ZF Calatrava 5153g-010

[Seven7r]

It is still far off and the dial texture is terribly executed. Some tells are okay, but this goes way above my threshold. For accurate NWBIG rep calatravas, the ZF 5296 and 5227 are near perfect and it’s best to stick with these. The 5153 is a huge disappointment.


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I've never seen or held a 5153 in person, so I couldn't judge whether the dial is "terribly executed" or not. But based on videos and pictures of the black dial variant that I've seen online, it seems to be better than the white dial G, R, and J variants. My QC pictures show a nicely finished inboard sun ray "guilloche" pattern and high polished indices and hands. The hardware such as the deployant clasp also seems quite nice, with proper a proper shape and proportion.

I will agree that the 5296 and 5227 Calatravas by ZF are exceptionally done, and are regarded as so, but they're quite "boring" and I think the 5153 is a more interesting Calatrava that can be worn more casually with aftermarket suede/calfskin strap.

 

[Seven7r]

It is still far off and the dial texture is terribly executed. Some tells are okay, but this goes way above my threshold. For accurate NWBIG rep calatravas, the ZF 5296 and 5227 are near perfect and it’s best to stick with these. The 5153 is a huge disappointment.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I've never seen or held a 5153 in person, so I couldn't judge whether the dial is "terribly executed" or not. But based on videos and pictures of the black dial variant that I've seen online, it seems to be better than the white dial G, R, and J variants. My QC pictures show a nicely finished inboard sun ray "guilloche" pattern and high polished indices and hands. The hardware such as the deployant clasp also seems quite nice, with proper a proper shape and proportion.

I will agree that the 5296 and 5227 Calatravas by ZF are exceptionally done, and are regarded as so, but they're quite "boring" and I think the 5153 is a more interesting Calatrava that can be worn more casually with aftermarket suede/calfskin strap.

 

[Accord11]

I've never seen or held a 5153 in person, so I couldn't judge whether the dial is "terribly executed" or not. But based on videos and pictures of the black dial variant that I've seen online, it seems to be better than the white dial G, R, and J variants. My QC pictures show a nicely finished inboard sun ray "guilloche" pattern and high polished indices and hands. The hardware such as the deployant clasp also seems quite nice, with proper a proper shape and proportion.

I will agree that the 5296 and 5227 Calatravas by ZF are exceptionally done, and are regarded as so, but they're quite "boring" and I think the 5153 is a more interesting Calatrava that can be worn more casually with aftermarket suede/calfskin strap.

Your perception of the 5153 is fascinating because it is absolutely not more casual than the 5296 or 5227. The 5153 is by far and away a classic dress watch, that is very formal, and more appropriate for formal occasions than the other mentioned calatravas. The 5296 can be dressed up or down, particularly the sector dial variant which is in no way boring. The sizes of the 5296 and 5227 enable it to be worn casually with jeans and a T-shirt if you so choose.

The 5153 is as formal as it gets in terms of Patek. Definitely not a casual watch and putting it onto a non-dress suede or whatever strap will be gauche and inappropriate for such a timepiece. Doing so will sure draw the ire of actual real gen Patek owners who see you and know that such a watch isn’t meant to be worn casually and while it is FINE to dress it down casually, putting an aftermarket suede strap is just sacrigligeous. Most importantly, it’ll draw attention to the watch by gen owners who are well positioned to immediately notice it’s a fake from 6 feet away because it has so many tells. Everything you mentioned about the casualness of 5153 is actually more appropriate on the 5296, but absolutely not the 5153, which is meant to be worn to the opera.

 

[Peguine]

I've never seen or held a 5153 in person, so I couldn't judge whether the dial is "terribly executed" or not. But based on videos and pictures of the black dial variant that I've seen online, it seems to be better than the white dial G, R, and J variants. My QC pictures show a nicely finished inboard sun ray "guilloche" pattern and high polished indices and hands. The hardware such as the deployant clasp also seems quite nice, with proper a proper shape and proportion.

