Patek Philippe

I must say the hobnail effect on the 3796dj looks gorgeous...but how would I feel about a 30.5/ 31mm case diameter against the 37mm of the 5196. My wrist is around 16cm, and I guess trying both on would be the only way of knowing. Have any of you had the experience of owning/ trying either? Of course there is the matter the lug to lug distance which can amplify the watch presence. I love the applied hour markers with dots for minutes style, as opposed to roman numerals. I realise the 3796 represents a good homage to the ref 96, but with a more modern 215ps movement. I believe the price in the market for both models isn't very different. I'm just curious to know how the rest of you feel about the size. Both my gondolos carry modern sizing ie 5124g and 5098r. Just a curiosity amidst a growing patek obsession!! Rishi



5196..at 37cm




3796 at 30.5cm..

I find the 5196 too large for me even though it is a 37mm watch due to the flared lugs. Pity really as it is a gorgeous classic watch.

I also found 5196 very large on my 6.6 inch wrist but 3796 is just to small for my liking. If I had wanted YG I would have tried to find a nice 5096 but in the end I got a similarly sized 3998P at the time. 

And with the bonus of an available see-through case back.

Both beautiful.

My experience is that the ref. 5196P doesn't wear well on my 16 cm wrist because the lug-to-lug dimension is too large. I'll let you judge based on the photo below.


credit: @cameronrosssteiner & @t_hx_leaven_thirdate


Best, Emmanuel

I have a strong feeling, the 5196 will look like a pie pan on my wrist. I just worry about the extra small dial of the 3796 although I think its gorgeous . I will likely post another topic....to get opinions of the 5115 vs 3796. That's where my mind is going these days...
Rishikesan

But I know how difficult it is, unfortunately.

you lose the small seconds but you win the small rotor movement 240

Judging from Emmanuels pics, I know the 5196 will be too big for me

But as you say you have around a 16cm wrist and you seem to prefer the style of the 3796 that would be my choice, after all it is a dress watch and as such is meant to look subtle and discreet. Also I have found that when moving to what I at first felt was a very small watch the brain actually gets used to it quite quickly and it seems normal. It may just be me and KMII but i do think there is a move towards smaller more stylish dress watches of late so you would be on trend if that matters at all.

Of course I can only agree that both 3796 and 5196 have a beautiful design but as many have mentioned the case design of 5196 is such that it looks odd on a 16cm because of the lug to lug dimension. On the other hand the 3796 is really small and unless you are used to wear such small watches I’m afraid you might regret your choice. Why not going for another Calatrava with a 35mm case which should be ideal for your wrist and happens to be the standard size for many beautiful vintage Calatravas such as ref 570, 5208, 5209, or 565 (and many others but these are the ones that I am in love with). Since wrist size is one of the key factors this sounds logical and can only be an excellent choice as Calatrava. What do you think?

So I thought about this...35mm, that i know will be the good sweet spot. I have always had an eye for the 5115, partly also because I don't want something too old, plus I want an element of craft which can be seen with the bezel plus the enamel dial.
Rishi

There is actually a number of options for Calatravas in 35mm size... and only you can decide according to your personal choice. For example you mention you don't want something "too old". I would recommend don't take something "dated" which is not quite the same. On the other hand I love beautiful vintage watches which are so classy, timeless, and have an incredible charm that I don't find in modern references. When you say you don't want "something too old" I don't know what is the reason behind: is it a question of design? or are you afraid of reliability? or is it for another reason...? As for 5115 of course it has positive points with its 35mm size and enamel dial; the 215 PS caliber isn't extraordinary but makes the job quite well and is very reliable; as for the design the crown guards (similar to 5107, 5127 or 5125) are really a question of personal taste just like the hobnail bezel. But I am still a big fan of the 570, 5208, 5209, or 565 as I mentioned before
Let us know the outcome...

There's a ton of references with Patek...and thats why I love this blog, taking cues from many enthusiasts knowledge. Like a flow chart actually...till you find something you like. So I have this in my mind...around 33 to 36mm, no date window, ideally with hobnail, I seem to love the crown guard design with seamless lugs and case , even better with a display caseback...micro rotor if possible...and yellow gold.
Basically to be a good no 3 after my RG 5098, and white gold 5124g.
I aim for 90s and beyond mainly out of reliability concerns (psychological comfort perhaps). Also...I enjoy greater craftwork element...hence the enamel dial and hobnail bezel affinity. I'll put this up in a new post...and just get opinions and ideas.

Thank you once again Mike....

Rishikesan

me !