100th post, and first patek

[Busyboy]

Today is "another" one of those monumental days in our rarified hobby. A step into a new brand, or the realisation of something long awaited.


I remember the first time I saw the 5711 was christmas 2011, so a very long 6 years ago... But even back then, all I could think about was the rolex submariner I had been learning about and saving up to buy. Since then many rolex have come and gone, as I turned out to have a very large appetite for them once I got started. Even back then though, I'd read around enough to know that patek was a big deal, and the 5711 was a special and widely respected piece. As the store seemed almost empty of customers that day, I had dropped in, out of the snow, to try on the sub "again".... They never minded showing me on any occaison, I got given a coffee and we talked about my love of watches, and how I wanted a rolex to be my next venture...


On this day, the dealer asked me, if I wanted to know where I'd end up in a few years.... he said that my passion and my level of interest was something he had encountered many times, and that, with my depth of appreciation, it would no doubt take me on a path that would culminate in wanting to aquire a Patek 5711. I was proud of myself, for already knowing what he was talking about, and said I'd seen the one in the window (yes, thats right, there was one in the window)... He went and got it, and topped up my coffee...


As I held it, something clicked inside me. I fully appreciated the reputation that preceeded it and actually felt the quality of the finish and the overall aura of the piece flow from it, into my soul. It made me smile. I felt lucky to have simply held it. The dealer was selling it for a few thousand less than they go for today, and the fact that it was in the window was remarkable then, it sold the same day - I was just lucky enough to have seen it before it went. I never saw one again.


Well... half a dozen years later, the evolution has occurred. I feel that rolex and a few other welcome suiters have been experienced and appreciated and loved along the way. With each acquisition, however much I desired it, no matter how infatuated I was by it, there was always another on the horizon. They were like mileposts on a long journey. As of today, I feel I have something I can't trade up from very easily.... and I'm very proud and feel very fortunate to finally be a patek club member.

Thanks to those who have helped with the decision making

[thomaspp]

Awesome and big congrats!

[rollee1]

Congratulations! Beautiful 5711
I was on the same journey and understood your view.
My recent 5167 saying hello from across the pond.

[dom007]

A perfect piece. Congratulations!

[brandrea]

Very nice, congratulations

[RussW]

Congrats, great choice

[sprezzatura]

Congratulations! I think your quest may well be over!

[SearChart]

Congrats!

[ap1]

Awesome / it's a special one.

[Hairdude1]

Congrats!!

[Mikegp]

Congrats. It's definitely an awesome watch and a lifetime keeper.

[Sam Philip]

Congrats, 5711 is an awesome piece

[Busyboy]

Thanks very much, appreciated

[manhattanproj]

so this is it? sounds like an ending rather than mid journey.

congrats.

i do wonder why most, if not all on trf, arrived at a nautilus or an aquanaut rather than say a calatrava or one of the chronographs ($ aside) as their grail. how you end up picking the 5711?

[Mikegp]

Originally Posted by manhattanproj

so this is it? sounds like an ending rather than mid journey.

congrats.

i do wonder why most, if not all on trf, arrived at a nautilus or an aquanaut rather than say a calatrava or one of the chronographs ($ aside) as their grail. how you end up picking the 5711?

I guess most people are into sport watches.


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[wach16]

5711 is a perfect entrance with the brand...congrats!

[mps354]

Huge congrats!

[AK797]

12 years to get one in the UK, I see you are one of the quicker ones.

[kilyung]

Congrats on a great acquisition!

[WatchinMD]

Very nice! Congrats

[Defiancekofb]

Originally Posted by Busyboy

Today is "another" one of those monumental days in our rarified hobby. A step into a new brand, or the realisation of something long awaited.


I remember the first time I saw the 5711 was christmas 2011, so a very long 6 years ago... But even back then, all I could think about was the rolex submariner I had been learning about and saving up to buy. Since then many rolex have come and gone, as I turned out to have a very large appetite for them once I got started. Even back then though, I'd read around enough to know that patek was a big deal, and the 5711 was a special and widely respected piece. As the store seemed almost empty of customers that day, I had dropped in, out of the snow, to try on the sub "again".... They never minded showing me on any occaison, I got given a coffee and we talked about my love of watches, and how I wanted a rolex to be my next venture...


On this day, the dealer asked me, if I wanted to know where I'd end up in a few years.... he said that my passion and my level of interest was something he had encountered many times, and that, with my depth of appreciation, it would no doubt take me on a path that would culminate in wanting to aquire a Patek 5711. I was proud of myself, for already knowing what he was talking about, and said I'd seen the one in the window (yes, thats right, there was one in the window)... He went and got it, and topped up my coffee...


As I held it, something clicked inside me. I fully appreciated the reputation that preceeded it and actually felt the quality of the finish and the overall aura of the piece flow from it, into my soul. It made me smile. I felt lucky to have simply held it. The dealer was selling it for a few thousand less than they go for today, and the fact that it was in the window was remarkable then, it sold the same day - I was just lucky enough to have seen it before it went. I never saw one again.


Well... half a dozen years later, the evolution has occurred. I feel that rolex and a few other welcome suiters have been experienced and appreciated and loved along the way. With each acquisition, however much I desired it, no matter how infatuated I was by it, there was always another on the horizon. They were like mileposts on a long journey. As of today, I feel I have something I can't trade up from very easily.... and I'm very proud and feel very fortunate to finally be a patek club member.

Thanks to those who have helped with the decision making

Great pick up! I agree with your points, like every and most watch enthusiasts you go through the motions. Buying the stalwart brands at first, Rolex, Omega, Tag, etc. But then you start to inch closer to the Trinity Brands, Audemars, Patek, etc. When you get a Patek on your wrist, it's like no other. I don't care if one says a Calatrava or 5167 is an "entry level' Patek, Patek is Patek in my book. I currently have some Rolex, 15400 AP, & 5167 in my collection. My 5167 hasn't left my wrist since I purchased it about a month ago. I'm getting antsy looking at all of these 5711 posts and can't wait to take delivery of mine. Then I think I can say my collection is complete, I have never been a PM type of guy. Wear it in great health!

[incontrol]

You picked the best! Enjoy it and many congrats.


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[kitsgq]

Great story and one many can relate with. Congrats!

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[nyc2la]

Many congrats! Enjoy.

[sprezzatura]

Originally Posted by manhattanproj

i do wonder why most, if not all on trf, arrived at a nautilus or an aquanaut rather than say a calatrava or one of the chronographs ($ aside) as their grail. how you end up picking the 5711?

I think you may have answered your own question there. It is "The Rolex Forum," and Rolex is mostly known for the stainless steel sports watches. I don't see people suddenly moving onto precious metal dress watches from there.

[blcblc]

Congrats!!

[c41006]

Congrats!!!

[topcat30093]

A nicely written story :)
How times have changed.
Congratulations on finally acquiring it and your patience.

[Bouddha]

Congratulations, its beautiful and looks great on your wrist!

[lapince]

Congrats, only problem now is are you going to keep wearing Rolexes ot other watches or are you gonna go full blown high end? I thought I could have both, but went full blown...