Rolex DD vs Patek Philippe

[redshirt1957]

Almost pulled the trigger on a couple of DDs, but the wife just does not like them. For a dress watch she perfers something along the lines of a Patek Philippe. The PP that we both like is 34mm? Tried it on and it looked fine and any PP will feel slight after wearing a 40mm Rolex. Just asking your opinions on Rolex DD vs Patek Philippe and the watch pictured below. Be honest and blunt if needed.

[kcmo]

IMO, I'd still go for the DD. Can't say I'm crazy about the PP pictured.....sorry!

[GerardoG]

They are very different timepieces and it just comes to what YOU like. I would try them both on and see which one 'talks to you'.

[Tools]

They're just different watches..

Patek is well known for their complications and dressed movements.. A nicely made, expensive, watch. They feel a little delicate to me.

It boils down to what you're comfortable with on your wrist. When I'm sitting in the Clubroom, at dinner, or watching a sporting event; I feel most comfortable with a Rolex on my wrist..

[BigHat]

Pretty much precisely what a dress watch should like. Classic look from a stellar watch maker. Liking it doesn't have to take away from Rolex or any other. Looking for something a bit bigger? Lange One like this one or the VC model that was the watch of the year in 2007 I think.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

The Patek is the ultimate dress watch if you want a stylish watch to go with the tuxedo.

With any other attire - including a suit- the DD is a perfect dress watch, imho. It's simply more versatile.

[stnmikita]

I fear opinions may be somewhat biased when this question is raised on 'The Rolex Forums'!

Although I admire what Patek does to some degree, the cost, fragility, and (forgive me I can't find a better term) decreased 'manliness' of their watches just do not do it for me.

[redshirt1957]

Good comments and thanks for taking the time. Maybe the reason the wife is turned off by a DD is because I showed her this one.



I can buy whatever I like; just that the wife has such a strong negative opinion against the DD that she found the above PP.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Okay, I see what she means! The dial might be .... eh ....."controversial", but the "Bark" finish DD is gorgeous, imho!

[stnmikita]

Originally Posted by redshirt1957

Good comments and thanks for taking the time. Maybe the reason the wife is turned off by a DD is I showed her this one.



I can buy whatever I like; just that the wife has such a strong negative opinion against the DD that she found the above PP.

WOW. What is that dial made of, mahogany? That's a pretty heinous DD. Much more attractive can be found.

[DSJ]

Nice PP. While I personally prefer the 5127, which is a little bigger, that one is very nice and a beauty!

For a true dress watch, the PP is the better choice. Plus you have some nice complications in that one! What's the gold hand on the main dial for?

[Spark]

Personally as much as I love Rolex and the DD I'm with your wife on this one.
Patek are the ultimate dress watch if not the ultimate watch for a WIS.
The Patek Philippe travel time you pictured is a great watch especially with the hobnail bezel, I thought it was discontinued in that style though?

[bsodmike]

Probably GMT?

I prefer the 5127 actually, but why not have both ;-)

[Spark]

Originally Posted by DSJ

Nice PP. While I personally prefer the 5127, which is a little bigger, that one is very nice and a beauty!

For a true dress watch, the PP is the better choice. Plus you have some nice complications in that one! What's the gold hand on the main dial for?

The gold hand is a GMT hand

[DSJ]

Originally Posted by Spark

The gold hand is a GMT hand

Wow, so it has a second timezone on the upper subdial AND a GMT hand?

[redshirt1957]

Originally Posted by DSJ

Nice PP. While I personally prefer the 5127, which is a little bigger, that one is very nice and a beauty!

For a true dress watch, the PP is the better choice. Plus you have some nice complications in that one! What's the gold hand on the main dial for?

(1) 2nd time zone hand.

(2) More like this?

[JJ Irani]

Hey Bubba,

You want "blunt"....I'll give you "blunt". Forget the PP.....go to the Opera and clap too loud and fast, the watch will stop!! Seriously!! It happened with a guy in London and he told us about it on another forum. Cost him thousands in the Queen's currency to set the watch right again!!

Wanna real DRESS watch, then wait for this 41 mm beauty!!!

[DSJ]

Originally Posted by redshirt1957

(1) 2nd time zone hand.

(2) More like this?

Yup! My GRAIL is the 5127R!

