Wearing a Patek for sports activities: your thoughts?

[edward76]

Hi everyone,

I recently acquired my first Patek Philippe, and I have a question that I’d love to get your thoughts on.

For those of you who already own one or more Patek watches, do you wear them during activities like motorcycling or cycling? If so, what has your experience been, and what precautions do you take?

I own several Rolex and Omega watches, that I wear without any issue for all kinds of activities, but I wonder if a Patek requires more care.

https://youtu.be/e3uqnXEvHGY

[jgottsman11]

It likely wouldn't be a problem. But a leather strap Patek and sweat might get stinky. Nor does it seem like the appropriate watch for those activities anyways.

[Calatrava r]

All Swiss watches must meet a strict shock resistance standard. PP says all its watches can be worn for normal everyday use. Many sports activities are not suitable for any watch so discretion and risk tolerance is advised. Of note is the bezel on your model forms a sharp angle at the top edge with a smooth top surface. This design is easily scratched and shows the scratches more.

[ts3]

I am wearing a 5711 all the time while swimming, paddling, and cycling but I take it off for multi hour bicycle rides and when I go hiking. I ruined the case of one watch when a hike had turned into a climb. No need for a repeat. With PM dress watches I avoid most of those activities for the lower water resistance, the wear on the strap, and the risk of getting the case banged up. Just to add, in my experience the zippers on heavy jackets you might use for motorcycling are the nemesis of a nice watch.

[JSol1]

First, I own this piece and I love it. I choose not to wear it for those type of activities. I also bought a calf skin strap for summer, but sweat is the enemy.
I recently acquired a 5186 which I’m much more comfortable wearing for active things…or a Rolex…

[DavidSB]

I don't and would not. It's why there are Rolexes ... and G-Shocks.

[77T]

A Nautilus or an Aquanaut should work well in any sports activity short of rock climbing or spelunking where damage from rock is probable.


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[Bearxj86]

Originally Posted by jgottsman11

It likely wouldn't be a problem. But a leather strap Patek and sweat might get stinky. Nor does it seem like the appropriate watch for those activities anyways.

Putting it on a synthetic or rubber strap or canvas is a nice look to dress the Patek down and make it more for everyday use.

I don't do motorcycle riding but I do know that Patek dress pieces (non MR, Torb) are more durable than you think. Things with significant shock is probably not good for an annual calendar complication but taking it on a run, hiking shouldn't be an issue versus golf/tennis.

The gold case will take absorb and show scratches far easier than steel, so be aware that if you like keeping your things pretty immaculate, the Patek will wear down fast.

[geoach]

I wear my 5066 just like my sub. Only take both off for golf. Swim bike ect ect

[WatchEater666]

I wouldn’t do it.

Get something like a Rolex or a Sinn.

[1William]

Just because you can does not mean that you should. The right gear for the right task is always the way to go. With so many sport watches available for reasonable prices why would you not use a G-Shock or Seiko Diver that is set up for the type of activities many do. The other side is I would not wear those watches with a suit or for smart casual dress.

[brandrea]

I wouldn’t. It would feel and look out of place to me

[metallic]

Motorcycling with a Patek...No. Too much vibration. Get a nice G-Shock!

[Lo100169]

Cycling is a no go for me on any mechanical watch, too much vibration especially on gravel.

Motorcycling (I mean going from A to B, not off road or on track of course) is a non issue, it is not really a sport, i just avoid contact with heavy zippers and wear long sleeve gloves that protect the watch from scratches. That saved a nice Tudor big block went i went down on a ice patch :)

[Chiboy]

I used to wear my DJ (no, not a Patek) for everything, and I do mean everything. Tennis, golf, etc. Now with my Daytona, I don't wear it for running/tennis/sports and didn't take it when we took a trip to Grand Canyon this fall for some hiking.

But I will admit that I bike to barber shop/library/post office/Whole Foods in town and never take my Daytona off for those 1-2 mile round trips. Or when I mow my lawn.

[Rebel]

Originally Posted by DavidSB

I don't and would not. It's why there are Rolexes ... and G-Shocks.

This.

[codecow]

Why do you need to wear a luxury watch while playing sports?

Anyway you can just do it. If you don’t care then just wear it.

[subtona]

Wear and enjoy.

[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by Lo100169

Cycling is a no go for me on any mechanical watch, too much vibration especially on gravel.

Motorcycling (I mean going from A to B, not off road or on track of course) is a non issue, it is not really a sport, i just avoid contact with heavy zippers and wear long sleeve gloves that protect the watch from scratches. That saved a nice Tudor big block went i went down on a ice patch :)

I used to wear Rolex watches cycling years ago. The vibration many times is not even that noticeable, but I had several bracelet screws unloosen from the rides, so I quit doing it. I could only imagine what it did to the delicate escapement balance.

[ts3]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

I used to wear Rolex watches cycling years ago. The vibration many times is not even that noticeable, but I had several bracelet screws unloosen from the rides, so I quit doing it. I could only imagine what it did to the delicate escapement balance.

I have been wearing my IWC Mark XV for thousands of hours of road cycling and never had a problem. The pyramid bracelet has no screws and is one of the best I have had. Only reason I don't wear a Patek for multi hour bicycle rides is that I don't want to ruin them in a crash.

[singe89]

Wore my 5168g as a daily beater for a few years. Swimming, skiing, bike riding, throwing the football with the kids, shooting baskets, etc and never an issue. Just didn’t wear it for golf.

[HMHM]

I do wear the Aquanaut when cycling, but otherwise for more intense activity its usually the Apple Watch...

[TunaTuna]

Sport watches are for sport, dress watches are for ....

[JSCP]

It’s your call, but Pateks are all models more delicate in general.

A dress watch with Jeans and shorts ok for me but not for sports. But you can if you want to of course.

[edward76]

Thanks for your advice guys, finally I think I will use my rolex for this type of activities and keep my patek for the office

[FrançoisCzapek]

I once dropped a Patek calatrava on a tiled floor, while a bit sleepy and fumbling with the strap. The experience (and the servicing bill) is not something I care to repeat.

I also once asked my local Patek service center if I could take a Nautilus swimming, half joking. The lady at the desk frowned and said, it's not a Rolex, despite acknowledging it is waterproof.