Rolex Skydweller or PP 5524R?

[HorologicalGangster]

Thanks for the responses guys.

I also posted this little survey on the Patek section of this site, it's obvious which one they chose lol.

I just got back from a few AD's in my area. I tried on an SS SkyD as they didn't have the yellow gold for exhibition. It looked good and felt similar to my Batman and DJ.
The PP AD had ZERO Pateks in their store.

As much as I hate to do it, looks like I'm going to have to go gray on this purchase. Like others have mentioned, the 5524R is actually around $4K cheaper gray, versus the SkyD about $3-4k over MSRP. A gray market dealer in PHL has a 5524R readily available, and I plan on flying up there to check it out and most likely pull the trigger on it since I'm slightly leaning towards that one. I'll finalize my decision when I try it on and see how it feels.

Thanks again for all the input! I'll post some pics after I make the purchase.

[fsprow]

Just a warning! I used to have six Rolex and one Patek. Now I have one old Rolex and five Pateks. BTW, I found the Sky Dweller to be a fine watch but it is too thick for my taste.

[waterking]

Do a little soul searching. Dream jobs are never exactly that..so..if you end up deciding to do something else which watch would you prefer reminds you of your "first" dream job?

[HorologicalGangster]

Originally Posted by waterking

Do a little soul searching. Dream jobs are never exactly that..so..if you end up deciding to do something else which watch would you prefer reminds you of your "first" dream job?

Thanks for your advice. I'm an airline pilot and landed a job with a major airline. Flying is in my blood and there's nothing else I'd rather do than fly airplanes. This is why I'm debating between the SkyD and 5524R because in my opinion those are holy grail aviation watches. And for those about to mention the IWC big pilot, those just aren't on the same level IMO, as nice as they are.

Thanks again for the feedback!

[Robf52]

SkyD.

[amanbra]

I really like the PP Pilot's watch, I have the 7234G but at the same time I'm hoping my next rolex is a black Skydweller. Not sure there is a bad choice here but I do feel Patek is at a different level to Rolex.

I guess it also depends on what your other watches are like.

[SamArj]

Originally Posted by waterking

Do a little soul searching. Dream jobs are never exactly that..so..if you end up deciding to do something else which watch would you prefer reminds you of your "first" dream job?

Eh? That's a hilarious approach to over complicating life.

[Reikolexguy]

Originally Posted by HorologicalGangster

Thanks for your advice. I'm an airline pilot and landed a job with a major airline. Flying is in my blood and there's nothing else I'd rather do than fly airplanes. This is why I'm debating between the SkyD and 5524R because in my opinion those are holy grail aviation watches. And for those about to mention the IWC big pilot, those just aren't on the same level IMO, as nice as they are.

Thanks again for the feedback!

Both look great.

I’m obviously biased because I absolutely love the sky-dweller.

There are no additional pushers on the sky-dweller so it looks less ungainly to me.

The movement finishing on the PP is leagues above the Rolex though plebeians like me aren’t sophisticated enough to appreciate it.

The Sky-dweller is truly unique in the mechanical watch industry too.

I’ve yet to come across an annual calendar or GMT watch that is so easy to set and so robustly constructed.

The biggest pity is that there isn’t more reason/excuse to play around with the ring command bezel once the watch has been set.

Hearing the bezel click into position is so satisfying.

Frankly, the thickness of the sky-dweller doesn’t bother me at all. The fluted bezel slopes downward so it’s easy to slip under a shirt cuff too.

For maximum wearing comfort, I’d highly recommend getting it on a jubilee.


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[klenboy]

I'd go for the Sky Dweller. More versatile than the Patek, and you get the most robust Annual Calendar out there.

[2nastie]

Originally Posted by Reikolexguy

I’m biased because this is my absolute grail watch.


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Stunning watch.

But the stickers

[waterking]

Originally Posted by SamArj

Eh? That's a hilarious approach to over complicating life.

Enlighten me oh great swami.....

[slillestrand]

Sky Dweller no question in my opinion.

It is a stunning watch.....

[jsobral]

I would go PP and get an SS Sky-D later.

[DocHorton]

SkyD in YG, it's an awesome watch.

[sski]

we all know the right answer is- get both!

i'd get whichever one that lands first on the wrist; schedule the other for later eta.

[Xbj]

I've owned both and the Sky-Dweller is an easy win over the 5524 in either metal.

Congratulations on your success and enjoy whichever watch you choose to mark the occasion!

[HL65]

SkyD over a 5524 for me but also not a fan of the 5524 reference. Tried one on a while ago when they first came out and passed on it.

