MWC - Official Misc Wristwatch Crew Part VI: Patek or Bust - READ the OP

[Evad3]

also, the explorer II polar is underrated (srs) what a pretty watch, this would make for a good daily wearer

I'm really enjoying my exp 2 as a daily wearer, if you have the wrists for a 42mm i'd highly recommend it!

I don't know man, it changes daily. Probably yellow gold/champage dial or YG/white with romans. The rose gold/green dial is probably my favorite, but I feel like it has to come in yellow, at least for the first one. Then I feel a bit cheeky and think about white gold for some serious under the radar chit.

Exactly this. The RG/Green is what i find most attractive but then YG is the classic timeless option, then theres under the radar white gold, way too many nice combinations to choose from lol. Such a tempting watch to just say **** it and go all out with.

[Unstumpable]

I don't know man, it changes daily. Probably yellow gold/champage dial or YG/white with romans. The rose gold/green dial is probably my favorite, but I feel like it has to come in yellow, at least for the first one. Then I feel a bit cheeky and think about white gold for some serious under the radar chit.

I feel yah. Tough choice. I think I’d have to go with either yellow gold or Rose gold on a day date.

[SouthDakotaBrah]

I'm really enjoying my exp 2 as a daily wearer, if you have the wrists for a 42mm i'd highly recommend it!

niceee, I'd like to find one in person if I could... but I'm pretty confident I'd be able to wear a 42mm watch easily (7.5" wrist)

edit: this datejust 41 w/ rhodium grey dial is another one I keep thinking about... need to find a store so I can try these models on srs

https://www.chrono24.com/rolex/rolex...id12820376.htm

[twovalvekid]

Good grief. Seeing that royal oak pic makes me confirm i need to put the smaller one on my wrist first.

[W1LLW]

I've looking at some of the Russian timepieces - older classics (like the Big Zero) and their 24hr timepieces. Some of the new pieces from an old maker (Raketa in St. Petersburg) look to be pretty good. I'm trying to source an original Big Zero, in the meantime I'm waiting on the delivery of a Vostok Commander as a beater - might look good with a black rubber strap.
[img]https://raketa.com/w/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2019/08/W-30-19-30-0247_-g] Vostok Commander

I had a vostok komandirskie i took on a trip to costa rica once. Think i paid $60 for it. +-15 seconds per DAY, so poverty accuracy compared to the swiss stuff but it was a fun wear and probably the only watch i'd agree to put a nato strap on.

What's wrong with taking something like a DJ41 in the ocean? Aren't they designed for it?

Yeah, just for my situation i wouldn't. I'm farely certain this Sundust isn't going to be in my collection for even a year, will be replaced once the blue dj is available so i'm adverse to taking it anywhere i might get swirls or scratches on the bracelet. Trying to keep it in "Great condition" for the resell later. That said i'll probably treat the blue the same way, and save all "physical activities" for the aqua terra.

Good grief. Seeing that royal oak pic makes me confirm i need to put the smaller one on my wrist first.

Tis why i'm considering the 38mm chronograph as well. If one is in the position to spend $23k on a watch, what's 5k more?

[twovalvekid]

Tis why i'm considering the 38mm chronograph as well. If one is in the position to spend $23k on a watch, what's 5k more?

Yeah the 38/39 (cant remember which) RO is what i'd be looking at. And youre buying that used since i dont think they make those anymore. and..for AP ill gladly pay even a 7-8k premium. Heard plenty of stories that you arent getting chit from an AD unless you bundle, even worse than rolex right now, like other level worse, and bundle something with serious coin. Sweet, i got that SS RO, but i also bought this 30k ladies sports model no one wants.

[Trudope]

Glad I picked up my RO when I did. Ended up only paying 23k for it would be able to sell for 40k+ easily. Been wearing my VC Overseas more these days. It's just a nicer watch; more comfortable, equally finished, doesn't show scratches like a mofo, and fits my wrist better. Might end up selling the RO sometimes, we'll see.



plus VCs movement is remarkably well finished and you can see it. blows the 15400 out of the water and is better than the 15500. on par with the 15202

[W1LLW]

Glad I picked up my RO when I did. Ended up only paying 23k for it would be able to sell for 40k+ easily. Been wearing my VC Overseas more these days. It's just a nicer watch; more comfortable, equally finished, doesn't show scratches like a mofo, and fits my wrist better. Might end up selling the RO sometimes, we'll see.

