Patek Philippe - stainless a bad idea?
Discussion
I'm not sure what you're getting at.
You like stainless steel Pateks, but you don't like them, but you sort of do, but you don't actually.
Perhaps if you saw them in the metal you might change your mind?
If you want an everyday watch and have Patek kind of money, why not that new Everose Yachtmaster? It's lovely....
You like stainless steel Pateks, but you don't like them, but you sort of do, but you don't actually.
Perhaps if you saw them in the metal you might change your mind?
If you want an everyday watch and have Patek kind of money, why not that new Everose Yachtmaster? It's lovely....
Yes, missing the point completely.
If you can afford a PP, you can afford the associated costs of wearing a PP.
Not sure if precious metal is costed differently, but the likes of the Nautilus in SS will be re-polished for £100, which for the brand name, is positively for nothing.
Besides which, the alloys used are treated to increase their hardness, and whilst not as hard as 316, they're not that far off it – so it's doubtful that you'd see any appreciable difference in scratch content.
But, if your normal daily usage is such that your perception of precious metals being too soft to endure what you put your watch through, then maybe an annual calendar PP isn't the best option to be contemplating.
If you can afford a PP, you can afford the associated costs of wearing a PP.
Not sure if precious metal is costed differently, but the likes of the Nautilus in SS will be re-polished for £100, which for the brand name, is positively for nothing.
Besides which, the alloys used are treated to increase their hardness, and whilst not as hard as 316, they're not that far off it – so it's doubtful that you'd see any appreciable difference in scratch content.
But, if your normal daily usage is such that your perception of precious metals being too soft to endure what you put your watch through, then maybe an annual calendar PP isn't the best option to be contemplating.
I obviously didn't explain myself well enough.
Affordability isn't the issue. My problem is that, emotionally, I don't want a precious-metal watch. And the stainless watches that PP make, I simply don't like.
My question is - am I the only person who wants a PP in stainless? They really don't make many (and those that they make don't seem overly popular) so perhaps that answers the question.
Affordability isn't the issue. My problem is that, emotionally, I don't want a precious-metal watch. And the stainless watches that PP make, I simply don't like.
My question is - am I the only person who wants a PP in stainless? They really don't make many (and those that they make don't seem overly popular) so perhaps that answers the question.
gregf40 said:
longblackcoat said:
My question is - am I the only person who wants a PP in stainless? They really don't make many (and those that they make don't seem overly popular) so perhaps that answers the question.
They will if you make you anything if you buy enough from them 
longblackcoat said:
I obviously didn't explain myself well enough.
Affordability isn't the issue. My problem is that, emotionally, I don't want a precious-metal watch. And the stainless watches that PP make, I simply don't like.
My question is - am I the only person who wants a PP in stainless? They really don't make many (and those that they make don't seem overly popular) so perhaps that answers the question.
Here's the long and the short of it – you like the 5035, so buy it, wear it, and enjoy it, and just forget about the material its made from.Affordability isn't the issue. My problem is that, emotionally, I don't want a precious-metal watch. And the stainless watches that PP make, I simply don't like.
My question is - am I the only person who wants a PP in stainless? They really don't make many (and those that they make don't seem overly popular) so perhaps that answers the question.
It's as simple as that.
Your concern about material is not valid, and since you can afford it, it's not a question of "if only it were cheaper by being wrapped in steel".
PP have deemed that the 5035 is not the sort of watch there is much of a market for in SS, compared to precious metals – so that's where they've pitched its tent.
In that respect, get on with it or choose an annual calendar in SS from another manufacturer – in fact, I'd go one better and suggest a Glashutte Original Perpetual Calendar.
But here's a few potential alternatives:
https://www.chrono24.com/en/zenith/captain-winsor-...
https://www.chrono24.com/en/corum/admirals-cup-leg...
https://www.chrono24.com/en/zenith/----captain-win... – cheaper than the first link
https://www.chrono24.com/en/zenith/--captain-winso...
https://www.chrono24.com/en/iwc/portugieser-jahres...
https://www.chrono24.com/en/glashuetteoriginal/sen...
OP, Highly polished platinum looks like steel and remains under the radar of most individuals. Ok it's not as strong but the look of the wear and tear is lower due the metal purity.
