PM Rolex vs. Patek/AP/VC/etc. for milestone birthday gift

[rebel_1]

Originally Posted by MrWeha

Here is what I would do:

1) Create a shortlist of 3-5 watches that you would think he would like
2) Show him the shortlist under some vague pretense and gauge his reactions.Maybe tell him that YOU are looking for a new watch and would like his opinion on that matter.While discussion the watches sneak in a question like: "If it were up to you, which one would you take ?" or even go as far as to straight up asking what his grail watch is.

This and

“Smurf ticks all your boxes”

IMHO, a DD is an incredible watch. It is a little hard to read with my naked eye though. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love my RG DDII! I just can’t read it without reading glasses.

I would go with the Smurf. He likes subs, PM and it’s readable.

[jb335]

Based on your update and description of your Pops, this is an easy choice....

WG Sub all day.

[MinMay]

Find a way to figure out what he likes... You'll be wasting your money if it's something he doesn't care for...

Sit down with him and tell him your friend is looking to buy a watch but undecided...and get his input.

[huncho]

for something this expensive you should find a way for him to pick it out without knowing your plan

[Rsubnodate]

I think the smurf is the way to go

[judson]

Originally Posted by rsubnodate

i think the smurf is the way to go

+1

[GB-man]

Sounds like your dad knows a lot about watches in comparison to the average buyer. I’d recommend letting him select the watch.

[jvd99]

I've also just gotten into high pend watches and as others have said, you can't go wrong with the white gold Rolexes such as DD40 Olive Dial, GMT Pepsi, and Sub with blue bezel/dial. If you are considering going into Patek territory, take a look at A. Lange & Sohne. I know there is much debate and spirited discussion regarding whether ALS is on the same level as Patek, but I personally like everything about ALS better than Patek, except value retention, which shouldn't be an issue for your dad. Happy hunting

[TK-710]

If he likes the Sub and likes white gold I think the WG Sub is the right choice. There’s really no way you can go wrong getting that watch for a watch/sub enthusiast.

[Quailhunter]

Rather than guess wrong, why not make a “project” of picking out the watch together?

[gregmoeck]

If you are going that deep you should get a patek

[myc ritz]

Man, your dad has some very specific opinions on watches. I would definitely take him shopping or this amazing gesture could go south.

[busytimmy]

I think you would do well to look at A. Lange & Söhne. 1815 up/down in WG would be incredible. I had a WG Sub and it was cool, but the Lange is in a league of its own when it comes to finishing.

Here’s my up/down in Pink Gold.




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[Chute]

With your criteria I’d go with the smurf. If he isn’t down for a Calatrava he definitely won’t appreciate a Lange or a Journe.

Maybe show him a picture of a hulk, a smurf and a yellow gold sub and ask which he likes best of the three.

[imgook]

As others have suggested. Being quite a high end gift, and your dad knowing quite a bit, I'd definitely just tell him straight up and let him pick.

I was also given this choice for my Wedding Gift, and it did not subtract any of the joy of receiving the gift at all. If anything, I'm so glad they did ask me, cause I got exactly what I wanted =)

[tjbender]

Sounds like he wants a sub. Go for a steel piece and spend the rest of the money on a life experience. The gesture of pitching him a Rolex of any sort will put him over the moon. Tomorrow is never promised so do something you’ll both remember for the rest of your lives.

[Why1504]

Danny,

A watch is a very personal thing. When I got my YG Sub my son strongly advised me to consider the Smurf. I was fortunate enough to look at the YG next to the WG. I did not care for it. To my eye, the white gold looks dingy. I much prefer SS to WG. SS has a much cleaner appearance than the WG does. I also didn’t care for the flat blue face. To my eye, it looks much better in the pictures than it does in person.

PM Subs are also very heavy.

I don’t know what kind of lifestyle your dad leads but if he isn’t an active guy a different watch might meet his lifestyle better.

I am not trying to push you away from the direction you are headed but these are serious considerations in this decision. You are talking $30k plus. Until you look at a watch on your wrist, you just don’t know what you might like or not like. Get him to the store, heck, see if the store would support a family surprise birthday party right there. Once he chooses, have the clerk say “Happy Birthday”. And have the rest of the family file in.

[gaeleus]

Go Rolex PM for the money. You have to go much higher in the price scale to get a similar or equivalent Patek.

[danwang0520]

I would get your father two watches, one stainless steel Sub and another Day-Date to cover all grounds.

I would consider DD as the first choice since your family is going for that grail-esque piece, and maybe add in a pre-owned Sub in the bag(a 5 digit would be nice since he always wanted a Sub).

[uniqueMR]

Daytona or DD

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by CoveWatch

You should sneak in a conversation to see what PM your dad prefers and go with that.. will narrow down your choices also

This is the only correct answer

[Kelex]

DD all the way.

[Quailhunter]

One other consideration, you mentioned that your dad would appreciate a robust watch. My experience with both Patek and Rolex is that Rolex is robust and Patek is not. My experience with the two brands is that Rolex service is pricy but not unreasonable. My experience with Patek service is that it is shockingly expensive and slow. For example, my wife’s Patek 24 needed a battery. Patek insisted on a full service. Over $800 and 4 months. I have had both my other Pateks serviced and the typical cost has been over $1500 and about a year. My experiences are one off and may not be representative.

[Yaz]

DayDate ! Definitely !
Cool, Elegant...just beautiful !

[joli160]

Originally Posted by beshannon

This is the only correct answer

Yes, buy him something he really wants not what you think he wants

[Sam3641]

Originally Posted by Yaz

DayDate ! Definitely !

Cool, Elegant...just beautiful !

Another vote for the DD. With what Rolex offers in term of price, materials, warranty, servicing, longevity, history and accuracy of their watches etc etc it really, from a practical and rational perspective, puts the so called “Holy Trinity” brands to shame IMO!




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