Grail hunting again - Patek Nautilus
Discussion
Much like this thread, which ended very well with the acquisition of the Duometre, a much loved part of my collection, it's all happening again.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
It's time to start the next hunt in the gradual wandering towards the end-game of fewer, higher end watches.
The object of my desire is the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5980 chronograph with blue dial, it has been something of a 'grail' for some time now but again would involve the destruction of much of my collection. I know I can do it, I know it's hard work but it will hopefully all be worth it.
The hardest piece to let go of is going to be my Deepsea, a watch I really fell for both on appearance and as a piece of engineering brilliance. I am sorted for Rolex with my vintage Sea-Dweller and gold Submariner though so will survive without it (until I buy another in a few years!). Annoyingly, many piece I have bough recently, mainly from tz-uk will be going for the chop as well including that lovely Cartier Roadster - I knew deep down it would have to go, c'est la vie. Various Seamasters, SuperOceans, Navitimers, Carreras and Land Rovers(!) will have to go, a few might appear in the classifieds over the next month so keep an eye out for bargains. They need to be sold.
On the subject of the PP; the looks and concept aren't to everyone's taste and in fact I never gave it a thought until I tried one on and was instantly and obsessively smitten. It's an astonishing amount of money for a stainless steel watch but once on it on it seems... worth it..?
Thoughts?
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
It's time to start the next hunt in the gradual wandering towards the end-game of fewer, higher end watches.
The object of my desire is the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5980 chronograph with blue dial, it has been something of a 'grail' for some time now but again would involve the destruction of much of my collection. I know I can do it, I know it's hard work but it will hopefully all be worth it.
The hardest piece to let go of is going to be my Deepsea, a watch I really fell for both on appearance and as a piece of engineering brilliance. I am sorted for Rolex with my vintage Sea-Dweller and gold Submariner though so will survive without it (until I buy another in a few years!). Annoyingly, many piece I have bough recently, mainly from tz-uk will be going for the chop as well including that lovely Cartier Roadster - I knew deep down it would have to go, c'est la vie. Various Seamasters, SuperOceans, Navitimers, Carreras and Land Rovers(!) will have to go, a few might appear in the classifieds over the next month so keep an eye out for bargains. They need to be sold.
On the subject of the PP; the looks and concept aren't to everyone's taste and in fact I never gave it a thought until I tried one on and was instantly and obsessively smitten. It's an astonishing amount of money for a stainless steel watch but once on it on it seems... worth it..?
Thoughts?
Commendable taste! This is also my grail watch; I love the Genta design and as is the case with almost all great designs, there is an inherent 'rightness' to it. The bracelet is also fantastic and once you've tried one on - as you have - it's difficult to forget how much you liked it. If you're anything like me, every time you think of that, the attachment you have towards your Deepsea is bound to start diminishing and the purchase of the Nautilus is an inevitability, it's just a matter of time.
Out of interest, as and when you consolidate your watch collection and end up with the Nautilus (plus the other two Rolexes), what do you think your collection will look like in say, 5 or 10 years time? Watches are clearly a serious hobby for you and I can't imagine the collection staying static for very long. Most grail-esque items I've bought have only ever kept their grail status for so long before I start looking at alternatives. What do you reckon the chances are of this one being 'the one'?
Out of interest, as and when you consolidate your watch collection and end up with the Nautilus (plus the other two Rolexes), what do you think your collection will look like in say, 5 or 10 years time? Watches are clearly a serious hobby for you and I can't imagine the collection staying static for very long. Most grail-esque items I've bought have only ever kept their grail status for so long before I start looking at alternatives. What do you reckon the chances are of this one being 'the one'?
yeti said:
It's time to start the next hunt in the gradual wandering towards the end-game of fewer, higher end watches.
There’s an end game? Do share…Me? I don’t flip and trade.