The extra weight is reassuring and only the wearer will notice. I had the Patek itch and it's a itch you really have to scratch and I settled on a YG 5135 and regretted not going to the platinum cased version, although the model in question had diamonds set a 3 and 9 and I'm a believer, rightly or wrongly its the ladies who should wear diamonds, I liked the low key look of the case.
I traded down eventually as the bling factor was something I found increasingly uncomfortable and I suppose you can take me out of my home town but you can't take Wolverhampton out of me. Go figure....
The extra weight is reassuring and only the wearer will notice. I had the Patek itch and it's a itch you really have to scratch and I settled on a YG 5135 and regretted not going to the platinum cased version, although the model in question had diamonds set a 3 and 9 and I'm a believer, rightly or wrongly its the ladies who should wear diamonds, I liked the low key look of the case.
I traded down eventually as the bling factor was something I found increasingly uncomfortable and I suppose you can take me out of my home town but you can't take Wolverhampton out of me. Go figure....
Mr Aston Martin said:
OP, Highly polished platinum looks like steel and remains under the radar of most individuals. Ok it's not as strong but the look of the wear and tear is lower due the metal purity.
The extra weight is reassuring and only the wearer will notice. I had the Patek itch and it's a itch you really have to scratch and I settled on a YG 5135 and regretted not going to the platinum cased version, although the model in question had diamonds set a 3 and 9 and I'm a believer, rightly or wrongly its the ladies who should wear diamonds, I liked the low key look of the case.
I traded down eventually as the bling factor was something I found increasingly uncomfortable and I suppose you can take me out of my home town but you can't take Wolverhampton out of me. Go figure....
The bling thing is what bothers me, as it did you. I'm simply uncomfortable with a gold or white gold case. I've tried a platinum one, and it was lovely, but I would be so much happier with a more robust case. Yes, I could obviously get it re polished every so often, but that would still put me off it as a daily. The extra weight is reassuring and only the wearer will notice. I had the Patek itch and it's a itch you really have to scratch and I settled on a YG 5135 and regretted not going to the platinum cased version, although the model in question had diamonds set a 3 and 9 and I'm a believer, rightly or wrongly its the ladies who should wear diamonds, I liked the low key look of the case.
I traded down eventually as the bling factor was something I found increasingly uncomfortable and I suppose you can take me out of my home town but you can't take Wolverhampton out of me. Go figure....
PJ S said:
longblackcoat said:
I obviously didn't explain myself well enough.
Affordability isn't the issue. My problem is that, emotionally, I don't want a precious-metal watch. And the stainless watches that PP make, I simply don't like.
My question is - am I the only person who wants a PP in stainless? They really don't make many (and those that they make don't seem overly popular) so perhaps that answers the question.
Here's the long and the short of it – you like the 5035, so buy it, wear it, and enjoy it, and just forget about the material its made from.Affordability isn't the issue. My problem is that, emotionally, I don't want a precious-metal watch. And the stainless watches that PP make, I simply don't like.
My question is - am I the only person who wants a PP in stainless? They really don't make many (and those that they make don't seem overly popular) so perhaps that answers the question.
It's as simple as that.
Your concern about material is not valid, and since you can afford it, it's not a question of "if only it were cheaper by being wrapped in steel".
PP have deemed that the 5035 is not the sort of watch there is much of a market for in SS, compared to precious metals – so that's where they've pitched its tent.
In that respect, get on with it or choose an annual calendar in SS from another manufacturer – in fact, I'd go one better and suggest a Glashutte Original Perpetual Calendar.
But here's a few potential alternatives:
https://www.chrono24.com/en/zenith/captain-winsor-...
https://www.chrono24.com/en/corum/admirals-cup-leg...
https://www.chrono24.com/en/zenith/----captain-win... – cheaper than the first link
https://www.chrono24.com/en/zenith/--captain-winso...
https://www.chrono24.com/en/iwc/portugieser-jahres...
https://www.chrono24.com/en/glashuetteoriginal/sen...
detee said:
Have you looked at the 5711 Patek, a real classic, not easy to get hold of but beautiful.
Thanks for the thought - sadly (and I know I'll be struck down as an appalling heretic for saying it), I really don't like the look of the Nautilus range. I've never cared for square watches. I recently purchased my first Patek - this one
I had been looking at PPs for years and should have got one years ago.
