Patek Philippe

 I am about to buy Patek. Can anyone help me to decide among Patek 5396, 5146 or 5135?  My decisions are based on the following:

1. Which one is more collectible or easier to sell in the future if somehing happen to me

2. Is it true that Patek 5146 now has Caliber 324? Patek website is still showing Caliber 315

3. Would you recommend me to buy pre-owned at ebay for far less money than brand new at local AD?

Your input are appreciated

1. Which one is more collectible or easier to sell in the future if somehing happen to me

a, all about the same, there's fans of all 3

2. Is it true that Patek 5146 now has Caliber 324? Patek website is still showing Caliber 315
a. Eventually 324 will replace 315

3. Would you recommend me to buy pre-owned at ebay for far less money than brand new at local AD?
a. maybe, maybe not

They are all very desirable watches. Personally I find 5146 a very interesting watch. I like its history, its shape, the depth of the sub-dials and the clean and very subtle texture of the enamel surface on the main dial.

Patek seems to be following a trend towards faster-beating, 4 Hz calibers with some of its new releases (5124, 5960, 5098 are the ones I have been following), so if your AD is sent a 5146 with a 4Hz movement I would say go for it as this watch is and does what a watch is supposed to be and do. My 5146 comes with a 324 caliber. I tried on a Breguet Marine Tourbillon as well during the purchase of my 5146; a stunning piece, but it is hefty and I would not wear it before my humble 5146. I find 5135 really too big for my wrist.

In the short time I have seriously entertained the purchase of one of these pieces I have noticed, as others have pointed out, that annual calendars for the moment seem to have escaped the attention of speculators, so you can get a lot of watch for a relatively modest amount of money, and even a small discount from your authorized dealer. I am sure you would have no problem selling yours, should fortunes change, regardless of which of those three you chose.

Finally, if this is your first really substantial watch I would have no hesitation to advice you to obtain it through an authorized dealer. Unless you really know the many potential pitfalls and how to avoid them, I would say e-bay and Patek are words that do not mix together too well.

I travelled a little distance with a fellow enthusiast and good friend in order to get this watch with this caliber. It was a great experience to see the precinct opened in front of me and to purchase it from a reliable and knowledgeable person who was not using underhand, money-pinching tactics, and who was just as passionate about these watches as we are.

Kind regards, and please let us know your choice.

For me the 5135 is great. I absolutely love it and I would highly recommend it.

nt

Hi,

1) The 5396 is my favorite so the more collectible for me. I really like 5135 too but that's a very large watch. you need the wrist for it, I don't have it. The 5146 is a great piece too but as I prefer the 5396 I can't prefer the 5146! 

2) Calibre 315 is progressively being replaced by the calibre 324. As all watches are not sold immediately when reaching the stores, you may find watches with either calibre in the market.

3) No, but that's your money, not mine!

Cheers

Dje

1. I prefer the 5146 hands down, based on appearance alone.  (I know nothing of the insides and workings but I have to love the appearance/look first above anything else before I start thinking of buying.  The one that I like the best might not be the one you like best, so choose the one that appeals to your own taste. You'll know which one. Try it and and the watch will just feel right and smile at you. 
I am waiting for the 5146 in rose gold. (In fact, I called the PP AD just today and asked about when it will get here. I could arrive here around Sep (but that's with a maybe still.) 

As far as which is more collectable, well, ask in about 20 years, please; by then we might know LOL!  I wish I knew the answer now to tell you and I'd sell the house to buy many. But all PPs in general tend to maintain high resale values, so if anything your loss would be less than owning some other brands. And if inflation, price increases, time, and collectability all factor in your favor, you could, with a big maybe, come out ahead. 

2.  As said, the 315 is being replaced by the 324.  (Now, my question to the members is if the watches with the 315's  are selling for less than those with the 324s?)

3) I have bought mostly through gray market dealers (not official ADs), however, I have bought all my through reputable greay market dealers who have owned bricks-and-mortar stores for decades where I can actually go in and try the watch and see it in person.  I also live in a place where gray market dealers and their used watches are sold under the highest business standards. I am not sure if this situation applies where you live, so you'll have to decide that for youself. Neverhtless, as mentioned, high-end watches and sight-unseen auction sites at times don't mix.  You have to really know more about the seller than the watch.

Good luck in your search. I am sure there is a beautiful PP out there for you.