Reaching the End with Rolex - Advice on Next Acquisition - DJ41, JLC, Ingeniuer

[sycopupy]

I'd hold out for the Patek or AP.

[dmash]

Originally Posted by Poodlopogus

For me, the Ingenieur isn't as overpriced relative to Rolex as it is relative to other, more similar watches.

When I think about three-handed, integrated bracelet watches that are $10-15,000, I think of:

GP Laureato (the clear winner)
Zenith Defy
Chopard Alpine Eagle

Each bests the Ingenieur in my mind.

I bought a Laureato today actually. Lol

[Mr Ben]

I like the aqua coloured ingenieur. I’m not a fan of the price or calling it an Ingy!

I was hoping it would be a good used buy - I’ve seen some keenly priced nearly new black dials but not the aqua as yet.

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by Poodlopogus

For me, the Ingenieur isn't as overpriced relative to Rolex as it is relative to other, more similar watches.

When I think about three-handed, integrated bracelet watches that are $10-15,000, I think of:

GP Laureato (the clear winner)
Zenith Defy
Chopard Alpine Eagle

Each bests the Ingenieur in my mind.

All fine choices. IMHO, the Zenith and Chopard are let down by their bracelets. But the GP is a great choice.

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by brandrea

You’ve certainly opened my eyes to the brand my friend

Brian. Lots of great options out there. Some would say too many (I would, as you know too well!!! )

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by dmash

I bought a Laureato today actually. Lol

Cool, many congrats! Great watch.

[Poodlopogus]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

All fine choices. IMHO, the Zenith and Chopard are let down by their bracelets. But the GP is a great choice.

Not buying a 38mm Laureato when they were 30% off and available in more dial colors is one of my great horological regrets . I actually prefer its overall package to the RO, largely due to specs.

On the others, I don't disagree, but you buys a Zenith for the movement, period. It's a legendary manufacture but the bracelet is definitely a letdown on the Skyline. Should have foregone the interchangeability component and just focused on crafting something on par w/the others. Far as I can tell, in the upper echelons of watchmaking, only VC has really nailed this.

I actually liked the heft of the AE bracelet and thought the workmanship looked good. And while I think the base movement is probably better than what IWC uses, you definitely have to break the $20,000 barrier to get their really interesting movements.

Worth noting that I was trying the 36mm version of each (38mm GP back when there were more dial options), which I prefer. However, aside from typically having a less sophisticated movement, I think the points you raise apply across the board.

[watchboynyc]

I think you might be done with AP once you get the royal oak, unless you are ok with getting different variations of the RO.

As others have suggested you may want to venture into VC but know that you wont get an overseas as your first watch. Just like you wont get a nautilus as your first Patek.

I believe i've satisfied my Rolex itch and I'm looking into VC, JLC and of course Patek.

[dannyboy123]

Originally Posted by dmash

Not only this but the new Ingenieur is a dressed up $5k watch trying to capitalize on the RO craze. I say this as a non biased Ingenieur fan myself. Total cash grab w the movement it contains.

I've tried it a few times and it's a great watch, but I'd concur that it's overpriced, in fact most watches these days are stupidly priced.

[dannyboy123]

Originally Posted by bp1000

Based on the watches you have, consider a VC overseas

I have, but the versions I like (blue dial) are boutique only (I think) and my AD can't get 'em. I'm in NZ so we're light on AD's.

[dannyboy123]

Originally Posted by Poodlopogus

Not a huge Tradition fan, but the Breguet Marine, particularly the PM versions on rubber, are beautifully different.

Also, want to add to my previous thoughts: I'd skip the Ingenieur, as I just don't think it's a five-figure watch. For a rugged, sharp-angled, integrated bracelet watch (i.e. not AP, GP, VC) in that price range, what about Zenith?

D'you know what, I think you've provided the solution. I'd forgotten about these, I always liked them. Breguet Marine might be the go.

[dannyboy123]

Originally Posted by PenDelicate

"Hornswaggle!"

What a great word!

My bad. It's actually Hornswoggle.

[dannyboy123]

Originally Posted by matthew P

I’d wait out the APRO……
Not sure what color or size you are chasing but they are worth the effort IMO.




But if that dosnt work out I’d take a good hard look at the GP Lauretto….. it’s a fantastic watch as well.
And depending on your wrist size and preferences it may be a better fit than the 41 or 37mm RO.



..Explorer, Spring Diver & APRO..

That's an epic watch. I'm after the 41mm in any flavour.

[dannyboy123]

Originally Posted by Yobber76

I think that Tudor Royal is a cool watch for the money.
What did you think of it?
Any negative feelings?

I highly rated it, a good watch to scratch the integrated itch. I sold mine to a mate because I bought the 38mm (not the 41mm blue above) and it just felt too small. I'll probably get a 41mm at some stage. it's a really nice watch. Amazed we don't se more of them to be frank.

[Poodlopogus]

Originally Posted by dannyboy123

I highly rated it, a good watch to scratch the integrated itch. I sold mine to a mate because I bought the 38mm (not the 41mm blue above) and it just felt too small. I'll probably get a 41mm at some stage. it's a really nice watch. Amazed we don't se more of them to be frank.

As a small watch lover, I've always kinda liked the 34mm version, with the silver dial. However I think it probably doesn't get as much love as the design should because it's still yet to be updated with the Tudor MT movements. While the Selita-based versions are no doubt very reliable, the specs on the Kenissi-produced calibres are quite impressive.