[img]https://i.imgur.com/XdTD8D

plus VCs movement is remarkably well finished and you can see it. blows the 15400 out of the water and is better than the 15500. on par with the 15202

[img]https://i.imgur.com/hJDwmr]

Thank you for posting this, seriously. I was revisiting Overseas (naturally as people do when contemplating the RO), and part of me is underwhelmed with the design. I think it's the bezel that kinda kills it for me.

I was questioning whether i really didn't like the design, or was just brandwhoring over AP. I didn't believe that to be the case though because i regularly express my dislike for the aquanaut and nautilus. Just don't like the look of them at all.

But yeah, this is the first time i've heard an unbiased opinion on the RO vs overseas. I wouldn't doubt the OS is the better overall watch, but I still think the 15202 is flawless in terms of visual aesthetics. The jury remains open on this one for me.

You getting rid of the sundust due to finances, or you just aren't enthused with it for some reason? I'm keeping mine, it's a very nice watch IMO.

Nothing to due with finances. I'm just thinking long term for my watch collection. I know i'll never get a SS skydweller at retail, and I don't want to pay the blue dial markup on the grey market. So I want my DJ41 to fill my blue dial itch, I'll get the SS skydweller white or black dial (haven't decided yet), then my magnum opus 126715 and be done with the Rolex part of my collection.

I would love to fill it out with a green dial aqua terra, JLC reverso, and a lange 1 (Lange would be the last acquistition) before drifting off into the sunset with a perfect 6 piece collection. The only hiccup that could get thrown in is if I was able to get a 38mm RO chronograph at retail.

[Gringo12]

Glad I picked up my RO when I did. Ended up only paying 23k for it would be able to sell for 40k+ easily. Been wearing my VC Overseas more these days. It's just a nicer watch; more comfortable, equally finished, doesn't show scratches like a mofo, and fits my wrist better. Might end up selling the RO sometimes, we'll see.



plus VCs movement is remarkably well finished and you can see it. blows the 15400 out of the water and is better than the 15500. on par with the 15202

That VC is hnnnng. I watched a vid on YouTube with teddy and Kevin o Leary, and the blue dial VC shook Kevin and he had to buy it lol

[Trudope]

Thank you for posting this, seriously. I was revisiting Overseas (naturally as people do when contemplating the RO), and part of me is underwhelmed with the design. I think it's the bezel that kinda kills it for me.

I was questioning whether i really didn't like the design, or was just brandwhoring over AP. I didn't believe that to be the case though because i regularly express my dislike for the aquanaut and nautilus. Just don't like the look of them at all.

But yeah, this is the first time i've heard an unbiased opinion on the RO vs overseas. I wouldn't doubt the OS is the better overall watch, but I still think the 15202 is flawless in terms of visual aesthetics. The jury remains open on this one for me.




Nothing to due with finances. I'm just thinking long term for my watch collection. I know i'll never get a SS skydweller at retail, and I don't want to pay the blue dial markup on the grey market. So I want my DJ41 to fill my blue dial itch, I'll get the SS skydweller white or black dial (haven't decided yet), then my magnum opus 126715 and be done with the Rolex part of my collection.

I would love to fill it out with a green dial aqua terra, JLC reverso, and a lange 1 (Lange would be the last acquistition) before drifting off into the sunset with a perfect 6 piece collection. The only hiccup that could get thrown in is if I was able to get a 38mm RO chronograph at retail.

Sorry I was referring to the movement finishing on the VC being on par with the 15202. The 15400 and 15500 movements are mostly machined (albeit to a high standard), but the 15202 and Overseas movements have a decent amount of hand finishing. I would say overall the 15202 is still a nicer watch given how thin it is and being 39mm. Mind you its like $30k more expensive on the secondary though.

If you aren't going blue dial Skydweller, def go black. I've seen the white in person and its very underwhelming, but the black is pretty nice.

[W1LLW]

If you aren't going blue dial Skydweller, def go black. I've seen the white in person and its very underwhelming, but the black is pretty nice.

Me love you long time, cheers

[twovalvekid]

Deer diary.

