would you consider the iwc mark iv pilot watch in near-mint condition with box & papers if you can track one down? powered by the excellent eta 2891-A2 movement that's proven and readily serviceable.
Dear Friends,
Today I am taking the time to have a mini review of my acquisition, the Patek Philippe Calatrava Aquanaut 5167A-001
I hope some of you had remembered my previous review of the Calatrava last year. I had sold that watch because I also have some nice dress watches. I sold my Sea Dweller and Royal Oak as well. All good watches but I wanted to trim down my collection.
Personally, I have always preferred manual wind watches. I really appreciate this relationship and interaction of winding my watches every morning. Not much fun with this watch i guess!
Over the last 5 years, I have always admired the Patek Aquanaut and Nautilus line. Very beautiful and distinct. What didn't really work for me was the automatic movement and date (which anyway a Rolex or AP would possess)
Anyhow, the Aquanaut had always struck me as a very simple everyday watch. The Nautilus in the looks department, is a class of its own but I felt the Aquanaut would be more versatile for my lifestyle. After my Calatrava purchase, I really didn't expect to get another Patek. But I was wrong.
To get a new Aquanaut 5167 or Nautilus 5711, is not easy. Waiting lists are long. I had been very fortunate that my authorised dealer keeps me in the loop all the time.
Let's get to it!
Details:
- 40mm dial. Picture above on my 7" wrist. The bezel is brushed and polished (very similar to the Royal Oak finish)
- Mechanical self-winding movement, on the calibre 324 SC. No full hacking function.
- Arabic Numerals with Lume
- Rubber tropical strap (which you must cut to re-size, so if you ever plan to sell it one day you may need to include a strap for potential buyer) The good news is, as per my Calatrava accessories are not super duper expensive, range about SGD300 - SGD400 currently
Very thin and light
Decent lume
As you can see, the deployant buckle is a two-way kind with high polish finish. Big fingerprint or scratch magnet. The rubber strap looks of good quality. Not sturdy but definitely durable. Not recommended for playing rugby. Replacing it wouldn't burn a hole in your pocket.
It is interesting to note that you cannot buy a bracelet version and swap it with this strap (and vice versa). Patek doesn't allow it apparently.
The 324 SC movement is exactly the same as the Nautilus 5711. This could be one of your considerations if you are making a decision on either. The price difference is quite substantial. As mentioned, the Nautilus is bling but not loud (if compared to AP). The Aquanaut is not meant to make a lot of noise visually. It is overlooked often due to its very simple set-up.
The caseback is beautiful but personally prefer my previous AP15400.
Last words. This stainless steel model is a sports type of model. You can wear it everyday, it is that robust. I sometimes read online people asking if Patek's can be worn daily - with the Patek Seal on the back, I don't see any big issue. It is designed to be worn everyday, how one cares for it is another issue.
Would I recommend it to you all? Yes if you can get a piece, it's really not easy to get a new one, there are some in the pre-owned market as usual. It's of course more "Patek" to pass down a Calatrava but I don't think anyone would complain receiving this either.
Hope you enjoyed the above and appreciate any comments. Wishing you all a successful 2017 filled with health and wealth wherever you are (probably an Asian thing to say)
Best,
TRT
not yet. I only like plain dials Bro. I wish the 5167 or 5711 had no seconds
I'm thinking of getting the Sea Urchin, but is there a "definitive" model or no. I should be getting?
Recommended places to hoot a brand new set are most welcome too
Thanks! I saw the blue/red version and the black one is definitely the 1 to go. I guess I should also go for the JDM model SNZF17J1, right?
This is for the JDM model?
Mind PM'ing me the lobang to get it at this pricepoint?
Dear Friends,
Today I am taking the time to have a mini review of my acquisition, the Patek Philippe Calatrava Aquanaut 5167A-001
I hope some of you had remembered my previous review of the Calatrava last year. I had sold that watch because I also have some nice dress watches. I sold my Sea Dweller and Royal Oak as well. All good watches but I wanted to trim down my collection.
Personally, I have always preferred manual wind watches. I really appreciate this relationship and interaction of winding my watches every morning. Not much fun with this watch i guess!
Over the last 5 years, I have always admired the Patek Aquanaut and Nautilus line. Very beautiful and distinct. What didn't really work for me was the automatic movement and date (which anyway a Rolex or AP would possess)
Anyhow, the Aquanaut had always struck me as a very simple everyday watch. The Nautilus in the looks department, is a class of its own but I felt the Aquanaut would be more versatile for my lifestyle. After my Calatrava purchase, I really didn't expect to get another Patek. But I was wrong.
To get a new Aquanaut 5167 or Nautilus 5711, is not easy. Waiting lists are long. I had been very fortunate that my authorised dealer keeps me in the loop all the time.
Let's get to it!
Details:
- 40mm dial. Picture above on my 7" wrist. The bezel is brushed and polished (very similar to the Royal Oak finish)
- Mechanical self-winding movement, on the calibre 324 SC. No full hacking function.
- Arabic Numerals with Lume
- Rubber tropical strap (which you must cut to re-size, so if you ever plan to sell it one day you may need to include a strap for potential buyer) The good news is, as per my Calatrava accessories are not super duper expensive, range about SGD300 - SGD400 currently
Very thin and light
Decent lume
As you can see, the deployant buckle is a two-way kind with high polish finish. Big fingerprint or scratch magnet. The rubber strap looks of good quality. Not sturdy but definitely durable. Not recommended for playing rugby. Replacing it wouldn't burn a hole in your pocket.
It is interesting to note that you cannot buy a bracelet version and swap it with this strap (and vice versa). Patek doesn't allow it apparently.
The 324 SC movement is exactly the same as the Nautilus 5711. This could be one of your considerations if you are making a decision on either. The price difference is quite substantial. As mentioned, the Nautilus is bling but not loud (if compared to AP). The Aquanaut is not meant to make a lot of noise visually. It is overlooked often due to its very simple set-up.
The caseback is beautiful but personally prefer my previous AP15400.
Last words. This stainless steel model is a sports type of model. You can wear it everyday, it is that robust. I sometimes read online people asking if Patek's can be worn daily - with the Patek Seal on the back, I don't see any big issue. It is designed to be worn everyday, how one cares for it is another issue.
Would I recommend it to you all? Yes if you can get a piece, it's really not easy to get a new one, there are some in the pre-owned market as usual. It's of course more "Patek" to pass down a Calatrava but I don't think anyone would complain receiving this either.
Hope you enjoyed the above and appreciate any comments. Wishing you all a successful 2017 filled with health and wealth wherever you are (probably an Asian thing to say)
Best,
TRT
This is for the JDM model?
Mind PM'ing me the lobang to get it at this pricepoint?