It seems to have become my favourite watch and I have worn it more or less everyday since I got it.
Like the op I prefer a restrained look and was originally going to purchase the 5146 in Platinum as it flies under the radar for most people.
However, when I compared the two side by side, the dial colour and yellow gold combination of mine IMO was preferable.
I was worried about gold marking but so far it seems to be unmarked.
With regard to the Nautilus range, I too did not like them from photos and from looking at them in AD windows, but once I tried one on my views changed.
The watch/bracelet combination works very well and just seems very natural on the wrist.
So I know have an annual calendar 5726 Grey Face with SS Bracelet on order.
PP make the 5960 in SS with SS bracelet if you like the style.
The Glasshutte Original watches are interesting and I was looking at them recently - in particular the current Senator Perpetual Calendar in SS. Fantastic build quality but there are styling elements that jar with me. Firstly, the watch has Gold/Silver/Black or Blue steel hands which look like they have come from an antique clock, they do not look right on the watch and have no lume (I try to avoid buying watches with no lume) Secondly, the numerals are Roman which I dislike, Thirdly the dial layout is functional but a dogs dinner in terms of style. In particular , the difference in character size and the large double digit date.
Strangely, the previous version of the Senator Perpetual Calendar which has the same mechanism and some of the same styling elements is probably a better choice.
I had been looking at PPs for years and should have got one years ago.
It seems to have become my favourite watch and I have worn it more or less everyday since I got it.
Like the op I prefer a restrained look and was originally going to purchase the 5146 in Platinum as it flies under the radar for most people.
However, when I compared the two side by side, the dial colour and yellow gold combination of mine IMO was preferable.
I was worried about gold marking but so far it seems to be unmarked.
With regard to the Nautilus range, I too did not like them from photos and from looking at them in AD windows, but once I tried one on my views changed.
The watch/bracelet combination works very well and just seems very natural on the wrist.
So I know have an annual calendar 5726 Grey Face with SS Bracelet on order.
PP make the 5960 in SS with SS bracelet if you like the style.
The Glasshutte Original watches are interesting and I was looking at them recently - in particular the current Senator Perpetual Calendar in SS. Fantastic build quality but there are styling elements that jar with me. Firstly, the watch has Gold/Silver/Black or Blue steel hands which look like they have come from an antique clock, they do not look right on the watch and have no lume (I try to avoid buying watches with no lume) Secondly, the numerals are Roman which I dislike, Thirdly the dial layout is functional but a dogs dinner in terms of style. In particular , the difference in character size and the large double digit date.
Strangely, the previous version of the Senator Perpetual Calendar which has the same mechanism and some of the same styling elements is probably a better choice.
chris56 said:
I recently purchased my first Patek - this one
I had been looking at PPs for years and should have got one years ago.
It seems to have become my favourite watch and I have worn it more or less everyday since I got it.
Like the op I prefer a restrained look and was originally going to purchase the 5146 in Platinum as it flies under the radar for most people.
However, when I compared the two side by side, the dial colour and yellow gold combination of mine IMO was preferable.
I was worried about gold marking but so far it seems to be unmarked.
With regard to the Nautilus range, I too did not like them from photos and from looking at them in AD windows, but once I tried one on my views changed.
The watch/bracelet combination works very well and just seems very natural on the wrist.
So I know have an annual calendar 5726 Grey Face with SS Bracelet on order.
PP make the 5960 in SS with SS bracelet if you like the style.
The Glasshutte Original watches are interesting and I was looking at them recently - in particular the current Senator Perpetual Calendar in SS. Fantastic build quality but there are styling elements that jar with me. Firstly, the watch has Gold/Silver/Black or Blue steel hands which look like they have come from an antique clock, they do not look right on the watch and have no lume (I try to avoid buying watches with no lume) Secondly, the numerals are Roman which I dislike, Thirdly the dial layout is functional but a dogs dinner in terms of style. In particular , the difference in character size and the large double digit date.
Strangely, the previous version of the Senator Perpetual Calendar which has the same mechanism and some of the same styling elements is probably a better choice.
