The subject-line says it.

The full in-line perpetual calendar design (of the 5236, say) is incredible, but also way out-of-reach for a mere mortal.

Here are two "low level" Pateks (which is a realm where "low level" means they can be had in the mid-30s USD). One (the 5205) has PP's widely-used vaulted/arch display; the other (the 5396) has a flat orientation with the date in a separate, lower aperture. From a design standpoint, the one seems to harmonize with the shape of the watch case; the other creates a tidy vertical plane (along with the moonphase/24hr register) along the dial.

I find both of these designs very appealing, but I can't quite place why. Just wondering what other folks think.

I'm less drawn to Patek's analog-style calendar watches, like what you find on a 5140---just doesn't do it for me, aesthetically, even though I know some of the highest-auctioning watches ever have been ones with that layout.

For the sake of this discussion, I'm less interested in dial color or case design, etc---really just thinking about how the date apertures are configured on the dial.

 

I rather like the arch, but in a squarer case such as the 5135, I doubt I'll ever own one.

 

The 5205 is, for me, aesthetically, one of the most beautiful watches of the modern era. I actually prefer its dial to the one of the 5236 for example. One of my grail Pateks is the 3940 so you can see that we definitely have different tastes

 

I mean, to be clear, if someone handed me a 3940, it's not like I'd turn it down. One of the recent Hodinkee podcasts was all about vintage Patek---though a bit too much about how much they cost, IMO---and there was much mention (as I recall) of the 3940 and its pricier cousins. You are definitely not alone!

 

Also, while not a watch I'm quite as drawn to, I'm coming to appreciate that the 5146 has to be one of the better "bargains" in Patek-land. A 39mm PP precious metal annual calendar with moonphase and power reserve indicator that you could buy right now (at Jomashop) for "only" 26k. I'm mystified.

 

Dont forget 5960 line. There are nearly 20 variations of them.

I went thru the “windows” conundrum not long ago. 5960G came out on top. In-house movement, sport high comps Patek, wrapped in white gold, and 40.5mm. That chrono stack is very cool. But terrible in practice.

 

Yeah I’ve always wondered about the stacked chronograph: amazing complication, but hard to read, I’ll bet.