Alright, so today I’m gonna walk you through my experience with the Patek Philippe 5712A. This wasn’t a straightforward thing, more like a journey, and I learned a ton along the way.
It all started when I saw one online. The Nautilus, that classic shape, the moonphase… I was hooked. I knew I had to get my hands on one, somehow. So, I started doing my research. Hours upon hours spent on forums, reading reviews, trying to understand the whole hype around Patek.
Finding the 5712A: The Hunt Begins
Okay, so finding one at retail? Forget about it. ADs are slammed, waiting lists are years long. My only real option was the pre-owned market. This is where things get tricky. You gotta be careful, tons of fakes out there, shady sellers, the whole shebang.
I decided to stick to reputable dealers, places with a solid track record and good return policies. Started browsing Chrono24, Watchbox, and some of the bigger online marketplaces. I must have looked at dozens of listings. Comparing prices, checking condition reports, scrutinizing photos for any red flags.
The First Attempt: A Close Call
Found one that looked promising. Good price, seemed legit. Talked to the dealer, asked a million questions. Got some high-res photos sent over, zoomed in on every detail. Something felt off though. The finishing on the movement didn’t look quite right in one of the pictures. Maybe it was just the lighting, but I wasn’t willing to risk it. I backed out.
The Second Time’s the Charm (Hopefully)
Kept searching. Finally, a local dealer I’d used before got one in. I trusted these guys. Went down to their shop, had a proper look at the watch in person. Checked the movement serial number, compared it to the papers. Everything seemed to check out. It felt right. Pulled the trigger.
Living with the 5712A: The Reality
Okay, so I had it. The Patek 5712A on my wrist. First impressions? It’s beautiful. The finishing is incredible, the dial is mesmerizing. It’s surprisingly comfortable to wear, too. But… it’s also just a watch. A very expensive watch, but still just a watch.
Here’s what I learned in the following months:
- It attracts attention. Be prepared for people to notice it. Some will be genuinely curious, others will be… less so.
- It needs to be babied. I’m not gonna lie, I’m a bit paranoid about scratching it. I take it off when I’m doing anything remotely risky.
- The micro-rotor is loud. You can hear it whirring around if you’re in a quiet room. It’s not a big deal, but it’s something to be aware of.
- It’s not waterproof. Don’t go swimming with it. Seriously.
Final Thoughts
Was it worth it? Honestly, it’s complicated. The 5712A is an amazing piece of engineering and a work of art. I appreciate the craftsmanship, the history, and the design. But it’s also a huge amount of money tied up in something that tells the time.
If you’re thinking about getting one, do your research. Be patient. Don’t rush into anything. And most importantly, make sure you’re buying it for the right reasons. Don’t buy it to impress other people. Buy it because you genuinely appreciate it.