Just got back from my AD....sad to say...former...Rolex AD as of January. Had a nice long conversation with the guy and some of the stuff he was much more open on about Rolex makes me....a lot less of a fan of the brand. Essentially, they got their allotment numbers for 2021 and they were abysmal compared to years past. Basically he said they would get 20-30 Subs a year, and their 2021 was in the 6ish range. DD's went to 1 a year. They also noticed they couldnt get simple things the last year, like gloves, books, trinkets, etc. Basically, theyre looking at closing about 100 stores and thinning the herd to go to a model more like PP and AP. And share a lot of other little comments, emails, and calls theyd get about things Rolex didnt like about their website or what they wanted them to change. So this jewelry store (has about 4-5 rolex ADs in it) are all getting out of it. Also note, one of the previous conversations i had with this sales manager was he mentioned that the rolex sales rep seemed to not care that cases were empty, that they "control the air" with the market. All of the convo let me somewhat with a sour taste/mixed feelings about the brand. They seem to be really moving towards a bigger/higher end/less mom 'n pop type stores. Paying 15k for a BLNR and not having to "spend" a chitload of cash to be afforded the "opportunity" to buy it....is suddenly much more appealing....but also kind of isnt. I could get every watch from rolex i really "Want" and spend....an extra 5-10k and be done. And not have to spend....six figures...to get those same watches at retail. Supposedly they had about 300 or so deposits on watches, that they had to all call and tell people they had to refund them. And rolex's answer was "point them to the website."

Now the funny part the sales manager ive been chatting with moved here from Tx to be a rolex store manager on purpose. So im thinking....when is he going to tell me he's going to another dealer. Oddly enough, about 30 mins in he mentioned he's getting everything together to start up his own Jewelry dealer right across from this same AD (he's also some gem/jewelry certified dude and that's his real passion). So he's going to be selling higher end jewelry, and also become a rolex gray dealer. Said he will easily have about 30 pieces in at any one time. So im kind of curious where this will go.

Side note, they jumped on omega with the opportunity to build a boutique out in the store by the end of august. So that was an interesting twist. Also, got my cawq beaters on the new speedy. That bracelet is 1000000000% better than the older one, and feels/looks incredible. Asked the sales associate to ask the omega rep next week when they came in to see how long the bracelet would take to get in. Would gladly put one on my current speedy. It's that good. It effectively is a VERY good copy of a jubilee bracelet. It's got a sweet taper to it and the speedy looks that much better on the wrist with it Definitely recommend you brahs go take a peek. On a side note, very close to pulling the trigger on the Blue/Gray aqua terra. It's just to nice feeling on the wrist, and the double clasp is sexy. On the new speedy itself, i like my previous year model better without the upgrade. Theyve added some "angles" to the dial on the 3 registers and around the main dial that i just dont like. The dial doesnt look anywhere near as "smooth."

[chino3]

As a pending Rolex owner, that story actually gets me excited. Scarcity is gonna be hnnnngggg for value.

[twovalvekid]

As a pending Rolex owner, that story actually gets me excited. Scarcity is gonna be hnnnngggg for value.

Inb4 "pending" for a year until you buy 100k in inventory you dont need. lolz.

Theres more to it that ill probably share as i make posts. Like one of the things is that they were telling this AD that it's about supply and demand, and in a BS way you wouldnt believe. Not like....they have "too many" dealers and watches. Essentially were telling this AD they needed to shrink because they just couldnt make enough watches and basically hinting that they had excess supply...

[twovalvekid]

Its interesting because here in Tx I was getting a Rolex and the SA was asking me how I liked the website as well. They hardly had any inventory. I'm thinking to pay the premium on a blue DJ which isn't really that much when you consider that there's no tax online.. before the scarcity really ramps up

So for the website, Rolex approached this AD (whos been an AD for 40+ years) and didnt like how they had on their web page the smaller jewelry on the main page while the "authorized rolex dealer" was in smaller print up top. Effectively, the didnt like that you saw "Rolex AD" on the site on the same page as some of the "cheaper" jewelry pieces.

Had the same convo on the DJ. The fluted/jubilee/stick dial DJ41 is basically at retail plus a small premium and tax. I have mixed feelings about how grey prices will go the more and more this type of info (and things like the chicago AD chit) gets out.

[Trudope]

don't see how anyone can be a fan of what rolex is doing unless you're a watch "investor".

