My First Step Into PP
After many years of collecting a variety of watches - mostly Rolex and Panerai, I finally took my first step into this world of Patek, and all I can say is wow. Over the years I have learned many things about my preferences, including a fondness for clean easy to read pieces that error on the sporty side.I spent considerable time in this area of the forum, and I have to say thanks to all of you. I feel like a was able to receive a free education in PP before taking the plunge.Yesterday, was the first day on the wrist, and here it is.[IMG][/IMG]My thoughts after a couple of days:This is the most comfortable watch I have ever owned. With the strap adjusted appropriately, it's hard to tell it is there.The sound of the rotor is mesmerizing. I love it, but I can see it being an issue for some.The rubber strap works. This was my biggest concern, but I wore it with a tie and jacket, and it never looked out of place.The dial is a true pleasure, especially in natural light. You will see t

Any guide to what Calatrava references used what dials?
Is there anything out there that I could use to determine what dials were available on different Calatrava references. Really like the 5196 time only with small seconds and breguet numerals. I know a few other references also used that dial style but it seems that many of those references also used other dials as well.Any resources like this online for Calatrava references? I'm guessing some of the books you can buy may have this sort of info.This is the dial style I am referring to by the way, wondering what previous references of Calatrava used it (I know the 96 did but have seen others pop up with this dial as well)

5140G vs. 5396G
I was hoping to start a discussion on the relative merits of these two pieces. Yes, it is an apples to oranges comparison since one is a perpetual and the other an annual, but I am interested in people's thoughts on both pieces across multiple factors that they consider when buying a watch.I personally think, with nothing else considered, that the 5396 is more aesthetically pleasing in the simplicity of the dial. There is no denying that the aesthetics of the 5140 were intentionally sacrificed in order to keep the watch as small and as thin as possible (the 5140 is 37.2 mm width and 9.2 mm thickness vs. the 39 mm and 11.5 mm of the 5396), which is part of the charm of the watch, so my opinion on the loss of aesthetics is tempered with this knowledge. Aesthetics aside, the 5140 is a perpetual and the 5396 is an annual with quite a differential in cost between both watches.IMO, both watches have an understated elegance that belie their level of complexity. What do other people think of

Panerai Watch
Anyone have any info on this watch ? I'm dealing with a very nice lady in Texas with Panerai and she is very impressed with the watch and trying very hard to get me information. Any experts know the model ?

Rolex gifts
I buy my Rolex watches from an AD that I have known for decades, and who gives me great discounts. However, they never seem to have promotional gifts of any kind. Thus, I've come to think that Rolex promotional items are bought by ADs optionally, so some dealers may have them and others don't.Does anyone know exactly what's the deal with promo gifts...?