Talk Me Into a Platona

[Chiboy]

So, I'm on the waiting list for a white dial SS Daytona, and should have one early in 2017. But my local AD had a platinum Daytona, so I went in to see one in person. It is gorgeous! And holy crap, is it heavy. Of course I loved it, but don't really know if the weight would be comfortable or too much. And of course there's the cost. Even a nice used one is $30k+ more than a new SS one.

I like the idea of the platinum being "under the radar" in a way that a yellow or rose gold watch is not. And I am a big fan of buying exactly what I want and being happy for a long time. But....I think I am getting carried away thinking about spending $45k on a watch, and I do wonder if I'd be comfortable wearing something so valuable. Obviously, I would need to get it insured, which I haven't done on my old Rolex in 20 years.

So tell me what the advantages are of platinum over stainless steel. Can they be polished without gradually wearing away the metal? Is it really any "better looking" than stainless, or white gold for that matter? Or is it really a $60,000 (at full retail) increment that largely boils down to: 1) different dial, 2) heavier, denser metal, and 3) the knowledge that you are wearing something that is 6 times as expensive as something functionally and cosmetically similar?

[subtona]

SS ceramic is so good

[themast]

I think that if you do not "get it" you are not ready. Don't get me wrong, I am not being sarcastic or judgmental, but I think there is no way to really rationalize spending this much money on watches. If you have the budget, and it makes sense to you, go for it. Otherwise wait when the time is right.

[Manofsteelpt]

Isn't the retail $75k? You're paying for the dial color and exclusivity of the metal... I have a Pt piece, so, I'm def not knocking that.

Buy 2 WG pieces for the same cost as a Pt. have you seen the new WG with blue dial?

[Chiboy]

Originally Posted by themast

I think that if you do not "get it" you are not ready. Don't get me wrong, I am not being sarcastic or judgmental, but I think there is no way to really rationalize spending this much money on watches. If you have the budget, and it makes sense to you, go for it. Otherwise wait when the time is right.

I understand what you are saying and am not in any way taking it wrong. I agree with you. While I know that buying a Rolex versus a Timex is hard to "justify" and buying a platinum watch versus a stainless steel perhaps even more so, I am interested in being *sold* on the qualitative merits that make some people choose to ante up, beyond the "I can afford the best and always buy the best" argument.

[myc ritz]

Head down to the Rolex boutique on Michigan Ave and try one on, they almost always have them. It has a force to it, for me just not enough to spend that kind of money. It's hard to talk anyone into a $75k watch.

[subtona]

50k ish preowned

[rmlovett1]

A different perspective.....I've bought it twice!
I'll explain....before the Platona i bought YG...SKD, Sub, Daytona, DD, etc...also have had a few TT models. All left me wondering about "the best one" So I took the plunge, had it for a while, (keep in mind I had SS the whole time , and wore them as well) then, like the others, I kind of thought...wow the PT isn't much different than wearing my SS pieces (other than weight). A real-estate opportunity came about, and I sold the Platona.

Within two months, I KNEW I wanted it back! I didn't miss any YG pieces, didn't miss any TT pieces, although all are beautiful, but I MISSED having the Platona on my wrist. So, I was thankfully able to purchase another.

Reasons ......although 99% of people have no clue what you're wearing, for me it's the internal knowledge of it being one of THE BEST imho. The weight, the history, the fact that it can be worn in most any occasion or attire, and yes, the absolute beauty! I wear it 80% of the time , or so. I wear my other SS pieces with much enjoyment, but the Platona, when on your wrist, definitely gives you a different/special feeling!
Also, the other gentleman on this forum, who own this piece, are a great group!
Sorry for the long post, but ownership of this piece is truly special.

[GradyPhilpott]

I don't think the "under the radar" argument holds much water when you're talking about most Rolex watches.

There are people in this world who'll cut off your arm for a stainless Daytona in a heartbeat.

So, wearing a white gold or platinum Rolex isn't really "under the radar."

[tomchicago]

Well, gold is worth 30% more than platinum: http://www.kitco.com/market/
With 950 platinum, you just get more of a cheaper metal.

[locutus49]

I had just bought the WG Daytona with meteorite dial, my grail, but my wife thought the Platona was the nicest looking watch she had ever seen, and she has great taste.

So while they were sizing my WG Daytona at Ben Bridge, I killed time by trying on the Platona. And it was love at first sight. I compared the WG Meteorite side by side with the Platona, wore them both, and know that when I could afford it I would eventually own the Platona.

So I came into some money and with my wife's full support, and the encouragement of TRF and Doc Kerr in particular, I traded my meteorite and cash for a Platona from a trusted seller (don't know if it is proper to name him so I won't, but he was great) and a year later do not regret it at all.

I wear the Platona every day. Yes it has scratches, but I don't notice them. And I love the weight but don't really notice it on the wrist).

As far as platinum, it scratches about the same as 904 SS in my experience. I have heard that during light polishing platinum molecules rearrange rather an fall off due to its molecular structure, but I do not recall where I read this.

Anyway, I think you either love it, or not. As far as recognition, other than watch shops, I don't think most people know what it is. But it gives me pleasure every day and the is what matters to me.

[Rocco21]

Platona is king Rolex.Nuff said.If you can afford it and want it then get it.You will have reached the Rolex pinnacle.

[Passionata]

a great Rolex with the best perpetual chronograph movement , if you like it and can afford it then buy it, you wont regret .

[TheRolexKingofLV]

The Platona is not something that you should be "talked into" buying.

It's a serious purchase, and should be treated like one. Just my .02c

[gregmoeck]

Here is my prediction, you will get the white c Dayton but will always have that plat in your mind, it will drive you crazy until you flip so you might as well just buy the plat now and be done.

