Torn...but falling more in love with 1159 Blue

[pj1369]

So, I've been on the hunt for a new watch for several weeks to celebrate an upcoming birthday and my new job that I start on Monday :). Put a deposit on a new Rolex Daytona WG, but my AD didn't come through and it now looks like it will take several months to a year. So, I'm cancelling and getting a refund. And to be honest, while I loved that watch - my primary goal for this next purchase was to get a modern, dressier time piece since I have several rolexes and a few other pieces (Panerai, Bulgari Octo Finissimo, etc.).

And, after some additional research I stumbled into the new 1159s, which I love with the new dials this year. Pros: The simplicity of the dial, the colors, and I really do see it a future potential icon. It's also very modern, fun and different. it really does sing to me. Concerns: feels like a lot of money at retail for a time only watch, legibility looks a little tough from some angles, and I know short and mid term value won't be great. That said, love the look, colors and originality.

While I love the Patek 5205, I'm not sure I want to spend that much on a watch with a complication that I think is great, but I don't see as essential or important to me. I also don't love the Patek strap or time reserve, but I know the value will be there long term and it's a timeless but modern design.

And, the Daytona (when I can get one) is a great investment piece and I love the strap and how it fits/feels, but it also reminds me of my other sport pieces, and doesn't feel dressy/different enough, e.g. I would probably interchange it with when I would typically wear my GMT Batman on Jubilee.

I also liked the Patek 5524, but it just didn't sing to me let the others. It's elegant and sporty, but I haven't thought about it much since, so I'm tending to lean towards the other three.

Other thoughts, pros/cons/ideas to consider? Thank you!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ap1]

You can get the black leather for the 519 to make it a little more versatile

I like the pilot but it’s large so make sure that works for you.

5205 is nice but it’s expensive and about to get even more so 10/1 - shockingly

[RollinMoses]

The new code variants do look great and definitely a balance between modernity and formality.

I own and love the 5205 and personally find the complication very practical and the dial super legible.

I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the pieces pictured really. Go with whatever puts the bigger smile on your face and that you do not want to take off.

Have you considered Lange? Lange 1 to me also has that modern edge and quality to match.

[rolexfanforlife]

All good options! I have 5524 and love it. I also think the code is very nice and the 116519. My least favorite would be the 5205, but that’s because it too dressy for me. Good luck!

[chiscott_29]

I'd take any one of those watches to be honest - You have really good taste. But for me the 5205 would be #4 of the group.

All I can say is get the one that you like the best, because if you don't you'll be reminded of it every time you look down at the one you do have.

[pj1369]

Originally Posted by chiscott_29

I'd take any one of those watches to be honest - You have really good taste. But for me the 5205 would be #4 of the group.

All I can say is get the one that you like the best, because if you don't you'll be reminded of it every time you look down at the one you do have.

No truer words! And, agree the 5205 is almost too dressy and the Daytona is a little too casual.

I'm also having a hard time getting to see the 1159 in person! No boutiques nearby in DC.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GreenLantern]

Originally Posted by pj1369

No truer words! And, agree the 5205 is almost too dressy and the Daytona is a little too casual.

I wore a Daytona with a tux at my wedding.

[wei915]

I'm also still considering a Code white dial myself and have not pulled the trigger yet as I'm also comparing it with other models from other brands with similar price points and design.

One comparable model I came across is the Richard Lange. With a diameter of 40.5mm and height of 10.5mm, the dimensions are similar to the Code. The case also has a combination of polished and brushed side profile and similar MSRP with the Code. However, I find the Richard Lange's dial design and movement more appealing that the Code now.

[SMD]

5524 for me.

[dauster]

5524 for me as well - a PP thread showed some different straps recently - very versatile.

[YoungPrezzy]

Another for the 5524. I think its just more unique and has more character. There is also nothing in the high end market that competes with it. No one else makes a high end pilot style watch and one with a useful complication. The Daytona would just be too hard for me to commit to because if they drop the white gold with ceramic bezel on bracelet theyll find a way to make the bracelet not fit the previous oyster flex models and that would make me for one pretty salty.

[macrowatch]

Looks like I’m in the minority here. The bottom left Patek does nothing for me.

My votes goes in this order:
Daytona
Code (shocking!)
Patek Pilot
Bottom left

[sgwatchguy]

Daytona / Code
Code / Daytona
.
.
5205
.
.
.
.
5524


Both the code and the Daytona are standout pieces. The code is dressy but not as much as...
That 5205 is very dressy and will limit the use of it.
The 5524, I’m personally indifferent to it, as it has weird proportions.

[pj1369]

Originally Posted by sgwatchguy

Daytona / Code
Code / Daytona
.
.
5205
.
.
.
.
5524


Both the code and the Daytona are standout pieces. The code is dressy but not as much as...
That 5205 is very dressy and will limit the use of it.
The 5524, I’m personally indifferent to it, as it has weird proportions.

