Journey to precious metals

[kilyung]

So I've noticed a lot of love for PMs lately (I've given up hope of converting Peter). I was wondering how everyone arrived at their love for gold/platinum?

I started off with steel and thought gold was too heavy for me. Why pay so much more for a gold case with the same movement as a steel model right? It never occurred to me that while the FUNCTION was the same, the FEELING it imparts is so much more different. Given the fact that I buy and love watches more for the FEELING it gives me than any real utility/FUNCTION, it's now a bigger factor in my buying than previously. What about you?

[sparky]

I'm currently coming up with a scheme to get a white gold sub\Daytona\DD to scratch that very itch!

[eonflux]

Not quite there yet, but warming up to it.
Mostly because certain models have something the steel versions don't, such as the Smurf Sub with the blue dial and bezel, or the BLRO GMT with the red/blue bezel and red hand.

[theflywrist]

Originally Posted by eonflux

Not quite there yet, but warming up to it.
Mostly because certain models have something the steel versions don't, such as the Smurf Sub with the blue dial and bezel, or the BLRO GMT with the red/blue bezel and red hand.

Exactly this.
I have zero love for the watch because it is a PM; In fact if i'm being honest, I prefer SS a lot more because it is much lighter.
The only reason I put it under consideration is because I love the 116619 Smurf. I have always had a thing for blue, and that is the only reason I considered it.
I ended up getting a Patek 5711 instead though.

Yellow or rose gold, even two tones are not for me however.
Not a fan of the bling at all. I feel like even people that otherwise have zero interest in watches notice it, and that is something I dislike personally.
I am only 25 however, so that may change.

All the best!

[rebel_1]

Originally Posted by crazypilot

Exactly this.
I have zero love for the watch because it is a PM; In fact if i'm being honest, I prefer SS a lot more because it is much lighter.
The only reason I put it under consideration is because I love the 116619 Smurf. I have always had a thing for blue, and that is the only reason I considered it.
I ended up getting a Patek 5711 instead though.

Yellow or rose gold, even two tones are not for me however.
Not a fan of the bling at all. I feel like even people that otherwise have zero interest in watches notice it, and that is something I dislike personally.
I am only 25 however, so that may change.

All the best!

You're 25 and you have a Patek 5711!! I'd bet that your taste will change!

I agree with your comment about the weight. The gold sub is WAY heavier, but that's also what I like about it. I tried on a RG AP Jumbo and didn't like it because to me, the weight didn't make sense, if that makes any sense. IMHO gold Rolexes seem more balanced due to the bracelet weight vs the weight of the watch.

[theflywrist]

Originally Posted by rebel_1

You're 25 and you have a Patek 5711!! I'd bet that your taste will change!

I agree with your comment about the weight. The gold sub is WAY heavier, but that's also what I like about it. I tried on a RG AP Jumbo and didn't like it because to me, the weight didn't make sense, if that makes any sense. IMHO gold Rolexes seem more balanced due to the bracelet weight vs the weight of the watch.

How else was I supposed to commemorate my recent upgrade at my job !!
It probably will. I have slowed down and removed most my pieces from my collection, sold a Hublot I quickly rushed on my initial days of getting into watches.
I have got them down to a BLNR (which I am certain will never go anywhere as it has much sentimental value and is my work watch), and my recent 5711 which I am over the moon about. At least I know if I do change my mind, or if my taste changes, she is going to be easy to flip/sell.

What a watch though I must say!

The RG 15202 Royal Oak is one of the most stunning watches I have ever seen personally!! What a stunning watch with that blue dial!

[WAK4]

Originally Posted by eonflux

Not quite there yet, but warming up to it.
Mostly because certain models have something the steel versions don't, such as the Smurf Sub with the blue dial and bezel, or the BLRO GMT with the red/blue bezel and red hand.

I'm with you...both the smurf and BLRO have been quietly nagging at me. But I just can't justify the money in my head.

[Chrispare]

Originally Posted by WAK4

I'm with you...both the smurf and BLRO have been quietly nagging at me. But I just can't justify the money in my head.

just my feeling

[AK797]

Originally Posted by WAK4

I'm with you...both the smurf and BLRO have been quietly nagging at me. But I just can't justify the money in my head.

I know how you feel, I never thought I'd own one either when I joined here. Best thing to do is look at the prices of all gold PPs and APs and gradually the price of Rolexes don't seem that bad, even representing good value and bang for your buck, esp if you buy from a trusted at a healthy discount.

[lookotbs]

Hi OP I think you make a great point. My everyday watch is SS subdate and I love it. For what you had said. It's function. Lightweight yet strong. I'm not worried to scuff it up a bit or get it dirty with soap, grit, or baby drool. (Just had my first son 5 months ago.). So one could suffice I look at this watch for its function, durability and practicality. Now... I've preordered the dd 40 in platinum. The weight of the watch when I had the chance to try it on blew my mind. It will be my first platinum watch and the FEELING of the weight and knowing it is really a top of the line watch from Rolex, and a goal of mine to have hold more value than the sheer function of the watch in my mind. Although the new 3255 movement is pretty sweet function. But anyways. Nice post and thanks for letting me give my 2cents!

