Patek Philippe

I am treating myself to a new Patek for 2007, and have narrowed the choices to the Gondolo "art deco" watch in platinum/rose gold with a "plain" mechanical movement or the 5135 Annual Calendar (complicated movement with day, date, month and moon phase) in whtie gold with a grey dial/face.  I am torn between the two watches and would love to hear opinions on both watches and why you would purchase one over the other.

On one hand, the 5135 has the complicated movement which may make it the better investment.  On the other hand, the 5111 is one of the most beautiful watches (IMO) that is rare and striking in the two metals.  Does anyone know how many watches Patek makes in these styles annually?  Thanks in advance; all opinions welcome.

you said that you think its beutifull so go for it. you're worried about "value"? so shop around and try to get at the best deal possible. buy what you like at a good price otherwise you'll not be happy.

just my 2c

Marry Xmas and happy new year

Tzachi.

I have the 5135G.  A close friend of mine has the 5111PR.  We are both happy with our watches so I am sure you will be happy whichever watch you buy.

I think 5135's design is exceptional with lovely case and dial but when perched on the wrist I don't like the protuding lugs eventhough I have 7 1/2" wrist.
OTOH, 5111 plat is gorgeous and IMO it's better looking than the new 5130.
Here's mine.

Now that's a hideous watch!

Patek Philippe is synonymous with complicated watches. I do appreciate the quality, styling and appeal of many of the non-complicated watches Patek produce (I do also loathe some, but each to his own!). But I think dollar-for-dollar, the complicated watches represent better value, and will provide greater pleasure in wearing and owning, than standard timepieces.

I was recently toying with the Gondolo Trapezium, which retails here in the UK for GBP£10,000. It's a lot of money for a manual wind watch, and I felt that I would rather spend the additional £4,900 and buy the Annual Calendar 5146 which looks a lot more watch for the money.

That said, you must buy what you like, and not be influenced by the likes and dislikes of others!!

Good luck!

Owning a 5135g biases me a little. The annual calendar complication may be a minor complication but I feel it is BEST represented in the 5135. The case is wonderful and is reminiscent of the 5016!

I have had both the 5111P and 5111G on my wrist. Both are wonderful. The detail in the case and dial make these watches special and need not explain themselves to the 5135. 

Both have good weight and the 5111P is one of only two dual color watches offered in the current Patek catalog. The other being the Cabriolet which is under appreciated and under valued at the moment (I know it is a little small but I tend not to follow my heart and not fashion trends).

My crystal ball is very cloudy in predicting future values but I would tend to put my money on the complicated piece. Of course if you buy what you like best, you will be a winner no matter what.

Although the 5111P is simpler I wonder if it has smaller production numbers than the more complicated 5135 due to its price and the fact it is Platinum. Rarity alone may not influence value however.

Regards.

Mike S.

Here's why: in the longer term, the value of a Patek on the secondary/auction market appears to be unrelated to the retail price differentials between the various metals. Indeed, in the older models, SS is often worth far more than precious-metal cases. I believe that the current 5070 is much more sought-after in one particular metal (is it WG?) despite a minimal price differential.

The 5111PR is nearly twice the price of the RG and WG versions. One might predict that this ensures its rarity, but maybe not - I've seen more PR's at dealers than either of the two other colours. Sure, it's breathtaking, but this may in fact make it more popular and ultimately less rare.

The 5135 on the other hand, is also very beautiful, more complicated, and rarer. A recent auction result on a WG piece shows the value to be holding up well.

However, the 5135 is a very large watch. If it's beauty, value and wearability you're after, why not go for the 5111G? Perhaps these scans of my own piece will convince you:










nb my wrist is 7" if you count the hair.

Cheers
Tony P

Thanks to everyone for replying to my post.  I apprecaite all the feedback. 

BTW: Tony, I was actually considering the WG 5111 which I also feel is a fabulous watch.  I could save a lot of money by going that route, but my original intention was to purchase a complicated watch. 

I have spoken to my AD, who told me that neither watch is currently in stock.  They have ordered both watches which I am under no obligation to purchase.  His only concern is when they will be available as he believe PP will be raising their prices in February.

that my friend who has the 5111PR already had the 5040P when he bought the 5111PR.  So this would lend some support to all of those who have suggested that you should get the complicated watch first.

...please try to take my opinion as 'not biased'.

...both watches you mention are VERY good looking IMO (I guess I really like the Gondolo shape overall)...but if I was going to buy ONLY one....5135 would be hands down winner and the main reason for that is that complicated Pateks just 'sing to me a lot more' ;-)

Best of luck. You can not go wrong with either.