[B2 Stealth]

I too fly commercially. Many airline pilots are watch guys. But the newer hires wear Apple watches or no watch at all. I fly domestic and much prefer a Rolex GMT--numerous time zone changes a day I simply turn the bezel to reflect time zone I'm in. No need to ever pull out the crown. I keep the hands on central time where I live.
My Sky-Dweller stays home. Don't like pulling out the crown all the time to adjust time to new time zone.
As you know Rolex are rugged watches and while I appreciate PP there is no chance I would ever wear one while flying. I've never seen anyone fly with a watch better than a Rolex GMT. I bang my BLRO/BLNR all day long and nary a ding on it. Jubilee bracelet is so comfortable and doesn't show scratches. So I would strongly endorse a Rolex GMT for commercial pilots.
I like what I heard once: the pilot flying wears a GMT, the first-class passenger sports a Sky-Dweller.
Congrats on getting hired at a major!

[Driver8]

Patek 5524R hands down. I like the Sky Dweller a lot (apart from how the cyclops overlaps the 24 hour disc), but for a special milestone the 5524R (and Patek as a whole) is just more special in both quantifiable and unquantifiable ways IMO.

They say that fewer than one million Patek watches have been made in total since 1839, while Rolex make around that amount in a single year. I like how Patek keep archive records of every single watch they've ever made. I like how they can (and will) service every single watch they've ever made over the last 180 years; good luck with Rolex for that one. Also the 5524R is considerably more understated and therefore (IMO) a more classy (less bling) and timeless choice.

As I say, absolutely nothing against the Sky-Dweller at all..... but the 5524R is the more special choice.

[Baiv]

Your dream job deserves a SkyDweller and congratulations on this!

[Reikolexguy]

Originally Posted by Driver8

Patek 5524R hands down. I like the Sky Dweller a lot (apart from how the cyclops overlaps the 24 hour disc), but for a special milestone the 5524R (and Patek as a whole) is just more special in both quantifiable and unquantifiable ways IMO.

They say that fewer than one million Patek watches have been made in total since 1839, while Rolex make around that amount in a single year. I like how Patek keep archive records of every single watch they've ever made. I like how they can (and will) service every single watch they've ever made over the last 180 years; good luck with Rolex for that one. Also the 5524R is considerably more understated and therefore (IMO) a more classy (less bling) and timeless choice.

As I say, absolutely nothing against the Sky-Dweller at all..... but the 5524R is the more special choice.

I didn’t know that about PP. Thanks for the insight.


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[HorologicalGangster]

Originally Posted by B2 Stealth

I too fly commercially. Many airline pilots are watch guys. But the newer hires wear Apple watches or no watch at all. I fly domestic and much prefer a Rolex GMT--numerous time zone changes a day I simply turn the bezel to reflect time zone I'm in. No need to ever pull out the crown. I keep the hands on central time where I live.
My Sky-Dweller stays home. Don't like pulling out the crown all the time to adjust time to new time zone.
As you know Rolex are rugged watches and while I appreciate PP there is no chance I would ever wear one while flying. I've never seen anyone fly with a watch better than a Rolex GMT. I bang my BLRO/BLNR all day long and nary a ding on it. Jubilee bracelet is so comfortable and doesn't show scratches. So I would strongly endorse a Rolex GMT for commercial pilots.
I like what I heard once: the pilot flying wears a GMT, the first-class passenger sports a Sky-Dweller.
Congrats on getting hired at a major!

Thank you!

I currently wear a BLNR to fly, and actually use the GMT function especially when flying internationally. It definitely has taken a beating with scuff marks and a couple dings, but those just add character lol.
I am kinda leaning more towards the SkyD because of the GMT feature which the 5524 lacks. Also, it's hot here in TX and I'm not sure how often I'll have to change the leather strap on the 5524 due to the humidity and sweat.

Also, I'll be damned if a passenger wears a nicer aviation themed watch than me! Haha

[annachinn]

Congratulations

[dkg1616]

I just got a promotion and got a 326934 white dial and jubilee - go with SkyD

[Dabbadon8]

Originally Posted by JacksonRain

This.

And congrats on your new position!




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I think your AD forgot to take some stickers off. :

[HorologicalGangster]

Thanks for all the input everyone. So I decided to go with the SkyD. This watch is much more impressive in person. So happy!

As soon as I figure out how to post pics I will do so.

[4 Aussies]

Blue Sky!!

[m3tek44]

SD is good but Patek is Great!

[tictoc1]

I vote for the skydweller but it alot depends how often you are going tho wear them.

The Patek 5524R is a beautiful watch but the rose gold is a soft metal and will show wear quickly. If you plan on wearing this rarely, go with the 5524 R

The skydweller wears bigger but if you have the wrist size, I feel like its more versatile. It can be worn on a strap or bracelet. I also feel that the annual complication of skydweller is a very under appreciated feat of engineering