Between it and the 5226, I am moderately torn - but I think I made the right decision. My AD relayed that he is expecting numerous 5226s next year, and he does not have a long list. But I doubt that I will add both to my collection. They fill a similar niche, and I am not too interested in filling my watch box with Pateks - especially when they are derivative. I love that this is SS - which is unequivocally the better choice for a daily wearer - and it is an absolute strap monster. I already ordered a blue nubuck, which I think will be a great pairing.
Most importantly, I love that I want to wear it - that I am reaching for it. I often find it difficult to wear my nicer belongings, and I hate that such belongings often gather dust. But for some reason, I do not feel the need to keep this pristine - and I am not entirely sure I understand why that is the case.
I spent the rest of the day thinking, researching, before ultimately coming to the conclusion that I would snag it. It is different from the 5226 but for me it fills a similar role - something that feels less precious that my 5205 and that will get more wrist time.
Without further ado:
This watch is very divisive - I know, I know, it looks like Patek used comic sans - but I find it utterly charming and quirky. I have a deep love for watches that are derided by others. The week complication is very odd and sort of rudimentary, but I think it is clever and I love calendar watches. I adore the 5 hands jutting out from the center, there is so much to look at. The case, with its welded lugs, is truly a pleasure and it is an incredibly comfortable watch on the wrist.
The 5212 feels completely different from my other Patek, the 5205 - the 5205 feels like a precious jewel, whereas this one feels much more casual and wearable and approachable. From a distance, it kind of looks like a sector dial. My biggest issue with the 5205 is my relationship to it - it feels precious and it has been reserved for specific occasions. Conversely, I do not want to take the 5212 off of my wrist. The fact that it is rendered in SS makes it extremely light, and it will not show as many dings as the 5205 - which, unfortunately, gets dings by looking at it funny.
Between it and the 5226, I am moderately torn - but I think I made the right decision. My AD relayed that he is expecting numerous 5226s next year, and he does not have a long list. But I doubt that I will add both to my collection. They fill a similar niche, and I am not too interested in filling my watch box with Pateks - especially when they are derivative. I love that this is SS - which is unequivocally the better choice for a daily wearer - and it is an absolute strap monster. I already ordered a blue nubuck, which I think will be a great pairing.
Most importantly, I love that I want to wear it - that I am reaching for it. I often find it difficult to wear my nicer belongings, and I hate that such belongings often gather dust. But for some reason, I do not feel the need to keep this pristine - and I am not entirely sure I understand why that is the case.
Only buy what you love and can't live without! "Fashion fades, style is eternal."
I will admit I bought one or two pieces simply because they were available in a world where watches were unavailable. And now, a couple years later, I find I never wear them, nor do I find them extremely endearing.
That being said, this 5212 really suits your outfit and if you dress like this often, then this watch really suits your style. You already mentioned your perchance for strap ideas too. I have a feeling this watch will quickly become a favorite of yours. It does look wonderful on your wrist!
I personally never especially liked the 5212, the handwritten font, the sheer amount of text on the dial, didn't suit me. Weirdly, I do like the 6000 and 6006 models, but never bought one - those have a lot of text on the dial too. I bought the Nautilus instead since I wanted a half dressy and half sporty watch - but that was over a decade ago. The 5212 does have a special charm though. And it's definitely not designed to appeal to everyone. It has a personality. The case of the 5212 is also a very nice looking case, I especially like the stepped lug.
As for the 5226... I personally find much more charm in the 5212. The 5226 is larger though, which may be something you desire. The 5226 is also gold. Both are what I consider to have that "Brunello Cucinelli" look with a hint of ruggedness. But the 5226 seems made to satisfy a fashion. The 5226 has fashion - that ombre dial is a recent trend. Yves Saint Laurent famously said, "Fashion fades, style is eternal." Is the 5226 with that really complex looking dial - it's not only got an ombre color fade, it's also got a complex texture applied - is it fashion or style? To me, it's more fashion. I could be wrong though... Only time will tell.
Hopefully my very prejudiced ramblings help. But so far, I don't think you went wrong!
Very insightful comment!
It's funny, I actually do not care for the 6000 or the 6006 - or, for that matter, the 6007.
This is how I dress on a daily basis. I do not own any Brunello Cucinelli, which I do not particularly care for, but I do love my sweaters - particularly those from Inis Meian - and wear a lot of corduroy, tweed, etc. I am also partial to lighter colored neutrals, and often wear whites and beiges. I agree with your overall sentiment, it fits in very nicely with that kind of look. Clothing is, and always will be, my first love - with watches a very, very close second.
Your point about the 5226 is interesting, and it is one that I question as well - the 5226 is very of the moment and it is unclear to me how much staying power it will have.
Always appreciate your prejudiced ramblings!
This is how I dress on a daily basis. I do not own any Brunello Cucinelli, which I do not particularly care for, but I do love my sweaters - particularly those from Inis Meian - and wear a lot of corduroy, tweed, etc. I am also partial to lighter colored neutrals, and often wear whites and beiges. I agree with your overall sentiment, it fits in very nicely with that kind of look. Clothing is, and always will be, my first love - with watches a very, very close second.
Your point about the 5226 is interesting, and it is one that I question as well - the 5226 is very of the moment and it is unclear to me how much staying power it will have.