Every watch is a keeper for me; they all mean something from my Breguet to my Nixie, from my Longines to my Lego. Some don’t get worn much and some don’t get worn at all. I’ll wear one for months and then use four in a weekend. I couldn't countenance getting rid of any of them, let alone to trade for simply another watch. Obviously I'd sell the lot to pay for my loved ones medical bills if necessary. But for another watch? No chance. If I want another watch I'll either get it, save for it, or simply lust and do without.
Mosdef said:
What do you reckon the chances are of this one being 'the one'?
There is no 'one' although I admit when they are all being sold to fund a child's first house or something, this could be the last to go 
Long termers now are:
JLC Duometre
Breguet 5707
Reverso 8 days
Panerai 190 Radiomir 8 Days
IWC Doppelchrono
Rolex 16618
Rolex 1665 red
JLC Master calendar moonphase
I hope my Blancpain Fifty Fathoms calendar can stay but it may not be 'needed' when I get the 5980. And a Perpetual Calendar is required of course, loving the IWC Portuguese version
Voldemort said:
If I want another watch I'll either get it, save for it, or simply lust and do without.
Fair enough and we all collect in different ways. Some watches I own and never really fall in love with so they go to fund something else. I built up a good collection (50 odd) of watches over the years and that has by and large been reduced with less expensive pieces making way for higher end stuff. Of course this ends eventually and I can see myself one day with perhaps two watches only - a steel sports (which would probably be this Nautilus) and a gold complication (could be my Breguet, could be a Patek). And a quartz beater obviously!
Surely the end game is just running out of money....or running out of breath. I've seen some interviews with collectors and despite having amazing collections they're still looking - in some cases for watches that may not actually exist but are only rumours.
As for the Patek - personally not a fan of the chrono version. The three hander is perfect - just think the chrono part ruins the purity of the design.
Anyway, good luck with the search. I'll keep an eye on the classifieds to see what you're getting rid of...
As for the Patek - personally not a fan of the chrono version. The three hander is perfect - just think the chrono part ruins the purity of the design.
Anyway, good luck with the search. I'll keep an eye on the classifieds to see what you're getting rid of...
yeti said:
Thoughts?
Unimpressed.I don't get all the fuss about PP – sure the movement decoration is very nicely done, but that's it.
Having tried on an Aquanaut recently, without even bothering to look at the movement, the biggest compliment I could pay it was that it fitted over my fist and on my 8¼" wrist.
As watches on a leather strap go, it was nice enough – but no way on this Earth would it ever pass for being £17K nice!
Regarding this model in particular – hats off to them for the single sub-dial display, but it's flawed in practice, unless you spent the whole time staring at the seconds hand, to keep track of whether it's under or over 30 seconds being indicated.
Of course, if your thing is chronographs (which I know Lewis' is) but not actually use the function provided, then I suppose it fits the bill.
In general…..
I don't like the hour and minute hands' style – there's something very unimaginative or nondescript about them.
The dial looks tiny, which it is, relative to the case size as a result of the thick bezel design.
The bracelet is nice, but obviously a different take on the original theme GG penned for Audemars Piguet – I think I prefer the VC Overseas design the most, at this price point.
And finally……….the price!
No matter how you dress it up, everything has a value – and to these eyes, even with untold millions to fritter away, I would never see the value of what PP charge for these watches.
As for end game – doesn't exist. It's a figment of one's imagination, and the reality is you only end up collecting higher cost items as opposed to being satisfied.
I have no doubt that you will still buy other brands that you've never tried – VC, GO, GP, Moser & Cie, and perhaps even a GS – and that all you've done is tie up a lot of funds in man jewellery, some of which rarely sees the light of day.
Personally I'd have thought it more sensible to have the one big piece, which you already have in the JLC, and just maintain a core selection of daily wearables, some of which may go when something different comes in.
As nice as the PP is I do not think I could off load a chunk of my collection for one watch. A lot of my enjoyment is to pick a watch for that day or function. I still see the fascination of the PP beautiful to look at workmanship etc but Yeti, just hope you do not tire of it. Pics when you get it
Paul
Paul
Couple of thoughts :
1. If you think you will stop collecting watches - I think you are deluding yourself. The rate that you buy and flip watches would lead one to suspect that you will continue like this.