Thanks for this - really good information. I'm a stickler for the styling of my watches, and one of the reasons I particularly like the 5035 is that it has the subsidiary 24h dial and not a moon phase, something I’ve always found to be an unnecessarily fussy flourish. And I’ve tried several Nautilus models (Nautilii?) on and still didn’t feel any attraction to them. I had been looking at PPs for years and should have got one years ago.
It seems to have become my favourite watch and I have worn it more or less everyday since I got it.
Like the op I prefer a restrained look and was originally going to purchase the 5146 in Platinum as it flies under the radar for most people.
However, when I compared the two side by side, the dial colour and yellow gold combination of mine IMO was preferable.
I was worried about gold marking but so far it seems to be unmarked.
With regard to the Nautilus range, I too did not like them from photos and from looking at them in AD windows, but once I tried one on my views changed.
The watch/bracelet combination works very well and just seems very natural on the wrist.
So I know have an annual calendar 5726 Grey Face with SS Bracelet on order.
PP make the 5960 in SS with SS bracelet if you like the style.
The Glasshutte Original watches are interesting and I was looking at them recently - in particular the current Senator Perpetual Calendar in SS. Fantastic build quality but there are styling elements that jar with me. Firstly, the watch has Gold/Silver/Black or Blue steel hands which look like they have come from an antique clock, they do not look right on the watch and have no lume (I try to avoid buying watches with no lume) Secondly, the numerals are Roman which I dislike, Thirdly the dial layout is functional but a dogs dinner in terms of style. In particular , the difference in character size and the large double digit date.
Strangely, the previous version of the Senator Perpetual Calendar which has the same mechanism and some of the same styling elements is probably a better choice.
Basically, if I could get a 5035 in steel, I’d have one by now. As I said above, I’ve tried a platinum one and really liked it, but there’s this nagging thought that I’ll end up settling for something which isn’t quite what I want. And at this level of expenditure, you really don’t want to “settle” for anything.
I appreciate that it’s a bit like me looking at an Aventador and saying that I’d like one, if only the chassis were steel rather than hyper-complex carbon, but that’s the way it is – buying a PP is all about emotion, and absolutely nothing to do with telling the time. And I, personally, would find it a lot easier to accept spending a large chunk of money on a watch if I can tell myself that I'm paying for the complex innards, not for the fancy-schmancy case. That makes absolutely no sense, I accept, especially as I'm sure the actual difference in material cost between gold, platinum and steel for a watch is the square root of sod-all. That said, an attention-seeking watch is something I'd never consider, so for that reason a yellow gold watch is absolutely out.
The models you reference might look and feel better on the wrist than in pictures, but I’m unconvinced for now. So I’ll probably end up doing as PJS suggests – get a perfect 5035P, wear it, forget about the material, live with the scratches.
Decisions, decisions....... but a nice decision to have to make.
chris56 said:
I recently purchased my first Patek - this one
I had been looking at PPs for years and should have got one years ago.
It seems to have become my favourite watch and I have worn it more or less everyday since I got it.
Like the op I prefer a restrained look and was originally going to purchase the 5146 in Platinum as it flies under the radar for most people.
However, when I compared the two side by side, the dial colour and yellow gold combination of mine IMO was preferable.
I was worried about gold marking but so far it seems to be unmarked.
With regard to the Nautilus range, I too did not like them from photos and from looking at them in AD windows, but once I tried one on my views changed.
The watch/bracelet combination works very well and just seems very natural on the wrist.
So I know have an annual calendar 5726 Grey Face with SS Bracelet on order.
PP make the 5960 in SS with SS bracelet if you like the style.
The Glasshutte Original watches are interesting and I was looking at them recently - in particular the current Senator Perpetual Calendar in SS. Fantastic build quality but there are styling elements that jar with me. Firstly, the watch has Gold/Silver/Black or Blue steel hands which look like they have come from an antique clock, they do not look right on the watch and have no lume (I try to avoid buying watches with no lume) Secondly, the numerals are Roman which I dislike, Thirdly the dial layout is functional but a dogs dinner in terms of style. In particular , the difference in character size and the large double digit date.
Strangely, the previous version of the Senator Perpetual Calendar which has the same mechanism and some of the same styling elements is probably a better choice.
one of the best looking Patek's made .........super duper I had been looking at PPs for years and should have got one years ago.
