Which date-window display do you prefer? (a Patek-y question)

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

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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 😉
 
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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!
 
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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.
 
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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.
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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.