The good people at Lux Afrique wanted me to write about my next watch purchase. The problem with collectors, any collector, is that they never stop collecting. It’s not about having a bottomless bank account, but they will read, talk to people, ask questions and gather information, almost on a daily basis about their hobby, be it watches coins or stamps.
Before I go into my next purchase, let’s briefly dwell on my most recent purchase because I LOVE it. It’s an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Skeleton in Stainless Steel, Reference Number 15305ST.
I previously purchased the Rose Gold Version of the same watch (15305R), and it’s still a favourite watch of mine, the wristwatch is slightly modified as it typically comes with a leather strap but I got a rose gold bracelet and switched it out for the full rose gold look.
While a watch I still love, it’s a little “bling” and more a weekend or evening watch not something you want to wear to certain reserved or somber situations like a business meeting. In this regard, I opted for the understated steel version which was produced in limited numbers and hard to obtain even before it was discontinued this year for the larger 15407ST (its 41mm as compared to 39mm on the earlier version). Which also has a double balance wheel which increasing accuracy and performance of the newer watch.
That being said, I prefer the smaller 39mm dial (smaller size, matte dial as opposed to the double balance wheel on the newer, larger size with the double balance wheel offering a contrast that may or not appeal to some) also, the 15305ST being a discontinued watch makes it more appealing to me.
Enough with the “old” onto the new (herein lies the problem identified in the 1st paragraph, collectors are always after the next “fix”). Incoming is a Patek Philippe 5905P, an annual calendar chronograph introduced in 2015 as a successor to the 5960 which was introduced in 2006.
Liking rare and often discontinued models my first choice was for the 5960P with a black dial, only 50 of which were reportedly made. It has consequently been discontinued, but the new model spoke to me for a number of reasons: (a) size: at 42mm it’s one of the larger Patek; (b) the layout of this watch seems more refined even if it does lose some functionality (power reserve indicator had been removed, and the sub-counter is simpler as it only shows a 60-minute counter instead of a 12-hour and 60-minute counter before). This makes the watch dressy and yet sporty.
source: www.monochrome-watches.com
The chronograph function is triggered by a column-wheel with a vertical clutch and also has a flyback mechanism which allows you to restart the chronograph by only pressing the pusher at 4 o’clock and has up to 55 hours of power reserve. The movement is a Calibre CH 28-520 QA 24H which comes with an high-end finishing expected of a Patek Philippe: polished beveled angles, circular Geneva Stripes, Polished screw-heads and slots and circular graining on the main plate. It is certified by the Patek Philippe Seal and the accuracy of the watch averages -3/+2 seconds a day.
