Calatrava 5226G

[drmckenn]

I'm wondering the same thing as IanGirard...
The Cammille Fournet website has a silver adjustable folding buckle that looks interesting for 130 euro.
Unfortunately, they don't seem to offer any strap materials in nubuck.

But I've ordered alligator from them before and quality is outstanding.

 

[GenTLe]

Recommendations for a source for an additional buckle for this watch? Can that be ordered at the time of purchase (for example, from CTime).
I'm looking at 2 straps with quick release, and would like to have both with PP buckles.
Also, any new versions of this watch or new current factory feedback?

ALIexpress. Search with "PP Buckle" and beware: ask the seller if the buckle has the "logo".

 

[Pinion Minion]

Just found this amazing item on AliExpress. Check it out! $12.52 50%OFF | XIANERSHANG Luxury P-atekP-hilippe Watch Accessories Belt Buckle 316L Stainless Steel Pin Buckle 12MM 14MM 16MM 18MM 20MM Clasp

https://a.aliexpress.com/_mOMa5Pa

I bought this one- surprisingly nice.

 

[onthebeam]

Bumping this excellent thread after several months with a couple of questions:

Did anyone actually get theirs white gold plated? I read a couple were considering it and one modder had succesfully prepped the watch for the job. But don't recall seeing any photos of the finished plated 5226.

Also, as the thread evolved, the consensus came to point to PPF is the way to go. I've seen a couple of QCs at RepTime. Decent ,although the numbers toward the top of the dial can get wonky with alignment-. I've noticed similar PPF alignment issues on a different model Patek PPF clone, too.

 

[serumdiesel]

Bumping this excellent thread after several months with a couple of questions:

Did anyone actually get theirs white gold plated? I read a couple were considering it and one modder had succesfully prepped the watch for the job. But don't recall seeing any photos of the finished plated 5226.

Also, as the thread evolved, the consensus came to point to PPF is the way to go. I've seen a couple of QCs at RepTime. Decent ,although the numbers toward the top of the dial can get wonky with alignment-. I've noticed similar PPF alignment issues on a different model Patek PPF clone, too.

Patek WG cases are usually plated to achieve a whiter tone as-is, so I don't see much reason to worry about plating for the WG reps. If a significant tone difference exists, it's not distinguishable to my eyes. Rolex is a different story altogether, however.

As to wonky dial alignment and other visual defects -- that's a feature, not a bug. That's just how you more closely replicate a genuine Patek.

 

[serumdiesel]

And I'm only semi-joking on that last bit.

 

[jm_brc_7057]

Patek WG cases are usually plated to achieve a whiter tone as-is, so I don't see much reason to worry about plating for the WG reps. If a significant tone difference exists, it's not distinguishable to my eyes. Rolex is a different story altogether, however.

As to wonky dial alignment and other visual defects -- that's a feature, not a bug. That's just how you more closely replicate a genuine Patek.

I don’t agree with this. There is a huge difference in hue between a steel Patek and a WG Patek. The steel are grey in tone. The white gold is a much warmer slightly yellow tone and more bright white. Once you’ve seen it with a gen in hands, you can never unsee it.
It can be seen from a distance. No ones fooling anyone with a steel rep of a WG Patek.

 

[serumdiesel]

I don’t agree with this. There is a huge difference in hue between a steel Patek and a WG Patek. The steel are grey in tone. The white gold is a much warmer slightly yellow tone and more bright white. Once you’ve seen it with a gen in hands, you can never unsee it.
It can be seen from a distance. No ones fooling anyone with a steel rep of a WG Patek.

Likely depends on the rep and model. In the case of a Calatrava, it’s not hard to fool.

That dull yellowish tone you mention starts to come out after they’ve been used and well-worn. Brand new and I can’t see it because of the freshness of the plating.

 

[jm_brc_7057]

Likely depends on the rep and model. In the case of a Calatrava, it’s not hard to fool.

That dull yellowish tone you mention starts to come out after they’ve been used and well-worn. Brand new and I can’t see it because of the freshness of the plating.

