i really like Patek watches...

but we got my fiance this watch below and I kinda sorta want to match.

but at the same time i think daytona is pretty nice.

 

I can't agree more with you. I don't know shit and I never heard of all the brands that you just mentioned. but i am not buying Rolex just to spend money. (also it ain't my money)

I only know Rolex, Patek, Piuget (spell?), Panerai and few others. I'm not a watch expert either. I'm buying Rolex because of their track record and that's all I know. Maybe if I ever get into collecting high end watches(which will never happen) I'll look into more specialized Swiss watch brands.

also...36mm oyster fits my wrist a tad better than 40mm...altho they both look fine on my wrist in terms of size. (my wrist ain't that thick)

 

You could also ask for input over here on Timezone's Rolex forum:

http://forums.timezone.com/index.php...eadt&frm_id=27

As far as your two choices, I hope you've tried them on. The Day-Date is nice, but it's a 36mm diameter, which is on the small side these days. It is a classic watch though, and will never look out of place.

The Daytona is 40mm and obviously sportier. I think it looks really good in this pic



Don't worry about the usual Rhodium plating problems with white gold. Rolex don't use Rhodium plating.

As far as getting your money's worth, Rolex use in-house movements and are a great watch. Just because they make a lot of them (approx 800,000 per year) doesn't mean they're a bad watch.

You might also want to take a look at the Yacht-master in stainless steel and platinum. It's a 40mm diameter, goes for $8250 new, and is very comfortable to wear. You can see it here:

http://www.rolex.com/en/index.jsp#/en/xml/...ht-master/index

With either watch, you can get a substantial discount from a gray market dealer such as Gil:

http://www.thewatchcollectorny.com/

I just read your recent post where you day you have a small wrist. I do too, but the 40mm YM fits perfectly. The YM also comes in a smaller size (I believe it's 36mm), so you could try that too.

 

"I only know Rolex, Patek, Piuget (spell?), Panerai and few others. I'm not a watch expert either. I'm buying Rolex because of their track record and that's all I know. Maybe if I ever get into collecting high end watches(which will never happen) I'll look into more specialized Swiss watch brands."

=) That's why lots of people buy them. They are very simple watches, with no complications, and are bound to last a while due to the simple nature of the movement, and the quality of manufacture. However, in all fairness, a Casio would probably last just as long if properly cared for. A Patek would be more expensive than a Rolex, but for the cost of a stainless Daytona, you could certainly get a nice Panerai 44mm model, which is probably more rare than a Daytona, and in my opinion, more masculine. Good luck in your search!

<edit> If you have a small wrist, then 40mm might be the right size for you. Why not go with a classic, base model submariner?

 

thanks Diamond Dave. very useful info. except your picture, i can't seem to find the watch...you sure there is a watch in that picture? = )


JakeEsquire, I tried on Panerai and they are certainly very exquisite. i agree with being masculine as well. they mentioned that one model was very sought after...manufacture about 30 of that model per year.

 

daytona.

 

shit... 27 grand for a watch? seems sorta silly IMO.

i like the first one better.

 

They don't even have calculators and cost $27k?!

 

You're spending too much on what is ultimately a very mundane watch. Get yourself two standard SS bands like a Submariner and a Silver face Explorer and you're still sub 10k.

Hold onto the rest of the money and educated yourself a little about these watches. Then use the rest of the money to get something that you can still appreciate after you have learned a little more.

 

For 19k you can get a very rare Panerai that will be well respected by anyone with some insight into collectible watches.