Julian
14
Patek Neophyte - advice sought
Dear all,
I have been considering buying a Patek for a while now and have been browsing this list with increasing interest recently. I've been struggling between two directions for my first Patek: purist aesthetic or a combination of engineering prowess and aesthetic. Regarding the first I've considered something like the 5107 (and its replacement), and regarding the second have moved toward the 5035 (or, now, the 5146). One thing that worries me about the 5107 is that I'd need to change the date so often. I wonder why Patek doesn't make an annual calendar with the smarts of the 5035 but the simple, uncluttered look. I would have thought such understated excellence quite consistent with the company philosophy.
Anyway, I plan on wearing the watch daily and so was moving toward the 5035... until the 5146 came out. Now, to me, the 5146 looks technically v.similar to the 5036/1, but without the metal band (or the extra cost!) so the questions I have are:
1/ does the 5146 use the new silicon wheel?
2/ why are the WG watches dearer than the YG?
3/ where is the best place in the world to buy these, or doesn't it matter? I'm travelling from Australia to New York and London, Madrid and Paris in the next few weeks and could take a side trip to Geneva if they're cheaper there (understanding forum rules, please respond via e-mail if necessary).
4/ Is most of the cost difference between the 5146 and the 5036/1 the band?
5/ Anyone know where I can get value figures for these watches (ie how well they retain their value over time)?
Any other advice or tricks for a first-buyer would be appreciated.
Regards
Julian.