No I am talking about the color they have in the AD. Patek stopped rhodium plating their white gold watches in 2005, if I remember correctly. Before that they got yellow when the rhodium plating got worn and were very white from new.
Not they don’t plate them with rhodium. And therefore the white gold has a more yellow hue directly from the AD. It’s not dull at all, on the contrary it’s very bright.


Photos are always difficult regarding color but you can see it in these:

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[/url]

 

[jm_brc_7057]

*Now they don’t plate them with rhodium

 

[serumdiesel]

No I am talking about the color they have in the AD. Patek stopped rhodium plating their white gold watches in 2005, if I remember correctly. Before that they got yellow when the rhodium plating got worn and were very white from new.
Not they don’t plate them with rhodium. And therefore the white gold has a more yellow hue directly from the AD. It’s not dull at all, on the contrary it’s very bright.


Photos are always difficult regarding color but you can see it in these:

]

[/url]

It was definitely later than 2005 (ex-wife was a massive Patek fangirl and had a number of pieces, and a few she got for me which I've since gotten rid of), but this is good info. I looked it up and you're right, it looks like Patek stopped doing the rhodium plating on WG models and shifted to a Palladium alloy.

Tangentially related, my current wife is also a Patek fangirl, which is probably why I like to shit on Patek now and then.

 

[jm_brc_7057]

It was definitely later than 2005 (ex-wife was a massive Patek fangirl and had a number of pieces, and a few she got for me which I've since gotten rid of), but this is good info. I looked it up and you're right, it looks like Patek stopped doing the rhodium plating on WG models and shifted to a Palladium alloy.

Tangentially related, my current wife is also a Patek fangirl, which is probably why I like to shit on Patek now and then.

Haha great to have a watch person as a partner. I have to justify every buy

But the new alloy is nice. I understand their rationale behind the move. They don’t want to make watches that have a look that wear down so fast after leaving the factory.

 

[onthebeam]

Haha great to have a watch person as a partner. I have to justify every buy

But the new alloy is nice. I understand their rationale behind the move. They don’t want to make watches that have a look that wear down so fast after leaving the factory.

I think it’s more than that. The CEO wants to phase out steel to have higher list prices for precious metals. Since harder to replica—at least in price ranges most willing , this means less Patek fakes with precious metals. Lastly, do e authorized dealers are flipping watches like aquanauts and some are getting caught.

 

[jm_brc_7057]

I think it’s more than that. The CEO wants to phase out steel to have higher list prices for precious metals. Since harder to replica—at least in price ranges most willing , this means less Patek fakes with precious metals. Lastly, do e authorized dealers are flipping watches like aquanauts and some are getting caught.

True. There have been rumours about it. Probably true. The scarcity is probably partly due to ADs flipping for profit. There can’t be that many people waitlisted. At least I don’t believe so in a small Scandinavian country like mine.

Yes. They make a lot higher a profit margin for precious metal watches.

 

[moo_2002]

There’s a GRF one now, according to Trusty time
Or is that another name for PPF?

 

[moo_2002]

There’s a GRF one now, according to Trusty time
Or is that another name for PPF?

Nope. Seems GRF and ESF now offer but PPF still premium. I can’t find the version with the tan leather strap on trusty or intime now- is it no longer offered by PPF

Thanks all

 

[onthebeam]

This one looks pretty good, I think.

 

[kufzz]

Just now stumbling on this beautiful piece and great discussion, if by chance anyone is selling one please let me know! Have a few gen straps that would look incredible with that dial.

 

[onthebeam]

Just now stumbling on this beautiful piece and great discussion, if by chance anyone is selling one please let me know! Have a few gen straps that would look incredible with that dial.

That’s a gen PP strap above.

Also looks fantastic with similar Hirsh
strap I also own in beige and grey.

Which other straps do you envision, kufzz?

 

[kufzz]

That’s a gen PP strap above.

Also looks fantastic with similar Hirsh
strap I also own in beige and grey.

Which other straps do you envision, kufzz?

might be a controversial take as I know the 5226g was built for ruggedness but I have a few gen alligator straps I've collected over the years that pair beautifully