Always appreciate your prejudiced ramblings!
And I realized I'm even more hypocritical...
I own a WorldTime too, and that has A LOT OF LITTLE TEXT all over the dial! Arguably even more than the 6000 and 6006. So who knows, maybe I'd learn to like the 5212. I personally find Cucinelli products to be way overpriced and only "normal" quality. But that's another rambling.
Overall, if you told me you like lighter colored neutrals, lots of wool sweaters, Inis Meain kind of Danish and Island look (they're Irish, but the look has a slightly Danish look in my eyes), I would've instantly said you might like a 5212! The 5260G would actually be my next suggestion, but I'd say 5212 first. I'd also recommend that 5524 model as well. If you were a guy who liked colorful silk, linen, and wool casual suits in bold patterns from Napoli, I'd probably suggest something else - maybe something more colorful with a salmon dial.
Now I keep on looking at your photo of the 5212, and I like it more and more. It's growing on me... I really like that case and those lugs. The black finish on the hands and on the hour indices of the dial is done well. It's got a classic warm tone dial, but the black indices give it a hint of modernity. It's a nice paradox. And it looks better this way than in white gold. The small amounts of red is perfect too. The dial goes perfectly with the Barenia colored strap, but will also likely go well with a soft suede blue strap. It's a very approachable watch. Oh boy - I sound like I'm an addict.
I like your description of the 5226, "the 5226 is very of the moment and it is unclear... how much staying power it will have." And I agree with the statement wholeheartedly. I haven't seen the 5226 in person yet. But so far, I like the 5212 more.
Remind me, what's your other Patek?
Overall, if you told me you like lighter colored neutrals, lots of wool sweaters, Inis Meain kind of Danish and Island look (they're Irish, but the look has a slightly Danish look in my eyes), I would've instantly said you might like a 5212! The 5260G would actually be my next suggestion, but I'd say 5212 first. I'd also recommend that 5524 model as well. If you were a guy who liked colorful silk, linen, and wool casual suits in bold patterns from Napoli, I'd probably suggest something else - maybe something more colorful with a salmon dial.
Now I keep on looking at your photo of the 5212, and I like it more and more. It's growing on me... I really like that case and those lugs. The black finish on the hands and on the hour indices of the dial is done well. It's got a classic warm tone dial, but the black indices give it a hint of modernity. It's a nice paradox. And it looks better this way than in white gold. The small amounts of red is perfect too. The dial goes perfectly with the Barenia colored strap, but will also likely go well with a soft suede blue strap. It's a very approachable watch. Oh boy - I sound like I'm an addict.
I like your description of the 5226, "the 5226 is very of the moment and it is unclear... how much staying power it will have." And I agree with the statement wholeheartedly. I haven't seen the 5226 in person yet. But so far, I like the 5212 more.
Remind me, what's your other Patek?
My other Patek is a 5205G-013
The 5226 was surprisingly charming to me. It looked much better in person and had a very nice presence. So far, I have stayed away from fauxtina watches - and I think it is fair to say that the 5226 is leaning into that trend. But I cannot make my mind up about whether fauxtina is here to stay or whether we will look back on it the same way we already look back on the “heritage” brands of the 2000s, ie, heavy flannels, Japanese denim, etc.
Oh I like this term! Fauxtina!
Fauxtina. That's the first time I've heard that one! Only time will tell for sure. But I know this much. I don't expect that I'll go chasing for it. And generally, I find good design, even modern good design, lasts a very long time. When I looked at the Octo Finissimo, I found it super modern, but I also thought, that would likely look good 50 years from now. Mid-century modern furniture like Eames, Van Der Rohe, Knoll, Saarinen, and Noguchi seem to have staying power. When I buy something, I ask myself if I'm likely to like it 20 years from now, or will I find it "childish" 20 years from now.
That's right! You mentioned earlier, the 5205. That's definitely a special one. Pierced lugs. Very unique design. That was super modern when it first came out. And it first came out in a charcoal dial and a silver dial. I haven't really seen the blue dial yet. At least I haven't gotten a good look. This is a watch that can be dressed in a very formal way, and in certain cases a little more casual but never very casual. It always requires nice dressier shoes. But it's perfectly okay to wear nice leather shoes with casual jeans.
I'd say your two Pateks are very different from each other and cover quite a bit of ground when it comes to a wide range of outfits. Overall... I'm not seeing a lot the 5226 can do for you from an outfit perspective. I actually see a an Octo Finissimo in your future - it's perfect if you're thinking of a more minimalist and modern look. Think Prada clothing would go well with a Bulgari Octo Finissimo. Maybe a rose gold Patek Philippe WorldTime (they recently discontinued the 5230R) if you want some color in your collection.
Funny you say that…
Because I own the octo finissimo in stainless with a silver dial!!
Oh!
Did you post that before? My memory is a little off these days! An excellent choice!
I think it is a very good purchase. I am not into dates, but here, it is different. It is the main goal of this watch, expressed in a cool and interesting way. Bravo!
Personally I prefer this to the 5226, which admittedly I've not seen irl, and considering your analysis I'm sure you made a terrific decision to "snag it", so big congratulations!
Do you think this will make a daily wearer?? My AD offered one to me, but it felt kind of fragile. No doubt its a beauty though, so wear in the best of health!