Would you ever buy a Patek Philippe Watch?

Having owned many Swiss chronometers I will offer this.

Only a complete douche would post such a superficial question. Do you really think anyone else cares about how you foolishly dispose of your disposable income?

BTW, Pateks are painfully mainstream and uninventive. If you want to look like a vain, insecure, effeminate elderly person go right ahead, you've found your ideal watch!

If you can afford it and like it. Buy it. It's that simple.

Only someone who is VERY into watches will notice a Patek. It will not draw unwanted attention at all. It will totally fly under the radar.

It's only wasteful if you buy it and don't wear it. If you buy it - wear it often. That is why you bought it.

I'm into watches and my daily wear is a Rolex Submariner.

A rolex is jewelry. A patek is a watch that will catch the eye of only someone that knows a bit about watches or a least watch brands. Very understated unless it one of those watches that shows the movements on the face.

No. Get a grip.

I once bought a tag heur but it was $25 (probably could have negotiated the guy on the corner to $13-15), a Tag Heuer on the other hand usually runs a bit more, although I still wouldn't spend $4K on one.

alpha wrote:

Having owned many Swiss chronometers I will offer this.

Only a complete douche would post such a superficial question. Do you really think anyone else cares about how you foolishly dispose of your disposable income?

BTW, Pateks are painfully mainstream and uninventive. If you want to look like a vain, insecure, effeminate elderly person go right ahead, you've found your ideal watch!

ha, thx. with hindsight, i guess i should have put fewer details in the lead up to the question. this is supposed to be about what would or wouldn't make YOU buy a watch like that.

Op is a troll. I have known a few people in the past who have this kind of money to spend, and not a single one of them would ever come to a place like lrc for advice on the subject.

Additionally, if the op really has a ton of money to throw around, he wouldn't be thinking about a 38k purchase, he'd just do it, and if he didn't like it then he'd buy another one he did like.

And he'd also know that hermes has a lot of watches for under 38k that are much better than Patek phillipe.

hedge fund guy wrote:

ha, thx. with hindsight, i guess i should have put fewer details in the lead up to the question. this is supposed to be about what would or wouldn't make YOU buy a watch like that.

Not really sure what your asking here to be honest.

If you like it, can afford it (based on your handle you are in Private Equity and making what high six figures or seven figures?) and will use it - buy it. If those 3 criteria are met then go get it.

It's a Patek, no one is going to notice it unless they are into watches.

anapaix wrote:

Op is a troll. I have known a few people in the past who have this kind of money to spend, and not a single one of them would ever come to a place like lrc for advice on the subject.

Additionally, if the op really has a ton of money to throw around, he wouldn't be thinking about a 38k purchase, he'd just do it, and if he didn't like it then he'd buy another one he did like.

And he'd also know that hermes has a lot of watches for under 38k that are much better than Patek phillipe.

Actually, when I read this post, I was thinking that this guy sounds like a lot of my friends in finance.

As for 38k to throw around, people buy lots of things that they can technically afford without necessarily being at the level where they're comfortable "throwing around" that kind of money.

My take is that the OP should definitely not get the watch. As classic as the design of the Nautilus is, buying a new, forty thousand dollar watch just reeks of new money. You're not an oil sheik, a lotto winner, or a rapper. Keep it in the more tasteful 5-10k range, and spend the rest of the money on some art or something.

Also, for what it's worth, I'm not a big fan of the Nautilus. If you want an all metal dress watch, I think the Royal Oak is much more attractive. But personally, I prefer to have a tandem of one true dress watch on a black strap (Cartier tank) and one more rugged sport watch (Speedmaster).

If you want a "secret handshake" watch that other aficionados will notice, then go vintage for sure. If you're really getting into watches, then 40k would set you up for a lifetime of buying (and, yes, selling) vintage watches at auctions. If you don't think that sounds like fun, then you're probably not as much of a watch guy as you think you are. You should just get a sub and a reverso and move onto the next perceived material inadequacy in your life. (I'm being a bit tongue-in-cheek here, as I do personally understand the impulse.)

Buy a Lange, preferably hand wound chrono.

Look at the movement and you're in love forever.

If I had that kinda cake, I'd nab a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms or IWC Portofino for formal occasions and the Nautilus on a bracelet for work. That shape is incredible. Also a Devon for the bars and a Panarei for ballgames and vacations.

At a hedge fund, many, many people will recognize the watch. Some may comment. If you care (seems you do) you should worry most about the people who do not comment. Some of them will think you are a douche for a variety of reasons. My opinion is that it is a poor value and if you are interesting in spending money on collecting watches you should find someone who really knows watches and do your homework. I think PP ads are designed to attract first class, American Psychos.

0/10

Crappiest troll job ever.

BTW I have enough $ to buy almost whatever watch I want, but I don't--I can't stand wearing them.

The most comfortable has been a Swatch Ligne de Vie with a silicone strap. Other than that watches suck, just a terribly uncomfortable fashion accessory, to which only losers pay attention. I have a Rolex Submariner that was given to me, that sits unused in a drawer. Piece of crap, I can't even sell it, in case the giver asks about it.

Over the top wrote:

0/10

Crappiest troll job ever.

BTW I have enough $ to buy almost whatever watch I want, but I don't--I can't stand wearing them.

The most comfortable has been a Swatch Ligne de Vie with a silicone strap. Other than that watches suck, just a terribly uncomfortable fashion accessory, to which only losers pay attention. I have a Rolex Submariner that was given to me, that sits unused in a drawer. Piece of crap, I can't even sell it, in case the giver asks about it.

To each their own. While I did poke some fun at the OP, I actually really enjoy watches. I think it is very impressive (and interesting) that watchmakers can fit so many complications into a watch and keep the entire movement mechanical.

In terms of usefulness, these watches aren't useful compared to a timex, etc. So if you are looking for something useful, get a cheap battery powered watch, if you are genuinely interested in watches then go buy a few.

Over the top wrote:

I have a Rolex Submariner that was given to me, that sits unused in a drawer. Piece of crap, I can't even sell it, in case the giver asks about it.

Stupidest statement ever written on LR. You're clueless.

Over the top wrote:

I have a Rolex Submariner that was given to me, that sits unused in a drawer. Piece of crap, I can't even sell it, in case the giver asks about it.

This proves you do not own a Submariner as they hold their value extremely well. Some vintage sell for much, much more than a new one too.

ha, thx. with hindsight, i guess i should have put fewer details in the lead up to the question. this is supposed to be about what would or wouldn't make YOU buy a watch like that.

I wouldn't buy it. If I'm concerned about what people think about me, I want them to judge my behavior, not jewelry.

TLW wrote:

Over the top wrote:

I have a Rolex Submariner that was given to me, that sits unused in a drawer. Piece of crap, I can't even sell it, in case the giver asks about it.

This proves you do not own a Submariner as they hold their value extremely well. Some vintage sell for much, much more than a new one too.

This actually proves that you are stupid and have never received a tasteful, expensive gift in order to understand that selling something like that would be quite gauche were the gifter to find out