COO-COO...

Lovely... really lovely. A while back I mentioned that regardless what Patek make, they will sell it. I said that even if they where to make "an old lady's hat with a coo-coo clock" people will flock by the thousands to buy it. Well, grandma's here...

Personally I own several Pateks and love many others that I will never own or be able to own. I say this not to brag, but to illustrate that I would not want to give the impression that I am one of those that criticize just because they can't get the chance to own one. I also must admit that I am much harsher on the watches I own and the brands I like. You would not see me comment on watches like Jacob & CO for instance, its just is a waste of time.

Now, back to this piece: Recently, the boys at Patek have just graced us with the first Patek whose box is nicer than its actual content. Limited to 300 units (I hate to repeat myself, but calling 300 Pateks Limited is a big leap of faith), here goes a boooring Calatrava in steel and with a size of 36 mm. I suspect it will not be a big head turner. Honestly, this thing looks like one of those Chinese counterfeit models. You know, one of these "own" creations that isn't really in Patek's catalogue yet they slap "Patek" on the face. This thing looks closer to a Limes or Davosa for less than 1,000 bucks (and there is nothing wrong with them, they charge a more than honest price for their watches). Special would have been 42 mm, the crown on the left side and a kevlar strap. A bit extravagant for a Patek... granted, but definitely more interesting than this... yawn... thing. I guess the day they conceived this watch, imagination was not in the menu.

Ahhh... almost forgot. It is waterproof to a "staggering" 30 meters. Wow, in the real world that is barely bathtub proof. Quite a performance for the year 1906. Wait! Forgot we are in 2006... sorry.

... and two more things;

ONE. If you are one of those idiots that when told the waterproof rating of a watch say; "... I don't plan to go that deep, har har har...". Stop reading this Blog, and don't come back... ever!
TWO. If you by chance you are one of the above, and own a watch that is waterproof to 30 meters, please go snorkeling with it. In am sure you are more than safe, har har har...

Sometimes I wonder how objective I am about the Pateks I like when I see that many other models are simply do not live up to their name. Lately I have the felling that the brand "Patek Philippe" is what constitutes a large part of the attractive of their products. If I where a true "purist", which I am not, I doubt I would accept a Lemania movement in my Patek. Several of their "flagship" watches (ironically the ones in biggest demand) are not "purebred" Pateks. Personally, I don't mind. I still think that many of these are great watches. However, the price point of these specific watches is a bit excessive considering what they really are. I can't help but feel that in some cases they are taking a free ride on their prestige. Nothing wrong with that, but nobody should take their customers for granted.

P.S. I know that I am going to get a lot of heat on this piece... but bring it on, this is what this blog is all about. If you respond please add your name or screen name to avoid confusion. Last time there was some debate and everybody was called "anonymous"... maybe it was just the same guy. ;-D