Patek Philippe

But I arrived somehow 20 years after the inception of the ref. 5970. It was one cold winter day in February last year where I met one of my best friends for the first time in person. As the conversations and alcohol flowed that afternoon at the bar of London’s One Aldwych, the thought of owning this legendary reference slowly sunk in. A trip to David Duggan’s at Burlington Square then cemented that idea and soon the wheels were set in motion.







Within a span of a month and a half I trimmed down the collection and secured fresh funds in the bank. Several texts to Nico, Keks and a couple other friends finally pushed me to seal the deal.

I have to say I almost dealt with Tony Kavak, but unfortunately the watch he had came without the accessories, which led me to a very distinguished collector in the US of A who has one of the most amazing Patek collection. Doublesplitx if you’re reading, I owe you and my friends my sincerest gratitude. Thank you for being a real gentleman. The watch got shipped to Hong Kong where I had the opportunity to pick it up and visit a dear friend who owns an amazing military timepiece.






Unfortunately upon returning home the movement ceased to work and in it went into the spa. And not just any spa, my watch went all the way back to Geneva. For 6-8 months it stayed there and finally came back to the Patek service center where I live. With my hectic work schedule and travels, it continued to stay until March this year.







No amount of words can describe the feeling of picking this watch up today. The manager at the service center egged me to purchase an OEM strap, something I’d never have done (given the cost and knowing what better alternatives I have) but I did it anyway, and man was i blown away. Love that distinguished glossy two toned brown alligator strap that really brings out the classiness of Patek Philippe.



Can never stop looking at it. And I’m so glad I listened to Miles. The rose gold cream dial combination is the essential look of old school Patek.

The 5970 is the end game piece for me. No amount of independent watches, journes or the like (sorry indie enthusiasts and Journe aficionados!) could ever surmount to how I feel about this watch. Once again, a BIG thank you to my friends and doublesplitx for making this a reality.



I AM IN WATCH HEAVEN. or should I say, PATEK WATCH HEAVEN.

Thanks for allowing me to share my joy here.

Regards
Gatsby

True end game piece suitable to a true gentleman!

What a stunning piece, looks sublime on your wrist as well. Your words thoroughly gives a genuine insight into your passion. Most inspiring I must say.

Treasure this moment and hopefully long your honeymoon with this marvel. You both have earned each other!

Especially that last line which resonates deeply with me! Really looking forward to the day we get to meet in person.

Best
Gatsby

Your perseverance paid off. Looks great in your wrist, and this metal and dial combo is pure class. 👏👍

I would have made so many mistakes and so many detours but with the help of friends, I’m glad to have gotten this one!

Best
Gatsby

It is a journey indeed and glad to see it is now good.

I’m now thinking if I should trim the herd further to add another of this reference in a different metal LOL…

Best
Gatsby

Hopefully the Frodsham didn’t have to go to acquire this piece?

But I do suspect that I might have to pass and his prices have gone on a meteoric rise.

Best
Gatsby

Despite the universal understanding that no watch is perfect, congratulations, you now have what I consider the perfect watch

It’s always nice to hear from you. The watch has really made me pause and think about all these years of collecting and how I’ve come to own this milestone piece. I enter the big 4 this year so this watch was kinda my piece to say “hey, let’s get real. Go big or go home”. With watch collecting we enter different phases at different times, subject to the changes around us. You are absolutely right to say that there isn’t a perfect watch out there, though some watches are more important than others. Also, some watches can mean more than other timepieces. The 5970 for me is quite a sentimental piece, because some of the best people to me in the watch collecting space are involved in some way. So its significance to me is beyond its technical merits. I hope to see you post more often, even though I know time is always not on our side. I always enjoy listening to collectors talk about the philosophy behind their watch collecting. I must say the newer watches leave me a little cold these days. Keks and I agree that Rolex is perhaps the one brand that still excites us. From a relative cost perspective they are not ridiculous and there are so many fun pieces to choose from.

Best
Gatsby

I can see the 5970 getting tons of wrist time in lieu of a consistent rotation through other pieces. I think that's what I'd do. Also makes me wonder if having attained such a singular important piece your appreciation for fine watches will actually increase, being focused on one terrific watch instead of diffused across a collection. Sometimes I feel that would be the case for me -- enduring affection but channeled to one or a few pieces only. So maybe just a few special pieces is enough. I'm wearing my first Patek as I type this, gifted to me around 20 years ago as a 5th anniversary present from my wife. It's a beautiful yet understated simple Calatrava that does make me feel like I could wear it alone forever.