[Tools]

Originally Posted by DSJ

Wow, so it has a second timezone on the upper subdial AND a GMT hand?

This is one of Patek's "Travel Time" watches.

It can display a separate Time Zone and 24hr time, as well as the standard dial.

[Mort]

I have the 5107 which is the past version of the 5127 and the only difference is the domed bezel on the 5127. I love my Patek. I also have a DD and love it as well. Still the Patek seems a little more refined as it is a dress watch. It feels great on the wrist and is a VERY stelthey watch. Meaning if you are wearing the Patek, no one is going to know what it is but maybe another WIS.

The one you showed with the dual times is also a very nice watch, but the 37mm on the 5107 or 5127 helped draw me to that particular Calatrava.

[Otto]

[QUOTE=redshirt1957;576843]Almost pulled the trigger on a couple of DDs, but the wife just does not like them. For a dress watch she perfers something along the lines of a Patek Philippe. The PP that we both like is 34mm? Tried it on and it looked fine and any PP will feel slight after wearing a 40mm Rolex. Just asking your opinions on Rolex DD vs Patek Philippe and the watch pictured below. Be honest and blunt if needed.

Show her this one. It's my DD with the original dial configuration (I now have a champagne dial with luminova stick markers). My wife liked the "vintage" look (a stretch maybe, but I saw her point!) of the white dial w/romans on the DD.

The Patek is a great watch. The DD will give you more flexibility in use. IMO, the Patek is a good dress watch to have in the safe, ready to go for the right occasion.

[nhdblfan]

You seemed to be leaning towards the DD and are only considering the PP as your wife likes it better."You" are the one who the watch is for and will be looking at it more than she does.I have very little say in what my wife wears and drives nor does she in my choices and I like it that way.
If you go the DD be sure to go for the post Y series with the heavier braclet/new clasp.The 118238's have a much nicer feel.At least try one on before you jump on that Patek.Nice watch but a whole different look then the Rolex, I looked a them and try warm up to one but I think my next all gold is going to be a Rolex as well.

Another one you could show her,gold sticks light/champ;

[Mort]

Although I admire what Patek does to some degree, the cost, fragility, and (forgive me I can't find a better term) decreased 'manliness' of their watches just do not do it for me.[/QUOTE]

Not to hijack this thread,I think it is funny now that the bling fashion of todays watches that are over 40mm has caused many to refer to smaller watches including most of the 36mm DJ's DD's ect as less than a mans size watch.

Not to sound flipped, I do not buy nor wear my watches based on the current oversize fashion. Besides Pateks are not meant to be a Macho bling piece, if I wanted that, I would of bought a Gold Brietling Bentley at 48mm or a Jacob & Co like most of the rappers are wearing. Pateks are meant to be what they are, a nice understated dress piece that will always be in (bad term to use but)timeless.

Anyway thats my rant for the day.

[tutone]

I think "dress" watches in the past, were thin, delicate things. Personally I think a YG DD is a timepiece and a gold braclet in one stylish (and functional) package. What could be dressier than that?

[entropydave]

I wish I had your problem!

[llamaofdoom]

I'd go with a 37-38mm Patek, personally...34mm is just too small for me.

[Mort]

Originally Posted by llamaofdoom

I'd go with a 37-38mm Patek, personally...34mm is just too small for me.

The 37mm is the perfect size. I had to look hard to find a used Calatrava that was not 34mm. Still had I found one I liked, I most likley would of bought it.

[rpryan55]

Both. But if you have to choose, the PP. It will soon be worth more than you paid for it, which is more than you can say for a new Rolex DD.

[redshirt1957]

[QUOTE=Otto;576927]

Originally Posted by redshirt1957

The Patek is a great watch. The DD will give you more flexibility in use. IMO, the Patek is a good dress watch to have in the safe, ready to go for the right occasion.

Originally Posted by nhdblfan

You seemed to be leaning towards the DD and are only considering the PP as your wife likes it better.

That should do the trick. Great looking DDs.

Also...thanks to all that posted. Very good opinions and advice.

[cosmonaut]

Don't me for this, but...... I can't stand Patek watches!

I think they look cheap and awful. Of course they're not cheap, but the styling makes them look cheap to me. I seriously can't undertsand why anybody under the age of 70 buys them