Here’s some background that’ll hopefully help all of you knowledgeable enthusiasts assist me …

I would like to buy a simple, classically styled, manual wind Patek. From a styling perspective I prefer the vintage 1940s and 50s Calatrava models. From the current range I’m considering the 5022 Officer’s watch or the other Calatravas.

I’m not looking to buy for an investment, or to sell on in the future. It’ll be for me, as a watch that I can wear on a regular rotational basis, at work, travelling, or wherever. The important features for me are classic, enduring styling and a functional and reliable/ robust movement.

While I know what I like from the styling perspective, I’m not too sure regarding the movements. My questions are:

i) How do the modern movements (215PS) compare to the vintage manual wind movements in terms of build quality, reliability, serviceability, accuracy etc? ii) In case anything needs to be replaced in the future, are all of the spares for the vintage models readily available, including dials, hands, and movement? iii) Does Patek Phillipe still service the vintage models? Do they have a ‘cut-off’ period after which they no longer service vintage models as, unfortunately, Rolex do?

If there were any specific models/ movements you would recommend, or even avoid, these would be most gratefully received!

For reference, my existing watches are mainly vintage Rolex Bubblebacks (beautiful, but difficult to service/ repair) and vintage Rolex Submariners.