Patek Philippe stops producing some beloved references (5990,5164A,..) and increases prices from 1st Feb

As of February 1st annually, Patek Philippe informed its dealers about the upcoming price adjustments for the year 2024 and the models that will be discontinued, a process often referred to as "runout" in our industry. For enthusiasts and potential buyers of Patek, this day can mark the end of certain wrist dreams, especially if their favored models are removed from the catalog.

Bye bye to the 5164A

 This year's announcement has been particularly poignant due to its timing ahead of Watches & Wonders (Mid April), leaving a longer gap before Patek Philippe updates its offerings. The strategy appears to continue the brand's pivot away from sportier designs and to eliminate overlapping designs among straps and bracelets. A notable discontinuation besides the 5980 aka "El Jefe" involves the Aquanaut Travel Time in stainless steel, reference 5164a. Having graced the market for almost 13 years since its debut at Basel in 2011. While the rose gold version, the 5164R, remains for now, the stainless steel version's discreet charm will be missed.

List of references that are now long gone

As previously mentioned, Patek Philippe's 2024 discontinuations encompass a variety of models and many watch enthusiasts should double check this list in case any of these are in their wish lists:

• Aquanaut Luce Haute Joaillerie - 5062/450R
• Nautilus Chronograph Date on bracelet - 5980/1R and 5980/1AR
• Aquanaut Travel Time - 5164a
• Nautilus Moon Phase in Rose or White Gold on leather strap -5712R and 5712G
• Grand Complications Engraved Retrograde Perpetual Calendar - 5160G
• Annual Calendar and Moon Phases in White or Rose Gold - 5396G and 5396R
• World Time with Hand-guilloched dial - 5230P
• Pilots Watch Travel-Time in 37.5mm in both Rose and White Gold - 7234R and 7234G

2024 price increases

Beyond these discontinuations, Patek Philippe has implemented an average price increase of nearly 7% across its entire range this year. An exception to this is the ref. 5930P World Time Flyback Chronograph, which saw a noticeable 8.3% price rise, slightly above the average. 

Have you been affected in one way or the other about the discontinuations or the price increases?