Patek Philippe

Sector Dials, and my first Patek

Apr 04, 2015,02:27 AM

I was also bewitched by a Calatrava.

I had never owned a Patek before, and always thought them to be out of my budget. And then, I saw a friend's 5711, another's 5196, and another's 5127, and I was attracted.

I tried the 5196 and the 5127 but they felt a little more traditional and formal, so I hesitated, unsure.

Then at a JLC event in February to celebrate both the opening of their boutique, and a friend's birthday , I saw the 5296G sector dial. It was on the wrist of a friend of a fellow Purist, so I asked to see it. I was immediately captivated!

I went and read up more, and realized why it was attractive, as it was based on a vintage Patek (ref 96) and it's dial. Being a vintage lover, I could understand its siren call.

Then after about a month of deliberating and agonizing, I finally bit the bullet, and got the watch. Absolutely no regrets at all! Even though I have a very slim wrist, the 38mm case sits well, and the dial is just captivating.

I particularly like that the watch is a little less formal, and I can wear it on weekdays with a long-sleeved shirt or weekends with jeans. The blued hands are bewitching, and I love the way the shading of the concentric circles on the dial changes with light.

I suspect the sector dial isn't the most common choice for a first Patek, but I've got to say I absolutely love this one!