Please feel free to post it here! Would be a joy to see you add to my post.

With regards to your question on being more focused on a narrower selection of watches, I feel that truly is the case once one experiences the collecting and ownership of important references. However said it doesn’t stop one from enjoying watches that are more pedestrian and everyday. I have to admit even after attaining such experiences with so called “important watches”, I find myself gravitating towards the everyday Rolex sports watch, day dates and even datejusts. I also do still find the time to wear some of my very casual time pieces from MING, Baltic and Merci Paris. I think it is important to experience as much as one can when it comes to collecting. When it comes to collecting, I feel that it is imperative to be able to collect “up and down”. In wine terms, one must be able to appreciate not just an expensive bottle of wine but also a cheaper, more accessible bottle. The idea is about appreciate quality to price ratio (QPR).

Best
Gatsby

It’s been awhile! Thank you for your kind words, I hope you’ve been well. Speak soon!

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Gatsby

A watch like yours, however, cuts through. I'm glad you are (clearly) doing well! And don't ever be a stranger or shy to reach out!

a hearty congratulations - the watch looks super on your wrist ! 

I assume you’re part of this club and are throwing me an official welcome? Looking forward to see some pics of yours !

Best
Gatsby

Amazing how quickly a notion which may have been percolating for years can be executed upon.  When that happens one often wonders why it took so long !! I recently had a similar experience (non watch related). 

You are absolutely right about Duggan’s. I left his store a little misty eyed a year ago lol. Upside down 5970? Probably no intention to sell then ))))

You must tell me more about that similar experience. Always enjoy reading your posts here.

Best
Gatsby

I think that same sentiment runs very strong all though this collection of people here myself included.
Despite, or perhaps because of, our adventures in high(er) horology the pull towards Rolex is extremely strong.
While I am awaiting two higher end incomings this year and next I am also very much looking forward to whatever my next Rolex will be.

And I am so pleased that you have back your wonderful 5970 so the many years of adoration and adventures can commence. I am so pleased I managed to help with this huge decision and am honoured to have played a part in this chapter of your horological journey. A better pairing of watch and owner I’ve never seen. A class act watch for a class act Gent.
Congratulations G and i truly know this watch is going to make you smile every time you look at it.
Wear and stare in the best of health.
M.

One of the best things that came along with the purchase of this watch is our friendship. I often look fondly back at that afternoon where we met at One Aldwych. It was a special moment in time for me. The many watch stories you shared with me and also your huge appreciation for modern Tudor had left me more inspired than ever. I occasionally hear of collectors becoming jaded of their pursuits and just watch collecting in general. But I have to say the opposite has happened to me. After February last year I felt a fire in my belly to do what was necessary in continuing my journey of watch collecting. The amalgamation of all these experiences (collecting watches and friends along the way) has made life richer and fuller. Thank you once again brother. You, like the 5970 are a gem to be treasured for life!

Best,
Gatsby

Wear it in good health!
Cheers, Henry

For your kind wishes ! Looking forward to having many more of such watch conversations with you and everyone else here. I wish there was a segment of the forum that documents the experiences of our forum members. It’s always, always, always interesting for me to hear what motivates a collector to collect what he or she does.

Best
Gatsby

A dream this is for me indeed. Meeting Miles for the first time last February has become part of the DNA of this watch. What I didn’t mention is that YOU too, are part of the DNA of this watch. You have no idea how many times I read your reviews of this watch (and many others including the 5070, which I have to write about one day) on this forum that eventually led to my acquisition. It is by far the most important I’ve purchased. I too, fondly remember the very first time we met in Paris — almost a good 10 years ago. Not to mention 2 years ago we met again in August when I was traveling in Europe with my partner. I remember fondly the watches you brought along to the GTG, especially the Blancpain FF. I thank you so very much that you’ve been a big part of my watch collecting journey, a dear friend you’ve become to me over the years and how your name has become synonymous to the many important older references that I love from Patek Philippe. Merci beau coup Mon ami. Paris watch out — I’m coming back for Amanico.


Best,
Gatsby