2. I also like the PP Nautilus but not the particular model you seem to be keen on. Blue dial yes very nice but the chronograph action is ergonomically flawed as PJS points out. I prefer the 5726 annual calendar version with blue dial. However if spending this much them I would probably go for another PP piece such as the 5146 or stretch to a PP perpetual calendar.
1. If you think you will stop collecting watches - I think you are deluding yourself. The rate that you buy and flip watches would lead one to suspect that you will continue like this.
2. I also like the PP Nautilus but not the particular model you seem to be keen on. Blue dial yes very nice but the chronograph action is ergonomically flawed as PJS points out. I prefer the 5726 annual calendar version with blue dial. However if spending this much them I would probably go for another PP piece such as the 5146 or stretch to a PP perpetual calendar.
avinalarf said:
I was recently I Italy if you PM me I will give you the name of a store that I visited the stocks Nautilus and many other high end watches at discounted prices.
Absolutely no connection with me.
Why the need for a secret squirrel PM? Absolutely no connection with me.
I love the PP, although prefer the one without the sub dial. I'd never be able to justify the expense though so good luck to you.
Not my sack of potatos, Lewis, but I like that there is a game plan and an end goal here
I'm guessing you won't lose much at all on the sales, so it's been a nice way to own those watches!
I really am tempted to take my collection back to just my 16600SD or even trade everything and get a birth year Great White and something else (JLC like the one you nabbed at Dom's)...
My SD, GMT II and Zenith '69 haven't seen the light of day since I got back to the UK and the Sub Date (which I was meant to sell) hasn't left my wrist.
Of those 4, the SD would be last out the door... Maybe I need to drop Dom H an email and see if he's looking for stock!
I'm guessing you won't lose much at all on the sales, so it's been a nice way to own those watches!
I really am tempted to take my collection back to just my 16600SD or even trade everything and get a birth year Great White and something else (JLC like the one you nabbed at Dom's)...
My SD, GMT II and Zenith '69 haven't seen the light of day since I got back to the UK and the Sub Date (which I was meant to sell) hasn't left my wrist.
Of those 4, the SD would be last out the door... Maybe I need to drop Dom H an email and see if he's looking for stock!
Fotic said:
avinalarf said:
I was recently I Italy if you PM me I will give you the name of a store that I visited the stocks Nautilus and many other high end watches at discounted prices.
Absolutely no connection with me.
Why the need for a secret squirrel PM? Absolutely no connection with me.
.
I do not wish to put myself in a compromised position as I do not wish to appear to be advertising.
avinalarf said:
Fotic said:
avinalarf said:
I was recently I Italy if you PM me I will give you the name of a store that I visited the stocks Nautilus and many other high end watches at discounted prices.
Absolutely no connection with me.
Why the need for a secret squirrel PM? Absolutely no connection with me.
.
I do not wish to put myself in a compromised position as I do not wish to appear to be advertising.
Recommendations aren't advertising, unless you're connected to the outlet (which you've confirmed you're not).
Fotic said:
avinalarf said:
Fotic said:
avinalarf said:
I was recently I Italy if you PM me I will give you the name of a store that I visited the stocks Nautilus and many other high end watches at discounted prices.
Absolutely no connection with me.
Why the need for a secret squirrel PM? Absolutely no connection with me.
.
I do not wish to put myself in a compromised position as I do not wish to appear to be advertising.
Recommendations aren't advertising, unless you're connected to the outlet (which you've confirmed you're not).
Ask nicely and you will get a more civil reply.
However no wish to have an argument so,all the best.
A tricky subject this one, I bought a Blue 5711 Nautilus and it is beautiful and understated, however for some reason I never wear it. I was also desperate for a Striking 10th Zenith, I bought spare bracelet, leather strap, and deployments, again it is lovely but again I don't wear it.
