You can search for, study, understand, and codify not just the important Patek watches themselves but how their market has grown and evolved over time. You can hunt for the best 1518, 2499, 2523, etc., decide whether the one on the market today is the one you want, and whether the price is right or trending your way. The dials can be studied, evaluated, and understood (with more reliable authenticity) than those of Milsubs or Paul Newman Daytonas. There is genuine rarity, unlike many four-digit Rolexes. But the APs, on the other hand, offer a forced decision: buy it or don’t. You’ll likely never have another chance. And to some people, that doesn’t feel like collecting. So that’s not to say that a record result for AP doesn’t matter. It just underlines how strong vintage Patek is as the blue chip is when it comes to steady growth.
Mark Kauzlarich
2026-05-12 17:00:00