P.s linked a pic of my soon to be baby. I love summer but September can't come fast enough!!



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[eltonbalch]

I'm one of those people who looks at a watch on my wrist to just enjoy it without even noticing the time so I'm hooked from that standpoint. I have wrestled with the precious metal question for years and just can't bring myself to "take the plunge". My parents were literally dirt poor when I was growing up so I'm probably still affected by that. I did own and enjoy a TT Datejust and sometimes wish I still owned it. The closest I came was about seven years ago when I was in the process of purchasing an IWC Big Pilot. My AD had just received a white gold version and asked me what I thought. I have never come so close in my entire life to just instantly giving in to the urge to buy it on the spot. The weight, the look, the details were just stunning to me. Honestly, I actually regret not buying it and I can see a point where I will "give in" and buy a precious metal piece when the right one comes along.

[rebel_1]

My first Rolex was a flat blue TT SubC. Since then I've acquired a RG DDII, YG SubC LN and a YG GMTII. I will admit that gold was addictive and I can definitely understand what you're saying about how it feels. Unless you've worn one, you just don't understand the small but big differences between solid 18kt vs TT or steel. I tend to not wear my gold Rolexes to work because I think it would be poor taste, so I typically wear my SS watches. My new favorite is a SubC ND. It may be the most comfortable watch I own. I think I'm good with (3) gold Rolexes and IMHO, Rolex makes the highest value PM watch. Don't get me wrong. I'm not say they make the best PM watch, I'm saying you get a lot of watch for relatively low cost com paired to PP for example.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by rebel_1

My first Rolex was a flat blue TT SubC. Since then I've acquired a RG DDII, YG SubC LN and a YG GMTII. I will admit that gold was addictive and I can definitely understand what you're saying about how it feels. Unless you've worn one, you just don't understand the small but big differences between solid 18kt vs TT or steel. I tend to not wear my gold Rolexes to work because I think it would be poor taste, so I typically wear my SS watches. My new favorite is a SubC ND. It may be the most comfortable watch I own. I think I'm good with (3) gold Rolexes and IMHO, Rolex makes the highest value PM watch. Don't get me wrong. I'm not say they make the best PM watch, I'm saying you get a lot of watch for relatively low cost com paired to PP for example.

[Amer]

I am planning on a PM in the next few weeks. Most likely the smurf. When I first saw it, it was love at first sight. Little did I know it was WG, so the price pushed me away. But it always, always nagged at me. I never tried one on but the weight is not an issue for me. I own a DSSD so it's heavy and I also own an Ennebi, PAM305 and several bronze watches which are somewhat heavy.

What put me over the top were the photo's posted here of the WG....In some light conditions it's bright silver (unlike SS) and in other lighting conditions it has a subtle yellow tinge. That combination with the changing blue I find fascinating, beautiful....So for me the PM part is an after thought. I also considered the BLNR because of the blue. However the combination of WG, ceramic blue bezel and matching dial really did it for me.

Yeah it's pricey, but the way I see it...Many of us have multiple watches or Rolexes....Adding them all up "may" equal one PM or close. If you are a heavy starbucks drinker, cigar smoker, cig smoker, car collector/car modifier these can all add up over time.....So it's all relative.

[Lpugliese]

Wow very impressive !

Originally Posted by rebel_1

My first Rolex was a flat blue TT SubC. Since then I've acquired a RG DDII, YG SubC LN and a YG GMTII. I will admit that gold was addictive and I can definitely understand what you're saying about how it feels. Unless you've worn one, you just don't understand the small but big differences between solid 18kt vs TT or steel. I tend to not wear my gold Rolexes to work because I think it would be poor taste, so I typically wear my SS watches. My new favorite is a SubC ND. It may be the most comfortable watch I own. I think I'm good with (3) gold Rolexes and IMHO, Rolex makes the highest value PM watch. Don't get me wrong. I'm not say they make the best PM watch, I'm saying you get a lot of watch for relatively low cost com paired to PP for example.

[beer]

I prefer the look of white gold to steel (can really notice a difference) regardless of the different dial choices and prestige of owning precious metal

[watchucallit]

I only go gold or PM when the style or brand does not come in steel--
Journe and Lange… Of course some of the rolex styles i like do not come in steel. But when given a choice-- steel rules and how i voted. The reason is steel is more resistant to scratching and yellow or red gold is more formal and I am a casual guy who likes to stay under the radar

[tkerrmd]

well Mike I must admit I feel the same way you do. once I felt a YG sub, I was just amazed at its feel, look, weight and wrist presence. once I got my first PM watch, I must admit it made the SS watches feel like toys. I lost all desire to wear SS watches because the joy of PM the weight, feel and look is just overwhelming. obviously everyone doesn't share my sentiments

but for the few who do and know and understand what I (we) are talking about they understand

now my problem is my obsession with Platinum!! the Platonas look weight and feel trumps my gold watches and now really prefer Platinum over all other metals. my next watch will probably be the DD40. wishing for a Platinum sub!!