I've also heard Rolex is trying to move upmarket. On one hand I think they're gonna have to seriously improve their quality if they want to play with the big boys, but being in this instagram showoff age we are in, brand power is everything so it may actually work for them.

btw if you're paying 30k+ for a daytona, you aren't allowed to be making fun women pay 30k for a Hermes Birkin

[BigRangs]

I don't know the validity of the Rolex moving upmarket idea, but they might just be taking advantage of the current wave. SS is gone, so people move to the higher margin pieces. Maybe a year ago a platinum Daytona could be had for like 60, now it's closer to 100. Sure it could be like PP who openly says they limit SS models, but I feel like SS is too much of the heart and soul of Rolex for them to do that.

They definitely do seem to be shutting down ADs though.

As a pending Rolex owner, that story actually gets me excited. Scarcity is gonna be hnnnngggg for value.

Ironically, the less allocation they get, the less chance you get yours. Hopefully they come through for you.

[chino3]

Essentially were telling this AD they needed to shrink because they just couldnt make enough watches and basically hinting that they had excess supply...

Wat

Ironically, the less allocation they get, the less chance you get yours. Hopefully they come through for you.

If it doesn’t work out, then oh well. I just reached out to my AD for an update, because it should be here in a few weeks. Inb4 ghosted

Edit: here is a solid deal on a like new DJ41 blue stick jubilee fluted
https://www.watchuseek.com/threads/f...apers.5277205/

[Adam16121]

Man, I’m so mogged by these pieces lately. Nowhere close to being able to drop 40k on a watch. Sucks brahs. All of my money is going into repairs on a house that was hit with frozen pipes, and then had a wrecked roof from the wild weather in NJ (right after I paid a roofer thousands to prepare for what was coming). Palm springs style modern flat roofs are brutal to maintain. Now I have a year of repairs to look forward to. Properties like this are a fukin nightmare. Looks like I wont have anything new for a couple of years.

[Trudope]

That VC is hnnnng. I watched a vid on YouTube with teddy and Kevin o Leary, and the blue dial VC shook Kevin and he had to buy it lol

lol yeah i saw that video.. blue is by far the nicest variant the overseas comes in, it's similar to the FP Journe CB in color. It's already trading on like a 5-7k premium vs the other dials but i can see it increasing even more vs. the other variants like the CB, especially if they restrict it to boutique only

[twovalvekid]

I don't know the validity of the Rolex moving upmarket idea, but they might just be taking advantage of the current wave. SS is gone, so people move to the higher margin pieces. Maybe a year ago a platinum Daytona could be had for like 60, now it's closer to 100. Sure it could be like PP who openly says they limit SS models, but I feel like SS is too much of the heart and soul of Rolex for them to do that.

They definitely do seem to be shutting down ADs though.



Ironically, the less allocation they get, the less chance you get yours. Hopefully they come through for you.

Yeah im not sure either. Im inclined to believe what he was saying since so much of it adds up, theyve been an AD for decades, sell everything they get in, and have that many deposits on things. To the point the sales manager was so unhappy with the rolex sales rep the last few months before christmas that the AD was giving clients the Rolex Sales associates personal number to call and complain.

This AD isnt "high end" outside of rolex. Meaning, Rolex is the top end watch they carry, and from a jewelry standpoint, they dont have the same huge pieces that the other AD in the area has. However, i refuse to go to that AD since theyve told multiple people you need in the 250k range to be "considered" for a pepsi (for example) and are known for being sort of...snobbish. Like i said in the previous post, being a single dude just into watches, im not going to drop that kinda coin on other "stuff."

Wat


If it doesn’t work out, then oh well. I just reached out to my AD for an update, because it should be here in a few weeks. Inb4 ghosted

Edit: here is a solid deal on a like new DJ41 blue stick jubilee fluted
https://www.watchuseek.com/threads/f...apers.5277205/

Yep. It didnt make sense at all. The AD was visibly upset while talking about it. Basically saying "yeah its all bullchit."

Not a bad deal at all. I bet you could offer 10k for this one and it would be taken since it's still up. Thats the exact combo i want. Seems like at least some of these DJs are coming back to earth. even at that price in the ad, youre getting it at almost right at what you'd pay with tax.


edit...

interesting...wonder if this is the same watch. lolz at the price difference.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=785370

[Unstumpable]

you need in the 250k range to be "considered" for a pepsi

lol that's absurd.