I will agree that the 5296 and 5227 Calatravas by ZF are exceptionally done, and are regarded as so, but they're quite "boring" and I think the 5153 is a more interesting Calatrava that can be worn more casually with aftermarket suede/calfskin strap.

I'm really into dressing down dress watches, go for it I think a nubuck or calfskin would look awesome on it. Suede may be a bit bold but give it a shot. (try a nato on and post it too hahha)

 

[Seven7r]

Your perception of the 5153 is fascinating because it is absolutely not more casual than the 5296 or 5227. The 5153 is by far and away a classic dress watch, that is very formal, and more appropriate for formal occasions than the other mentioned calatravas. The 5296 can be dressed up or down, particularly the sector dial variant which is in no way boring. The sizes of the 5296 and 5227 enable it to be worn casually with jeans and a T-shirt if you so choose.

The 5153 is as formal as it gets in terms of Patek. Definitely not a casual watch and putting it onto a non-dress suede or whatever strap will be gauche and inappropriate for such a timepiece. Doing so will sure draw the ire of actual real gen Patek owners who see you and know that such a watch isn’t meant to be worn casually and while it is FINE to dress it down casually, putting an aftermarket suede strap is just sacrigligeous. Most importantly, it’ll draw attention to the watch by gen owners who are well positioned to immediately notice it’s a fake from 6 feet away because it has so many tells. Everything you mentioned about the casualness of 5153 is actually more appropriate on the 5296, but absolutely not the 5153, which is meant to be worn to the opera.

Whilst I agree that the 5296 sector dials are absolutely the more casual watch out of the three that we are talking about, and yes I do like that model as well but I find the dial to be a little bit too cluttered for a sector dial watch. But the 5227 and regular dial 5296 ones are definitely "more for the operas." Both watches are slimmer than the 5153 and cleaner, more simple lines that work very well with a dress shirt cuff.

The 5153, for me, isn't as formal as it gets in terms of Patek. I would say the 5227, 5296, 5196, and the hobnail bezel ones (especially the 5120 which is by far the most formal as it does not have a seconds hand) are the ones that are the most formal ones you could get from Patek's modern lineup. The 5153 has an officer's caseback and screws instead of spring bars, which don't connote the formality of the model. When it comes to the strap choice, how is dressing down a dressier piece considered gauche? I've seen pieces such as the 5078, Tank Cintree, etc, on tan Hermes straps and they look great. It is in my opinion that dressier watches worn casually with aftermarket straps are great. But hey, each to their own. I like smaller watches on straps, but can't for the life of me wear black alligator straps, nor do I wear a suit to warrant one.

My inspiration for this purchase and strap combo is from aCollectedMan's Simplicity photo:

 

[Seven7r]

I'm really into dressing down dress watches, go for it I think a nubuck or calfskin would look awesome on it. Suede may be a bit bold but give it a shot. (try a nato on and post it too hahha)

Definitely looking into ordering a strap from Hodinkee or a Jean Rousseau one from Theo&Harris. But the nato might be a little bit too much haha!

 

[Peguine]

Definitely looking into ordering a strap from Hodinkee or a Jean Rousseau one from Theo&Harris. But the nato might be a little bit too much haha!

ohhh i would skip those, i have had a few in my time and would think they are a bit overpriced especially those two retailers. A custom strap maker is less money and bespoke with the same materials, lots of them online!

 

[watcher009]

Seven7r Did you receive the watch ?

 

[onthebeam]

We all enjoy a good bump now and then, right? Three years later, gotta say I'm intrigued by this unpopular rep. If you read from the top, the big complaint about the PP alignment was largely addressed. I'm only comparing the black version.

I don't think this is next on my PP list, but IMO this is a cool dress watch with a back that closes like a pocket watch a la cop. Striking in its power and duty--just like a good officer of the law. I agree it can likely serve double duty dressed down with a more earthbound strap, too.