Yes I still have all the versions of SS Rolex watches, but they just don't do it for me anymore

I am down to wearing only these three, kids have all the SS ...



here is what my "journey" resulted in....





and many along the ways....

[rebel_1]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

well Mike I must admit I feel the same way you do. once I felt a YG sub, I was just amazed at its feel, look, weight and wrist presence. once I got my first PM watch, I must admit it made the SS watches feel like toys. I lost all desire to wear SS watches because the joy of PM the weight, feel and look is just overwhelming. obviously everyone doesn't share my sentiments

but for the few who do and know and understand what I (we) are talking about they understand

now my problem is my obsession with Platinum!! the Platonas look weight and feel trumps my gold watches and now really prefer Platinum over all other metals. my next watch will probably be the DD40. wishing for a Platinum sub!!

Yes I still have all the versions of SS Rolex watches, but they just don't do it for me anymore

I am down to wearing only these three, kids have all the SS ...



here is what my "journey" resulted in....

If you ever find a cure to this addiction, please let me know!

[sickened1]

I could never rock any YG watch. Personally I think it just doesn't look good on me. WG is ok and so is Platinum but it's just too rich for my blood.

[tkerrmd]

Originally Posted by rebel_1

If you ever find a cure to this addiction, please let me know!

Ha Ha will do!!

[srvrf]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

well Mike I must admit I feel the same way you do. once I felt a YG sub, I was just amazed at its feel, look, weight and wrist presence. once I got my first PM watch, I must admit it made the SS watches feel like toys. I lost all desire to wear SS watches because the joy of PM the weight, feel and look is just overwhelming. obviously everyone doesn't share my sentiments

but for the few who do and know and understand what I (we) are talking about they understand

now my problem is my obsession with Platinum!! the Platonas look weight and feel trumps my gold watches and now really prefer Platinum over all other metals. my next watch will probably be the DD40. wishing for a Platinum sub!!

Yes I still have all the versions of SS Rolex watches, but they just don't do it for me anymore

I am down to wearing only these three, kids have all the SS ...

Tom,

It is interesting that your journey has led to three primary PM watches that are WG/platinum - not YG or RG. I'd guess that most prefer RG to YG these days, but the one thing about the color of steel/WG/platinum, is that it goes with anything. It's a big reason I like my SS watches on bracelets--I can just pick any one of them and wear it with anything.

[tkerrmd]

Originally Posted by srvrf

Tom,

It is interesting that your journey has led to three primary PM watches that are WG/platinum - not YG or RG. I'd guess that most prefer RG to YG these days, but the one thing about the color of steel/WG/platinum, is that it goes with anything. It's a big reason I like my SS watches on bracelets--I can just pick any one of them and wear it with anything.

Honestly Steve, these three PM watches easily do it all for me, look, weight, feel and stealth. I feel comfortable going anywhere doing anything with these three and am able to enjoy the PM experience for myself not really attracting unwanted attention

So same with me I can just pick anyone of them up and wear it with anything, but bonus to me is they are PM watches

[TripleB Boston]

well Mike I must admit I feel the same way you do. once I felt a YG sub, I was just amazed at its feel, look, weight and wrist presence. once I got my first PM watch, I must admit it made the SS watches feel like toys. I lost all desire to wear SS watches because the joy of PM the weight, feel and look is just overwhelming. obviously everyone doesn't share my sentiments

but for the few who do and know and understand what I (we) are talking about they understand

now my problem is my obsession with Platinum!! the Platonas look weight and feel trumps my gold watches and now really prefer Platinum over all other metals. my next watch will probably be the DD40. wishing for a Platinum sub!!

Yes I still have all the versions of SS Rolex watches, but they just don't do it for me anymore

I am down to wearing only these three, kids have all the SS ...

And Dr. Tom, If your journey ever includes selling your WG Sub LB Please PM me!

JC

[tkerrmd]

Originally Posted by TripleB Boston

And Dr. Tom, If your journey ever includes selling your WG Sub LB Please PM me!

JC

[Degas]

I never thought of precious metals until the DD40 arrived. My next watch might as well be one of those.

[s14roller]

Went from SS, to RG, and also have TT now. Love all 3 types. Certain models just look the best in certain metals.

[landroverking]

I have had out of ten Rolexes six have been TT or 18k gold.
Next up I hope WG Daytona.

[WS9D]

There's just something about my PM (okay TT) that makes me feel accomplished and established. I always remember my dad rolling around with a gold watch. It just has a different allure to me that I can't describe. No one has every complimented my SS pieces, but the TT bluesy, I get about one a week including, "I don't like Rolex, but man that's a beauty." There's just something about the gold that's eye drawing.

[scimps]

Never ever had anything gold before.... Not even a dental filling

But fairly obsessed about 2 refs for a while now.... Went and tried them on today..... Think this could be a reality soon.... It'd be an "all in" move... And as such I see it as a kind've evolution - through the ranks - culminating in "the best" (single watch) I can afford.... (For now)