PATEK PHILIPPE The Banker’s Watch | Patek Philippe Calatrava 5119J | Full Set Ref.5119J

The 5119 was launched in 2006 as a slightly larger successor to the 3919. The history of the 3919 dates back to 1985, and its creation was quite a story. The 3919 was Patek Philippe’s solution to the sales decline after the Quartz Crisis. By the early 1980s, Patek’s annual production had dropped to around 5,000 pieces. To revive the brand’s momentum and expand its sales, the then-president of Patek Philippe turned to a Geneva-based advertising and marketing expert. The proposal was to create a wristwatch with strong recognizability as a symbol of social status and identity.
The expert suggested using the Calatrava as a base, adding the Clous de Paris hobnail bezel the brand had previously used, combined with a pure white dial and striking black Roman numerals. This became the winning formula to capture the market at the time.
For the movement, Patek Philippe equipped the 3919 with the caliber 215PS, a design that paid homage to early manual-wind calibers. The 5119 also carries the 215PS. In terms of wearing experience, the 5119 aligns more with modern aesthetics—the 36mm case diameter strikes a perfect balance: neither too large nor too small, instead offering a timeless modern proportion.
Both the 3919 and 5119 became known as the “Banker’s Watch,” which in Switzerland is considered a high compliment. Much like the historic Ref. 96, the 3919 and 5119 appeared at a critical moment when Patek Philippe needed to reinforce its prestige, helping the brand stage a glorious revival after difficult times.
The 5119J we share today was originally purchased in 2010 and comes as a complete full set. The watch remains in original condition, with its movement recently serviced by our workshop and covered by a one-year warranty. Available now at a superb price—don’t miss it!