Rolex Cellini or other Dress Watch?

[mwallens]

I am currently helping a friend decide on the purchase of a new dress watch and his budget is 20k (preferably 15k). While I know some would say the "right" move here is a Patek Calatrava, Vacheron Traditionnelle or A. Lange & Sohne Saxony, he is looking for something interesting and different that stands out from the pack visually. He is looking for rose gold and a leather strap but does not want the ordinary look of gold with a white/silver face. We had narrowed it down to the black Rolex Cellini Date or gray JLC Master Ultra Slim Moon when it occurred to me that there is a whole world out there of smaller, often independent watchmakers. I have been doing research and come across the H. Moser & Cie. Mayu Marrone, Arnold and Sons HMS1 (gray face), Blancpain Villeret Ultraplate (black face).

What are your thoughts on going with the more main stream brands versus the smaller and/or independent manufactures? Are there other suggestions you may have given the criteria?

Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.