[sechsgang]

If it had a silver or grey dial, I would have had a hard time not buying one, but something about the ice blue I just don't love for that much money. However its definitely a gorgeous piece. If I was you I would get the one that you think looks like what you want on the wrist...

[cmcm3]

Don't do it if you need talked into it but...

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by Chiboy

So, I'm on the waiting list for a white dial SS Daytona, and should have one early in 2017. But my local AD had a platinum Daytona, so I went in to see one in person. It is gorgeous! And holy crap, is it heavy. Of course I loved it, but don't really know if the weight would be comfortable or too much. And of course there's the cost. Even a nice used one is $30k+ more than a new SS one.

I like the idea of the platinum being "under the radar" in a way that a yellow or rose gold watch is not. And I am a big fan of buying exactly what I want and being happy for a long time. But....I think I am getting carried away thinking about spending $45k on a watch, and I do wonder if I'd be comfortable wearing something so valuable. Obviously, I would need to get it insured, which I haven't done on my old Rolex in 20 years.

So tell me what the advantages are of platinum over stainless steel. Can they be polished without gradually wearing away the metal? Is it really any "better looking" than stainless, or white gold for that matter? Or is it really a $60,000 (at full retail) increment that largely boils down to: 1) different dial, 2) heavier, denser metal, and 3) the knowledge that you are wearing something that is 6 times as expensive as something functionally and cosmetically similar?

it all comes down to your bank balance.

if you can afford it, non of the other questions really matter.

buy the platona.

[Lordofrolex]

It speaks for itself. If you don't love it then I would look at other alternatives.

[tkerrmd]

Originally Posted by Rocco21

Platona is king Rolex.Nuff said.If you can afford it and want it then get it.You will have reached the Rolex pinnacle.

honestly this is probably the most accurate statement!


IMHO if you need to be "talked into" anything it usually isn't a good idea

that said I have both and have NO desire to wear the SS Daytona, why...because I have a Platinum one with a dial that is stunning, a look, weight and feel that is unmatched...the best of the best by far....












I mean the SS is nice and all but you be the judge

[Duey]

$45K right here on TRF now from a trusted seller - DO IT !!

[vintagewaferthin]

The Platona just doesn't do it for me personally. The brown and blue really isn't a good mix in my eyes. As others have said, if you have to be talked into something..it usually means that your not all that into it..

[ap1]

If the funds won't be missed, this is a no brainer. It's the best Rolex by a Significant margin IMO. I have baby bro DD40 and comfort is no problem with the weight. And I have a chicken wrist.

[sensui]

I own the white 116500 and both white/black 116520.....I wore the 116506 once sized and knew I had to have it someday. I'm almost done in the vintage quest so the pennies shall soon be going toward they platinum Daytona...it is amazing in person and on wrist.

[donut]

Go for the platona..it's so beautiful. This is the king of modern daytonas.
Although, SS and PT are very similar for naked eyes, they are totally different.
Apart from weight that we know the difference, Platinum is more resistant to corrosion than SS. Also, PT is hypoallergenic and it is the purest and rarest precious metals on earth.
So if the price tag isn't your problem, grab it without hesitation.

[HeartRolex]

Originally Posted by cmcm3

Don't do it if you need talked into it but...

Stunningly beautiful and I want one.
I'd take this over a big diamond any day of the week.

[HeartRolex]

Originally Posted by donut

Go for the platona..it's so beautiful. This is the king of modern daytonas.
Although, SS and PT are very similar for naked eyes, they are totally different.
Apart from weight that we know the difference, Platinum is more resistant to corrosion than SS. Also, PT is hypoallergenic and it is the purest and rarest precious metals on earth.
So if the price tag isn't your problem, grab it without hesitation.

Platinum is the most popular metal for diamond ring/engagement settings and preferred by most women for all the reasons given above.

[Malibuboy]

Originally Posted by TheRolexKingofLV

The Platona is not something that you should be "talked into" buying.

It's a serious purchase, and should be treated like one. Just my .02c

+1

There are many reasons to choose the Platona, but only if it makes sense financially. This is not for the faint of heart. This is the patent leather swan dive. That being said, you can make a crazy good deal if you can wire cash and know your trusted dealers. Heck you could maybe pickup a ceramic Daytona along the way, if you ask nicely.

[enjoythemusic]

Get it, and they're 45k in great shape. If you wait another 6 months or so could be under 40k. In fact ask some U.K. dealers for a 15% discount, then you get VAT back so save about 35% off list price new. Since dealer cost is about 62% of msrp bargain on used piece to 40k max now. Easlily beat a widely known trusted dealer here with a slightly lesser known trusted by another 5% savings. Check with Shane at http://www.rolexforums.com/member.php?u=138560

[Chiboy]

OP here. I think some folks have taken my subject "talk me into..." more literally than I meant it. To try to clarify my question:

I don't really understand the subtle or not so subtle charm of platinum and am trying to learn more about it so I can decide if I think it is something to consider. I am not really a person who would pay 5-6x the price for something that is basically the same, but is more exclusive due to its price tag. For instance, if a Ferrari California is $250,000, but a Ferrari California in To-Die-For-Red is $1,000,000, I wouldn't pay the extra money just to know I had the very limited edition TDFR version. However, if the body was made out of carbon fiber and weighed 500 pounds less, and the wheels weighed six pounds a piece and were twice as strong, I might pay up for it if those characteristics were important to me.

I am not sure if I am getting my point across. I am very fine with subtle high quality, and like things like that. I don't really go for "in your face" high price tag items. So the Platona kind of fits that low key, "I know this is extra good and don't really care if it isn't obvious to anyone else" type of product. But if I am paying a giant premium for something that is not intrinsically better, then I feel like I'm just buying it to either make myself feel special, or to impress those "in the know."