[twovalvekid]

lol that's absurd.

Yeah. Who knows if it's BS or not, it's the former AD talking about the one left in the area. But, im sure there is *some* truth to that number.

But the AD i was talking to above, mentioned the guy who was next in line for a pepsi...it was obvious the dude had spent some serious coin there. My guess is close to the 6 figure range. And was definitely upset he now is out of the game for it and now is rolling the dice with the "250k" AD. Apparently had spent a lot in both places...so. Just made me go...well if i really at the end of the day want a BLNR and the DJ41 in blue/jubilee/fluted....ill gladly pay an extra 6-7k for those and be done with the Rolex game at the end of the day. Not really a fan of the daytona, and the only other things i'd be interested in is maybe an Exp 1. But, have the AK so....*shrug*

If that's all im looking at....it's not worth it to play the AD game at all. So ill see if this guy wasnt BS'ing about setting up the grey dealer in the mall. But, i may see how the tax bill goes and pick up that aqua terra before he leaves the AD for good. Said since i was a customer of the place, he'd let me have it for 15% off. Which is effectively the same as grey.

[W1LLW]

Deer diary.

Just got back from my AD....sad to say...former...Rolex AD as of January. Had a nice long conversation with the guy and some of the stuff he was much more open on about Rolex makes me....a lot less of a fan of the brand. Essentially, they got their allotment numbers for 2021 and they were abysmal compared to years past. Basically he said they would get 20-30 Subs a year, and their 2021 was in the 6ish range. DD's went to 1 a year.

That aligns with what my AD told me in regards to the blue DJ41.

"We are going to hit major steel 41 shortage (all Rolex dealers will) due to their production being down. I’m going to also request a special order no money down if I can."


Oh well, sucks for us. In regards to going in to try the new speedy bracelet, i'm holding off for when i pick up my green aqua terra. I know i'm going to buy it, but the sales guy doesn't. So i'm going to wait until i'm absolutely ready to walk out with one before i visit the AD. I'm going to ask them to sell me the piece for $4600 rather than $5700 as a "random walk in", and i think i'd lose some of that leverage if they know i'm thirsty for it and make repeated visits.

[Lowkick]

I don't see Rolex as a real watch brand any longer srs,
They want to slowly step up to the playing field of AP/Vacheron/Patek without delivering the quality.

In order to buy a sports Rolex for list I have to buy all kinds of useless crap that doesn't get sold so I'm "worthy";
just lol.

They're nice watches but not for what they are going list; and definitely not what they're going for on the grey market.
They market their movements as "robust"; if you want robust you go for an ETA 2824.
If I'm paying >10K I want a refined movement with quality decoration, even if I don't see it.
My watchmaker loves working on Rolex because it's easy to service, should tell you something about complexity...

This brand is deviating towards becoming a purely mediamarketed glamorized overpriced fashion watch and they know that without this self-created artificial scarcity Rolex prices will start to depreciate and therefore they will lose their unique selling point: watches as (possible) appreciating investments

On another point I have this one incoming

The simplicity of an ETA-2824 in a 4k watch; still beats any Rolex in bang for buck ayyyy

[Trudope]

^ nice brah. Yeah there are tons of watches other than rolex.

if anyone is a fan of the speedmaster, the 321 "ed white" is really nice. completely different level than the standard speedmaster. movement finishing is beautiful

[twovalvekid]

@ lowpoint
What i see is theyre getting a little "ahead" of themselves (my humble opinion) with their worth and how "easy" they think it is now. So they just do what they want. Long term...eh...i dunno....

However, you gotta think they "like" that there is the huge demand and they can sell every watch they make. But you gotta think they see the say, 5-6k on a BLNR for example, and see 5-6k in lost revenue.

Will:

I dont like the dial of the new speedy versus the 2020 i've got. The way theyve added "edges" to the registers...just doesnt sit with me. But in reality, i probably wouldnt be able to tell the difference in person if i didnt have the previous model. Just really liked the bracelet.

[BigRangs]

I don't see Rolex as a real watch brand any longer srs,
They want to slowly step up to the playing field of AP/Vacheron/Patek without delivering the quality.