It seems to have become my favourite watch and I have worn it more or less everyday since I got it.
Like the op I prefer a restrained look and was originally going to purchase the 5146 in Platinum as it flies under the radar for most people.
However, when I compared the two side by side, the dial colour and yellow gold combination of mine IMO was preferable.
I was worried about gold marking but so far it seems to be unmarked.
With regard to the Nautilus range, I too did not like them from photos and from looking at them in AD windows, but once I tried one on my views changed.
The watch/bracelet combination works very well and just seems very natural on the wrist.
So I know have an annual calendar 5726 Grey Face with SS Bracelet on order.
PP make the 5960 in SS with SS bracelet if you like the style.
The Glasshutte Original watches are interesting and I was looking at them recently - in particular the current Senator Perpetual Calendar in SS. Fantastic build quality but there are styling elements that jar with me. Firstly, the watch has Gold/Silver/Black or Blue steel hands which look like they have come from an antique clock, they do not look right on the watch and have no lume (I try to avoid buying watches with no lume) Secondly, the numerals are Roman which I dislike, Thirdly the dial layout is functional but a dogs dinner in terms of style. In particular , the difference in character size and the large double digit date.
Strangely, the previous version of the Senator Perpetual Calendar which has the same mechanism and some of the same styling elements is probably a better choice.
longblackcoat said:
So I’ll probably end up doing as PJS suggests – get a perfect 5035P, wear it, forget about the material, live with the scratches.
Decisions, decisions....... but a nice decision to have to make.
Glad I could be of some use. Decisions, decisions....... but a nice decision to have to make.
Just to further compound your decision making...
https://www.chrono24.com/en/patekphilippe/moonphas...
http://www.rockefellers.co.uk/watches-patek-philip... – you'll be pleased to know these two are steel!
https://www.chrono24.com/en/alangesoehne/saxonia-a... – if you can live with pink/rose gold
https://www.chrono24.com/en/patekphilippe/annual-c...
https://www.chrono24.com/en/alangesoehne/saxonia-a...
chris56 said:
I recently purchased my first Patek - this one
I had been looking at PPs for years and should have got one years ago.
It seems to have become my favourite watch and I have worn it more or less everyday since I got it.
Like the op I prefer a restrained look and was originally going to purchase the 5146 in Platinum as it flies under the radar for most people.
However, when I compared the two side by side, the dial colour and yellow gold combination of mine IMO was preferable.
I was worried about gold marking but so far it seems to be unmarked.
With regard to the Nautilus range, I too did not like them from photos and from looking at them in AD windows, but once I tried one on my views changed.
The watch/bracelet combination works very well and just seems very natural on the wrist.
So I know have an annual calendar 5726 Grey Face with SS Bracelet on order.
PP make the 5960 in SS with SS bracelet if you like the style.
The Glasshutte Original watches are interesting and I was looking at them recently - in particular the current Senator Perpetual Calendar in SS. Fantastic build quality but there are styling elements that jar with me. Firstly, the watch has Gold/Silver/Black or Blue steel hands which look like they have come from an antique clock, they do not look right on the watch and have no lume (I try to avoid buying watches with no lume) Secondly, the numerals are Roman which I dislike, Thirdly the dial layout is functional but a dogs dinner in terms of style. In particular , the difference in character size and the large double digit date.
Strangely, the previous version of the Senator Perpetual Calendar which has the same mechanism and some of the same styling elements is probably a better choice.
Absolutely awesome watch. Pictures don't catch how the slate grey dial really works... lovely.I had been looking at PPs for years and should have got one years ago.
It seems to have become my favourite watch and I have worn it more or less everyday since I got it.
Like the op I prefer a restrained look and was originally going to purchase the 5146 in Platinum as it flies under the radar for most people.
However, when I compared the two side by side, the dial colour and yellow gold combination of mine IMO was preferable.
I was worried about gold marking but so far it seems to be unmarked.
With regard to the Nautilus range, I too did not like them from photos and from looking at them in AD windows, but once I tried one on my views changed.
The watch/bracelet combination works very well and just seems very natural on the wrist.
So I know have an annual calendar 5726 Grey Face with SS Bracelet on order.
PP make the 5960 in SS with SS bracelet if you like the style.
