Okay, so I recently tried to get my hands on a Patek Philippe Calatrava 5226G-001. I’ve always been a big fan of Patek Philippe, and this new Calatrava model really caught my eye. The design is just so classic and sophisticated.
I started by doing some research online. I learned that this model is pretty popular, and the white gold design is just beautiful. It’s not just about looks, it has a good automatic movement, the caliber 26-330 S C, with around a 45-hour power reserve. That means it keeps ticking for almost two days without needing to be wound.
Here’s what I did:
- First, I hit up a few authorized Patek Philippe dealers. I wanted to see the watch in person and, of course, try to buy one. No luck. Turns out, walking in and buying a Patek like this is super rare. They told me there’s a big waiting list, and it’s tough for new collectors to get their hands on one.
- Next, I checked out some online forums and communities. I figured there might be people who had gotten on the waiting list or had some tips. I found out that getting on the waiting list isn’t straightforward. Some dealers want you to have a history of buying from them, but others don’t even have a list because the demand is so high.
- I also looked into the resale market. I thought maybe I could find a 2024 model that someone was selling. I saw a few listings, but the prices were way above retail. Plus, I was a bit worried about the authenticity and condition of these watches.
- Then, I decided to go back to the authorized dealers and try to build a relationship. I talked to the sales folks, showed my interest, and even bought a smaller item to show I was serious. They were nice, but they couldn’t promise anything. They did say they’d keep me in mind if something changed.
- Finally, I reached out to some watch collectors I know. I asked if they had any leads or advice. One of them mentioned that sometimes dealers get cancellations or people pass on their spot, so it might be worth staying in touch with the dealers and checking in regularly.
My Current Status
So, where am I now? Well, I’m still waiting. I’m on a couple of waiting lists, but it doesn’t look like I’ll get the watch anytime soon. It’s a bit frustrating, but I get it. These watches are in high demand, and Patek Philippe makes them in limited quantities. I’m still hopeful that my persistence will pay off. I keep checking with the dealers and staying active in the watch community. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll get that call, and I can finally add the 5226G-001 to my collection. For now, I’ll just keep dreaming and trying.
Click to consult