Patek Philippe

Hi,

Thanks alot for the input. Started to belive there was something wrong with the movement in the 3800 or something. I'm wearing a 39 mm today and kind of like that size. I sure don't need a larger watch. One of the main objectives to a new watch would be to be versatile.

It is personal taste and if a tall guy wears a 3800 it's his choice, if he likes it it is his choice

so I agree this is a personal thing

 

but 'People appreciate bigger watches - for the time being...'

I'm sure we'll never go back to 36 mm watches.

 

47 was too big for some brands, leave this to Panerai and offshores but not every new piece needs to be more than 45

On the other hands, we had 31 mm 80 years ago,  34 in the 1950's, later 36, 37

and Since more or less the size is between 39 and 42. There will always be exceptions but I'm pretty sure 39 - 42 will stay teh standard and we'll never go back to 36 ( as an average size)

For two reasons:

1/  More and more people are attracted by Vintage.

Who would complain about a Longines 13 ZN or 30CH? I see more and more people looking after one.

Same for the 35 mm Geophysic, or even the smaller Reverso.

2/ Which can be seen as a prolongation of point One: Dressy watches don't need to be big ( if big, are theyt still dressy? ), so 35 / 36 / 37 mm is perfect.

BUT I agree that a toolwatch, a sports watch needs to be bigger than 36 mm, by our nowadays standards.

Best,

Nicolas

You said more and more are attracted by Vintage  .... I'm sorry but I think you're wrong

People like you, me, us ... people who read and post about these watches are probably less the 3 % of all the people who BUY watches.

You might know a few who like vintage and I might know a few but I'm pretty sure we're talking about a few hundred, let's say 5000 worldwide. This is just a guess

A 30CH or 13 ZN is nice but if Longines would ever make such a piece again  .. I doubt they would put it in a 35 mm case not even for a dresswatch

 

Nor that they will be the majority.

But when people compare the finish of the old and the new watches, their look, the soul, and sometimes the value / quality ratio, then you'll see that more and more people are attracted by Vintage.

This is the phenomenon I observe around me.

But you're right, people generally go to Moderns first. This is a natural thing to go for things you know, things which are easier to find, things which don't require a lot of knowledge ( while you'd better do your homework with the Vintage if you don't want to get a Lemon... )

One example: If you know a bit about watches, what is the most interesting, a 13 ZN / 30 CH, or a superb automatic modern and much bigger Chronograph from Longines?

For the moment, Longines is massacring its history. Maybe because they don't have the means to do differently.

Best,

Nicolas

is ofcourse the watch to get if you have the choice between a modern Longines and a 13 zn

but like said, if Longines would remake the 13 zn or Zenith the 135 I'm sure most would prefer it in a 40  mm and not a 35 mm

IF the 13 zn or Zenith 135 would also have been made in a 40 mm case in the past I'm sure these 40 mm oldtimers would be more sought after and therefore  more expensive than the 35 mm pieces

Another example, I 'm pretty sure the Patek 3970 would be a lot more expensive if that watch was also 40 mm, the tiny 36,4 is just too small. The 3970 is a bargain today. Why do you think the 5970 costs about 50% more on the secondhand market. I can only presume the size is a very important factor. Both are almost the same watches, same movement, same complications. the first  one is yours for 65K, the other starts close to 100K

.... i simply adore Nautilus 3800.  The biggest difference in my experience with nautilus , i would have to say , it is much more difficult to find a Mint condition 3700, simply they have been around longer.  Most people really did used these watches as a daily wear.  So, to find 3700 in factory condition is both expensive and difficult.  3800 on the other hand can still be dug out at relatively cheaper price and in NOS condition.

Happy hunting.

to see them all in one box. Number 2 and 4 (from left) would be my personal favorites, but all of them are more than interesting.

Thanks a lot, for sharing with us!

Which one is your favorite, by the way?

Oliver

are superb watches for what they are. To go for a smaller one is just a matter of personal taste and the size of your wrist. Smaller doesn´t mean worse!

Even when the crowd asks for bigger watches, who cares as long as you love your watch. Everybody´s darling is everybody´s fool, isn´t he?

But don´t go for the smaller one, just because of the (current) price! Once it is on your wrist, the price is forgotten quite fast.

3700 - it is a gorgeous watch and it was the first one of that line. To find a perfect one is almost impossible and if you have one, will it see lot´s of wrist time?

Good luck with your decision and keep us updated

Oliver

That you have nearly got one for each day of the week?