In order to buy a sports Rolex for list I have to buy all kinds of useless crap that doesn't get sold so I'm "worthy";
just lol.

They're nice watches but not for what they are going list; and definitely not what they're going for on the grey market.
They market their movements as "robust"; if you want robust you go for an ETA 2824.
If I'm paying >10K I want a refined movement with quality decoration, even if I don't see it.
My watchmaker loves working on Rolex because it's easy to service, should tell you something about complexity...

This brand is deviating towards becoming a purely mediamarketed glamorized overpriced fashion watch and they know that without this self-created artificial scarcity Rolex prices will start to depreciate and therefore they will lose their unique selling point: watches as (possible) appreciating investments

On another point I have this one incoming
[img]https://i.ytimg.com/vi/pqmAOuTV8hI/maxresdefault.jpg[/mg]
The simplicity of an ETA-2824 in a 4k watch; still beats any Rolex in bang for buck ayyyy

2824 is a great movement. I've owned, and still own some of them. However, I don't get any of your other arguments at all. You say AP/PP/VC have better quality, but what does that mean? Comparable watches from those brands are 2-3x more expensive. Is the finishing better, sure it is, but those entry level models are largely automated machine finished and not done by some old man in a candle lit room. All great watches, but you're comparing apples to oranges.

And why would you want the watch to be more complicated lol, but you like the "simplicity" of a 2824? You want the watch to do whatever it claims to do and be as efficient and as uncomplicated as possible. Rolex themselves market a movement like the 4130 as being the best chrono is the world, while also using the least amount of parts and being the easiest to service, while being a vertical clutch, column wheel chronograph.

And a Seiko 5 is $200 and still beats any Breitling in bang for the buck. (I currently own two Breitlings for the record).

[W1LLW]

They're nice watches but not for what they are going list; and definitely not what they're going for on the grey market.
They market their movements as "robust"; if you want robust you go for an ETA 2824.
If I'm paying >10K I want a refined movement with quality decoration, even if I don't see it.
My watchmaker loves working on Rolex because it's easy to service, should tell you something about complexity...

This brand is deviating towards becoming a purely mediamarketed glamorized overpriced fashion watch and they know that without this self-created artificial scarcity Rolex prices will start to depreciate and therefore they will lose their unique selling point: watches as (possible) appreciating investments

On another point I have this one incoming
The simplicity of an ETA-2824 in a 4k watch; still beats any Rolex in bang for buck ayyyy

And a Seiko 5 is $200 and still beats any Breitling in bang for the buck. (I currently own two Breitlings for the record).

That post reads like distilled (electrolyte enhanced) mountain spring purified cope. The bang for buck argument is retarded because you can always break it down to "why wear a wristwatch in the first place when you can carry a smartphone"

"They're nice watches but not what they're going for list" is also rubbish, particularly in regards to the skydweller. You find me steel sports annual calendar/gmt even half as sexy as the sky dweller with double the msrp and i'll rep you onsite for life.

Even the played-out SS datejust41, if you throw it in the purely "fashion watch" category, good luck finding a watch that gets as many stealth glances and recognition as it (you won't). Then from an accuracy standpoint, the ETA 2824 does +/- 12 seconds per day, while the rolex 3235 does +/- 2 seconds per day.

You'll get nothing but agreement from me that Rolex scarcity is annoying as fuk, and the AD games are uber ****gy time. But to sit there and even for a moment believe a Breitling Avenger "is just as good as" rolex as a luxury swiss timepiece OR a fashion watch is cope in its strongest concentration.


Edit: And this is coming from a guy currently jelly of his girl because the mint green breitling chronomat only come in 36mm.

[W1LLW]

I specifically remember your posts, and was aware of it when buying. I'm just under yellow lighting all day at home. I have no issue with the dial, just wasn't sure of what I was seeing. So I'm not crazy right? This is normal? You had mentioned your dial looked like a dull silver, mine usually looks like a faint pink.

Also, In4 updates on your initial impressions? Have you been able to experience the full color-range of the sundust? I'm actually getting some of the faintpink-sundust this morning compared to the usual silver.


Would be cool to have on the SD, but for the rose gold price point i definitely get the rhodium dial option.






Any other non-annual calendar peasants such as myself have that "oh schit" moment when you realized you had to switch the date over to march?