[Calatrava r]

Yes, I would work towards the 41mm RO as your next one.

[CHJason]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

All fine choices. IMHO, the Zenith and Chopard are let down by their bracelets. But the GP is a great choice.

If one wants to buy the GP you’d be better off with a Bulgari Octo Finissimo. More interesting movement, more horologically significant watch, octagonal design with a lot more facets and complexity, and insanely comfortable to wear

[2loaded]

Time for a SkyD, Air-King, EXP I, II ...and of course a YG DeepSea.

[TopNotchChach]

baaalllllin!
I love that day-date

[mpkRolex]

Your root beer is gorgeous. Tell you what, just sell all of them and get a meteorite dial Pepsi

[Scholar]

Originally Posted by dmash

I have to remind myself sometimes I’m on TRF, as I think it’s crazy too, sooo much overlap. Which is a shame, as a lot of times it’s simple a case of not wanting to go outside what they’re comfortable with, missing out on so many other good brands/design elements.

Honestly at that point it borders on just bad taste. Someone makes a thread about being basically fulfilled in his exploration of Rolex so he wants to check out other things, and they respond not only demanding that he get more Rolex but get the same watches he has already all over again. They're not even suggesting something different within Rolex!

[Poodlopogus]

Originally Posted by CHJason

If one wants to buy the GP you’d be better off with a Bulgari Octo Finissimo. More interesting movement, more horologically significant watch, octagonal design with a lot more facets and complexity, and insanely comfortable to wear

Unless you're talking about the Ultra, I don't see what is more "horoligicaly significant" about the Finissimo than the Laureato. GP has centuries more history in watchmaking and while the Octo design is cool, I'm not sure it'll have the same staying power.

Like Chopard or Piaget, I think Bulgari still has some difficulty of crossing the chasm from "jewelry that tells time" to "timepieces" in the minds of many.

[dmash]

Originally Posted by CHJason

If one wants to buy the GP you’d be better off with a Bulgari Octo Finissimo. More interesting movement, more horologically significant watch, octagonal design with a lot more facets and complexity, and insanely comfortable to wear

I think those two watches hit different spectrums. The Bvlgari I could only ever see myself wearing with dressy attire, the GP is an all rounder. And it’s why I bought it. The Octo is super cool to look at but I didn’t like it open wrist, my opinion.

[phillyEagles]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

All fine choices. IMHO, the Zenith and Chopard are let down by their bracelets. But the GP is a great choice.

Great choice indeed.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[dannyboy123]

Originally Posted by phillyEagles

Great choice indeed.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Now these are nice, but seemed a tad big on my wrist. Lovely design though. 38mm felt too small. it's amazing the difference a few mm's make.

[Poodlopogus]

Originally Posted by dannyboy123

Now these are nice, but seemed a tad big on my wrist. Lovely design though. 38mm felt too small. it's amazing the difference a few mm's make.

What dial colors did you try for each? That can make a difference. I also think that a lot of bracelet taper can make a watch wear bigger (given the greater relative presence of the watch head). As a guy who likes smaller, but non-feminine (in aesthetic) watches, the 38 w/silver dial is in every way the one that got away. However the 42 has many other interesting dial iterations, particularly the Eternity editions or the latest Japanese release.

Based on this post I'd definitely try the Alpine Eagle, too. Wider bracelet + thicker bezel - 1mm diameter might just do the trick.

But, to our earlier exchange, the Marine is just such a unique design, from one of the most timeless watchmakers on the planet. Personally, I think that watch captures the nautical aesthetic far better than the Nautilus/Aquanaut.

[CHJason]

Originally Posted by Poodlopogus

Unless you're talking about the Ultra, I don't see what is more "horoligicaly significant" about the Finissimo than the Laureato. GP has centuries more history in watchmaking and while the Octo design is cool, I'm not sure it'll have the same staying power.

Like Chopard or Piaget, I think Bulgari still has some difficulty of crossing the chasm from "jewelry that tells time" to "timepieces" in the minds of many.

Even before the Ultra it held the record as the thinnest mechanical watch. GP has a long history but the Laureato, while a very nice watch, didn’t break any new ground.

[CHJason]

Originally Posted by dmash

I think those two watches hit different spectrums. The Bvlgari I could only ever see myself wearing with dressy attire, the GP is an all rounder. And it’s why I bought it. The Octo is super cool to look at but I didn’t like it open wrist, my opinion.

You should try the Octo Finissimo S, in steel with 100m water resistance.

[Poodlopogus]

Originally Posted by CHJason

Even before the Ultra it held the record as the thinnest mechanical watch. GP has a long history but the Laureato, while a very nice watch, didn’t break any new ground.

No argument there. I think it's a question of what one values out of a watchmaker. Personally, I'm not looking for a watch that broke new ground, rather one that is the result of decades of refinements that are well-packaged. Sort of like that old Porsche 911 magazine ad. Just a picture of the car and caption: "Everything we know so far."

It's why I've become such a Tudor fan, honestly: The watches are a collection all of the things that Rolex has made simpler over the years instead of all the more complicated things they're still iterating on.

[dmash]

Originally Posted by CHJason

You should try the Octo Finissimo S, in steel with 100m water resistance.

Oh I like this one. Might need to try some more on!