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5 Maintenance Tips That Will Preserve the Value of Your Patek Philippe Watch
Like any other high-performance machine, each Patek Philippe watch is made with the most rigid materials at precise tolerance levels. Being on the cutting-edge of horological engineering, each piece is highly-valued, not just for the materials, but for the quality of its workmanship and the incredible attention to detail that goes into every piece. Patek Philippe watches typically retail at a higher price than most luxury watches. This is no surprise because of their sterling reputation among collectors and enthusiasts of luxury watches. Patek Philippe watches are so coveted that they have become excellent investment instruments, as most of these timepieces hold their value over time.
(Data from Chrono24 showing pre-owned price average of selected Patek Philippe compared to Rolex models)
Most collectors will pay a high premium if presented with a Patek Philippe watch in near-mint condition. However, even a Patek Philippe watch can decline in value if it shows signs of being used regularly. Though you may use your timepieces sparingly to keep them in optimal condition, there are still some things to keep in mind when you own a Patek Philippe timepiece. Following these tips can help you fetch the highest price for your luxury watch if and when you decide to sell.
1. Follow the Maintenance Instructions Religiously
The materials selected for watch straps, dials, and case backs are made from the toughest engineered materials possible for timepieces. However, even the most superior materials will wear over time, especially under adverse weather conditions, such as the temperature and humidity in tropical areas or very cold arctic conditions. Always read the care instructions for the external parts carefully. Use only the instructed protection sprays for your strap to reduce leather stains caused by sweat and moisture.
Though the Patek Philippe Calatrava is built for toughness and usability in a broad range of conditions, taking good care of its leather straps as well as keeping the dials free from scratches can help preserve its value. With a pre-owned 5196 models ranging from $18,000 to $25,000 for near-mint condition, slight flaws can shave off thousands of dollars from its resale value.
2. Follow Your Watch Service Schedule
Like high-performance cars, Patek Philippe mechanical watches require regular lubrication and care, even if worn infrequently. Mechanical parts have surface contact. Even with the best materials used in Patek Philippe mechanical movements, these winding components wear over time, making servicing essential for all timepieces.
Patek Philippe maintains its quality standards defined by 65 criteria in watchmaking. To ensure that your timepiece conforms to these stringent standards, you should send your timepiece for servicing every five years. In the case of quartz watches, the battery should be replaced every 2 to 3 years by an authorized retailer or service center.
The Patek Philippe Grand Complications 5960-1A-010 carries the caliber 28-520 IRM QA with 456 parts, 14 bridges, and 40 jewels, providing up to eight complications. This mechanical movement provided Patek Philippe with its first self-winding chronograph. This same caliber powers Patek Philippe’s chronographs and high-precision annual calendars. Like engines for luxury cars, such complicated mechanisms need the closest attention to detail for maintenance to ensure that each component works perfectly.
3. Insure Your Timepieces
Like any other high-value investment, insuring a Patek Philippe watch is a must. For Patek Philippe watch owners in the US, you can shop for the best deals from insurance providers, such as AXA, Geico, Jewelers Mutual, and Wax Insurance. For our UK and European clients, you can select from Assetsure, Chelsea Insurance, and T.H March for your Patek Philippe watches.
4. Avoid Wearing Your Watch in Extreme Climates
Though all Patek Philippe watches are designed to work even in adverse weather conditions, extremes in temperatures will affect the performance of the watch's precise mechanical movements. Though the selected materials that go into each Patek Philippe timepiece are the most robust, metal expansion can still affect the watch's accuracy, no matter how minuscule. It is best to wear and store your watches under the most consistent climate conditions possible and avoid wearing them from one extreme temperature to another. The Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5650G straps are made of tropicalized rubber. These are made from weather and temperature-resistant resin that can withstand various environmental conditions. Its rubber-like material is tougher than leather and immune to corrosion, unlike most metals. However, the strap is still softer than metal and can be prone to scratches. Its internal mechanisms make it one of the foremost sports watches housing the most fragile complications. These high-performance watches aren't meant for highly arduous adventures but as luxury watches that can face most regular sporting activities.
5. Avoid High G-Forces When Wearing Your Watch
Patek Philippe watches are ensured to be shock resistant. Even dress watches, such as the Calatrava, have to pass rate-accuracy tests on kinetic simulators to ensure the accuracy and precision of their mechanical movements under high-g conditions. Moreover, new Patek Philippe watch models are sampled for deeper testing, including the ChronofiableⓇ test for accuracy under adverse conditions. These include shock tests. Though each timepiece can handle substantial accidental shock, wearing these watches in high-impact situations is not advisable. For instance, you shouldn't wear your Patek Philippe Annual Calendar when playing tennis or participating in other hobbies with repeated impact to the hands and wrists, such as carpentry.
Sports watches such as the Patek Philippe Aquanaut and the Nautilus, are specially made for toughness. Though they use non-complicated movements, such as the caliber 324 S C, these have high-performance materials with a high winding efficiency maintained at 4 Hz. These timepieces are on par with the "Superlative Chronometers" released by Rolex for precision and accuracy. Such movements can withstand shock testing during the manufacturing process. However, subjecting such movements to persistent shock can upset the delicate balance maintained by its patented Gyromax balance wheel and Spiromax balance spring.
Final Thoughts:
As is often said at Patek Philippe, "you merely look after each timepiece for the next generation." Though each timepiece is made from the best-engineered materials available, Patek Philippe watches will still demand the care and attention of their owners to ensure that the next generation will enjoy an heirloom piece that still works perfectly. The lovingly-crafted mechanisms of these timepieces require looking after to ensure that the value of each piece is preserved or pays for itself should you wish to put them on the market.