The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch is a wonderful piece of technology that anyone would love to have on their wrist; however, there are five thousand reasons that keep us away from it. Now, if we look closely at the Patek Philippe 5170P, that number rises to 85,000. The question is simple, and at the same time frustrating: what do these two watches have to justify such a difference in their prices? The Watchfinder & Co. on YouTube helps us understand this and other details with an excellent video.
Some people collect shoes. Others collect wine bottles. We can also think of books, paintings, typewriters (Tom Hanks is a fanatic), and of course, watches. Is it even allowed to call them "watches"? Once we begin to understand the time, effort, and precision that certain high-end models demand, the word "watch" becomes a little... ordinary, if you will. That idea is reinforced when you study prices. The Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch (3573.50.00) costs five thousand dollars, though some online stores have even offered it for four thousand. On the other side of the street we find a Patek Philippe 5170P for 85,000 dollars... which is nothing compared to what other models from that same company cost (take a seat and search for "Grandmaster Chime" on Google).
The Real Cost of Precision
80,000 dollars of difference. That's between 13 and 16 years of minimum wage, depending on the region. If both chronographs are true beasts, what can separate them beyond the money? Well, the folks at Watchfinder & Co. give us a real lesson. When you acquire a Patek Philippe 5170P, the owner receives a platinum case and diamonds on the dial; however, its true power lies in the movement. The minute hand on the Omega's chronograph "suffers" a kind of delay when advancing, but on the Patek Philippe, the advance is instantaneous and clean. On the other hand, the Omega's wheels have symmetric teeth and are easier to manufacture (since they allow lower tolerances), while on the 5170P, the teeth receive an asymmetric configuration in their angle.
If that isn't enough, the rest of the differences manifest through the finishing. Everything in the Patek Philippe is processed by eye and by hand, something chilling if we consider that the CH 29-535 PS caliber has 269 parts. The edges are cut at 45 degrees, and the teeth are polished individually even on the smallest pinions. In fact, a single pinion requires processing of 65 steps before it is "approved". The Omega's caliber is fantastic, no doubt, but Patek Philippe's obsession is to be in another dimension. That apparently costs an extra 80,000 dollars.
