Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 5738R-001 vs Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Retrograde Day-Date 4000U/000R-B516

In-Depth Comparison

The Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 5738R-001 and the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Retrograde Day-Date 4000U/000R-B516 represent two compelling options in the luxury watch market. Both timepieces have earned devoted followings among collectors and enthusiasts, but they approach horology from distinctly different perspectives. Let's break down how these two watches compare across the key dimensions that matter most to buyers.

Heritage And Brand Prestige

Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin are both highly respected names in watchmaking. Both watches hail from Switzerland, benefiting from the region's deep horological tradition. This particular Golden Ellipse reference was introduced in 2018, while this Patrimony reference debuted in 2015. The Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 5738R-001 is the newer release, potentially featuring more modern technology and finishing.

Movement And Mechanics

At the heart of the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 5738R-001 beats the Patek Philippe 240 caliber offering a 48-hour power reserve running at 21,600 vph with 27 jewels. The Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Retrograde Day-Date 4000U/000R-B516 is powered by the Caliber 2460 R31R7 with a 40-hour power reserve operating at 28,800 vph featuring 27 jewels. The Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 5738R-001 wins on power reserve with a 8-hour advantage, which means less frequent winding for those who rotate watches.

Dimensions And Wearability

The Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 5738R-001 features a 34.5mm case at 6.7mm thick with a 39.0mm lug-to-lug measurement, crafted in 18k Rose Gold. The Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Retrograde Day-Date 4000U/000R-B516 comes in at 42.5mm and 10.5mm thick with 50.0mm lug-to-lug, constructed from 18k Rose Gold. The Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 5738R-001 wears more compactly on the wrist, making it potentially more suitable for smaller wrists or those who prefer understated proportions. At 45g, the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 5738R-001 is the lighter of the two.

Materials And Construction

The Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 5738R-001 uses a Sapphire crystal paired with a Fixed, smooth elliptical bezel, while the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Retrograde Day-Date 4000U/000R-B516 features Sapphire with anti-reflective coating crystal with a Fixed, polished bezel. On the wrist, the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 5738R-001 comes on a Black alligator leather strap with Pin buckle in 18k rose gold, while the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Retrograde Day-Date 4000U/000R-B516 is fitted with Dark brown alligator leather strap featuring 18k rose gold folding clasp.

Water Resistance And Capability

The Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 5738R-001 is rated to 30m / 98ft and the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Retrograde Day-Date 4000U/000R-B516 to 30m / 98ft. Both watches share the same water resistance rating, making them equally suited for aquatic activities.

Pricing And Value

At retail, the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 5738R-001 lists for $30,100 compared to $41,500 for the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Retrograde Day-Date 4000U/000R-B516. The Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 5738R-001 is the more accessible option at MSRP, saving $11,400 at retail. On the secondary market, the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 5738R-001 trades around $32,000 while the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Retrograde Day-Date 4000U/000R-B516 commands approximately $36,000. The Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 5738R-001 trades at a 6% premium over retail, indicating strong demand and investment potential.

The Verdict

Choosing between the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 5738R-001 and the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Retrograde Day-Date 4000U/000R-B516 ultimately comes down to personal priorities. For value-conscious buyers, the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 5738R-001 delivers excellent quality at a lower price point. for dress occasions and smaller wrists, the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 5738R-001 is more versatile. Both watches are exceptional timepieces that will serve their owner well for generations. We recommend trying both on the wrist at an authorized dealer before making your final decision, as comfort and emotional connection are ultimately just as important as specifications.