Comments:
I think I was reading an article on minute repeaters...
...(Patek makes one with the Gondolo shape of the 5135) and I remembered how much I love that case shape. A photo from Sotheby's got me going. I would have to try it on as it is dressy and might be a bit thick, but a nice example sure seems reasonable...
It's good, but not that good!
If you think about it. A perpetual calendar is also possible in a price range of only several thousand US dollars above this. Thus, while I would argue a 5135 is a great value at $30,000 USD, I'd argue a Patek Philippe perpetual calendar at $39,000 would be an even GREATER value! But, of course, buy whatever gets you excited and looks great on your wrist! The perpetual calendar might not look quite as awesome as the 5135 does! As the 5135 is big and has a special presence that's rare in the watch world!
I really do need to try one on but may never see one unless I go to Japan and visit some of their great pre-owned shops...
I would love to go back…
…but am not a good traveler by myself. But I do have some friends there.
Auctions are some of the best venues to buy and sell.
There are great deals to be had as a buyer and sometimes fortune favours the brave as a seller.
I have been actively following and participating in auctions (in person and virtually) for 15-16 years and pretty much every auction has a “steal” of a price.
And in the last few years with the proliferation of auctions both online and in person there is just so much more supply.
You also need to understand which platforms attract the premium prices, which geographic locations tend to perform better or worse for some brands (even among the biggest auction houses, there are differences across their flagship auctions in each location) and you need to see the watches in person or have someone see them for you.