The Glasshutte Original watches are interesting and I was looking at them recently - in particular the current Senator Perpetual Calendar in SS. Fantastic build quality but there are styling elements that jar with me. Firstly, the watch has Gold/Silver/Black or Blue steel hands which look like they have come from an antique clock, they do not look right on the watch and have no lume (I try to avoid buying watches with no lume) Secondly, the numerals are Roman which I dislike, Thirdly the dial layout is functional but a dogs dinner in terms of style. In particular , the difference in character size and the large double digit date.
Strangely, the previous version of the Senator Perpetual Calendar which has the same mechanism and some of the same styling elements is probably a better choice.
If I am buying a high end watch I always like to make sure it's in a precious metal, feels better value, given the marginal price increase, to have a platinum / white gold Patek rather than a steel one.
Definitely go for the precious metal, if you want it to be less flashy then get a white gold or platinum variant.
Definitely go for the precious metal, if you want it to be less flashy then get a white gold or platinum variant.
chris56 said:
I recently purchased my first Patek - this one
I had been looking at PPs for years and should have got one years ago.
It seems to have become my favourite watch and I have worn it more or less everyday since I got it.
Like the op I prefer a restrained look and was originally going to purchase the 5146 in Platinum as it flies under the radar for most people.
However, when I compared the two side by side, the dial colour and yellow gold combination of mine IMO was preferable.
I was worried about gold marking but so far it seems to be unmarked.
With regard to the Nautilus range, I too did not like them from photos and from looking at them in AD windows, but once I tried one on my views changed.
The watch/bracelet combination works very well and just seems very natural on the wrist.
So I know have an annual calendar 5726 Grey Face with SS Bracelet on order.
PP make the 5960 in SS with SS bracelet if you like the style.
The Glasshutte Original watches are interesting and I was looking at them recently - in particular the current Senator Perpetual Calendar in SS. Fantastic build quality but there are styling elements that jar with me. Firstly, the watch has Gold/Silver/Black or Blue steel hands which look like they have come from an antique clock, they do not look right on the watch and have no lume (I try to avoid buying watches with no lume) Secondly, the numerals are Roman which I dislike, Thirdly the dial layout is functional but a dogs dinner in terms of style. In particular , the difference in character size and the large double digit date.
Strangely, the previous version of the Senator Perpetual Calendar which has the same mechanism and some of the same styling elements is probably a better choice.
I really love that model, looks so good.I had been looking at PPs for years and should have got one years ago.
It seems to have become my favourite watch and I have worn it more or less everyday since I got it.
Like the op I prefer a restrained look and was originally going to purchase the 5146 in Platinum as it flies under the radar for most people.
However, when I compared the two side by side, the dial colour and yellow gold combination of mine IMO was preferable.
I was worried about gold marking but so far it seems to be unmarked.
With regard to the Nautilus range, I too did not like them from photos and from looking at them in AD windows, but once I tried one on my views changed.
The watch/bracelet combination works very well and just seems very natural on the wrist.
So I know have an annual calendar 5726 Grey Face with SS Bracelet on order.
PP make the 5960 in SS with SS bracelet if you like the style.
The Glasshutte Original watches are interesting and I was looking at them recently - in particular the current Senator Perpetual Calendar in SS. Fantastic build quality but there are styling elements that jar with me. Firstly, the watch has Gold/Silver/Black or Blue steel hands which look like they have come from an antique clock, they do not look right on the watch and have no lume (I try to avoid buying watches with no lume) Secondly, the numerals are Roman which I dislike, Thirdly the dial layout is functional but a dogs dinner in terms of style. In particular , the difference in character size and the large double digit date.
Strangely, the previous version of the Senator Perpetual Calendar which has the same mechanism and some of the same styling elements is probably a better choice.
https://www.chrono24.com/en/patekphilippe/annual-c... – if like the Nautilus, it'll cost £100 to re-polish.
https://www.chrono24.com/en/patekphilippe/annual-c...
https://www.chrono24.com/en/patekphilippe/platinum... – joke price for something 5 years older!
https://www.chrono24.com/en/patekphilippe/annual-c...
https://www.chrono24.com/en/patekphilippe/platinum... – joke price for something 5 years older!
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