I tend to agree. Love the Patek 5205, but for the price point I kinda want a better power reserve, longer warranty (only 2 years), and a better strap - it's too shiny. The 5524 is fun but for some reason I don't find myself thinking about it like the others.

I'm thinking it's narrowing down between the Daytona and Code for me. Daytona is still a little more casual than I was looking for and looks similar to my other sport watches, but it's special and timeless.

Code is fun and different. I also especially love the color of rose gold it is - it's a paler hue which i appreciate a lot than Rolex's more pinkish rose gold. Boutique offered to throw in an extra strap today, which seems nice but nothing spectacular. They only have one in stock tho.

Decisions, decisions....


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[macrowatch]

I consider the Daytona a two way door and Code a one way door.

Get the two way door first since always easy to reverse a decision.

Also, if concerned about dressiness, can throw on leather strap too.

[chiscott_29]

Originally Posted by macrowatch

I consider the Daytona a two way door and Code a one way door.

Get the two way door first since always easy to reverse a decision.

Excellent way to put it

[pj1369]

Originally Posted by macrowatch

I consider the Daytona a two way door and Code a one way door.

Get the two way door first since always easy to reverse a decision.

Also, if concerned about dressiness, can throw on leather strap too.

This is a really great point. Hmmm


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[V25V]

No on code, sorry, i just find it awful.

I liked the 5205 in photos, not so much in person. The blue dial only looks blue in certain light but its very dark, black the majority of the time.

Of those in your options, I would do the Daytona. I just got a 116515 and absolutely love it. The Oysterflex is really nice and think you could dress up or down with it.

[rockdrock]

Happy belated birthday and congratulations on your new job! What a great way to celebrate these milestones. For me, you know where I stand but I will try to be objective. First, not a fan of that particular Daytona color combo on that oyster flex strap especially if you are looking for a casual/dressier piece. However, I do wear my lovely 5168g with suits and don’t look back. Second, the quality on the Patek pilot watch is great but when I tried it on it was LARGE! Also, this watch is really casual and did not feel like an all around watch. Third, that annual calendar Patek is stunning and something to be really proud. Depending on your life style, you may really want this piece. Now, it feels like you are on the really dressy side but again, that’s ok too. Fourth, the Code and you know the story. : ) I am not sure if you also looked at FPJ’s Souverain line or a JLC reverse gold annual calendar - dual face. That thing is stunning and can be sourced at $15K or less, second hand with box and papers. I heard you can get those even at $19 with discounts but not sure.

Keep us all posted and good luck. I am excited for you.
By the way, you have a rockin’ collection.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[pj1369]

Originally Posted by rockdrock

Happy belated birthday and congratulations on your new job! What a great way to celebrate these milestones. For me, you know where I stand but I will try to be objective. First, not a fan of that particular Daytona color combo on that oyster flex strap especially if you are looking for a casual/dressier piece. However, I do wear my lovely 5168g with suits and don’t look back. Second, the quality on the Patek pilot watch is great but when I tried it on it was LARGE! Also, this watch is really casual and did not feel like an all around watch. Third, that annual calendar Patek is stunning and something to be really proud. Depending on your life style, you may really want this piece. Now, it feels like you are on the really dressy side but again, that’s ok too. Fourth, the Code and you know the story. : ) I am not sure if you also looked at FPJ’s Souverain line or a JLC reverse gold annual calendar - dual face. That thing is stunning and can be sourced at $15K or less, second hand with box and papers. I heard you can get those even at $19 with discounts but not sure.

Keep us all posted and good luck. I am excited for you.
By the way, you have a rockin’ collection.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Thank you for the thorough and thoughtful response! I'll do some digging on FP Journe. I'm leaning more and more towards the AP...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[TooWoundUp]

Patek 5205 for sure - it is absolutely amazing in person. And for the price, its really something.

[subprimero]

Have you considered the Patek 5320G?

[smallcollector]

I had a 5205 , - it gets old fast.

From these - would choose the 5524 first

[pj1369]

Originally Posted by subprimero

Have you considered the Patek 5320G?

Out of my price range. Great piece!

Originally Posted by smallcollector

I had a 5205 , - it gets old fast.

From these - would choose the 5524 first

Can you say more about the 5205? How did it get old fast for you?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Alxsantan]

the 5524 just sits better IMO. Much smoother feelings

[Gdaso]

Another vote for 5524 if your wrist can pull it off

[dauster]

Originally Posted by Gdaso

Another vote for 5524 if your wrist can pull it off

they just released a smaller version,no?

[alexlt730512]

i'd go for code 11.59 the finished on the dial and the case construction are way better if you compare to 5524. it's my .02

[APAP]

5524 in a heart beat.

[Sulituan]

I also loved the 5205 Annual Cal on pictures (there are plenty of different dial colors), however in reality it felt that it was built "too high". Also, you should be able to get a good discount on the 5205 since it is an "always in the shelf" model.