It is funny why we love some and not others, I have a green sub that I still love and wear,
It is so subjective I have given up trying to understand it!
It is funny why we love some and not others, I have a green sub that I still love and wear,
It is so subjective I have given up trying to understand it!
avinalarf said:
I was recently In Italy if you PM me I will give you the name of a store that I visited that stocks Nautilus and many other high end watches at discounted prices.
Absolutely no connection with me.
Kind of you Stephen but I am getting this brand new and never opened from the factory from a private collection. I assure you the price cannot possibly be beaten Absolutely no connection with me.
chris56 said:
Couple of thoughts :
1. If you think you will stop collecting watches - I think you are deluding yourself. The rate that you buy and flip watches would lead one to suspect that you will continue like this.
Until the money runs out as someone pointed out! I am pretty much selling everything I can live without for this one... after that I really will struggle to find anything I would want to sell/trade so it becomes an exercise in saving up my pocket money. Things will slow down as my life and priorities are going to change early next year.1. If you think you will stop collecting watches - I think you are deluding yourself. The rate that you buy and flip watches would lead one to suspect that you will continue like this.
PJ S said:
Unimpressed.
I don't get all the fuss about PP – sure the movement decoration is very nicely done, but that's it.
No surprise there. And I mean that in a nice way I don't get all the fuss about PP – sure the movement decoration is very nicely done, but that's it.
PJ S said:
Regarding this model in particular – hats off to them for the single sub-dial display, but it's flawed in practice, unless you spent the whole time staring at the seconds hand, to keep track of whether it's under or over 30 seconds being indicated.
Not sure you have understood the registers - the watch has no running seconds hand so the central pinion seconds is for the chrono, measuring a minute in the standard way. It has a flyback mechanism so if you want to run the seconds constantly (how it was conceived) then the chrono simply starts by using the flyback. The sub dial is minutes and hours.PJ S said:
The bracelet is nice, but obviously a different take on the original theme GG penned for Audemars Piguet – I think I prefer the VC Overseas design the most, at this price point.
Fair enough. I had an AP ROO and loved it but I prefer the Patek version of Genta's design. The VC is however excellent value pre-owned at this end of the market.PJ S said:
And finally……….the price!
No matter how you dress it up, everything has a value – and to these eyes, even with untold millions to fritter away, I would never see the value of what PP charge for these watches.
I'm buying it at a level that I could make a huge profit immediately. It will be an appreciating asset until the day it's sold even factoring in a service every 5-7 years.No matter how you dress it up, everything has a value – and to these eyes, even with untold millions to fritter away, I would never see the value of what PP charge for these watches.
PJ S said:
As for end game – doesn't exist. It's a figment of one's imagination, and the reality is you only end up collecting higher cost items as opposed to being satisfied.
As mentioned, a change of priorities is approaching. That is my endgame.PJ S said:
I have no doubt that you will still buy other brands that you've never tried – VC, GO, GP, Moser & Cie, and perhaps even a GS – and that all you've done is tie up a lot of funds in man jewellery, some of which rarely sees the light of day.
Personally I'd have thought it more sensible to have the one big piece, which you already have in the JLC, and just maintain a core selection of daily wearables, some of which may go when something different comes in.
It will be hard to get into the other high end brandsnow, impossible in fact without selling one of the major pieces first so that is a collection killer. I also want the man jewellery as you call it to be a daily wearable; I wear the Duo and Breguet when I feel like it, everything in the box sees the light of day.Personally I'd have thought it more sensible to have the one big piece, which you already have in the JLC, and just maintain a core selection of daily wearables, some of which may go when something different comes in.
I do appreciate you opinions though, as always, whether I agree with them or not!!
yeti said:
I never gave it a thought until I tried one on and was instantly and obsessively smitten. Thoughts?
I know this feeling. It happened with the Exp 2 and recently with a DD. I really do need me a yellow gold DD in my life. As for that Nautilus. Nice watch. Not my fave PP but nice none the less. When do you think you'll get it?
Gassing Station | Watches | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff