Which one of these is right for me (original, right?)

[Badandy]

As others have mentioned, the Patek 5127 will be almost twice your budget, even preowned. Look at

Chrono24 - Luxury watches | buy watches | sell a pre-owned watch

or

Elite Deal Seeker

to get a sense of preowned prices. The AP Royal Oak is a nice watch, and a preowned 15300 would definitely fit into your $10K budget. It is one of the most classic high-end dressy sports watches, and is quite versatile. The watch has quite a small dial, but the lugs extend rigidly out from the case, so you'll need to try it out in person to see how the curve of the watch fits your wrist.

I definitely will. Most of the ones I see on Chrono24 are quite expensive but I have seen some of the for sales on forums that are slightly under the 10k mark.

Having said that, for people in the know, AP is an ultra high-end brand, like a Patek or a Vacheron, so it might come across as being somewhat pretentious if you're not at that level career wise. By contrast, JLC is a wonderful watch manufacturer, but comes across as being much less pretentious, so that might be something to consider.

I certaintly don't want to come off as pretentious, although I think it will be less recognized than, say, a Rolex, despite the better name/quality. Do you think the general shape/characteristics of the AP draws lots of eyes?

Have you thought about taking the $10K and buying two watches instead, you could get a Glashuette Original Senator Sixties for under $5K in steel as your dress watch from a grey market dealer, and then you have another $5K to buy a more sporty watch.

I considered it but I'm drawn to having one incredible watch and being able to wear it every day. Thanks for the suggestion though.

I can divide your list into three categories.

1. AP Royal Oak
2. Daylight
3. Rest

As you say you have not seen RO in metal yet, I am sure once you will handle it, you will recognize that the quality of design, and finish of every aspect of that watch, is at a step above anything else... including Patek, IMHO. This is how I felt when I was there...

It's funny; I don't really love the RO from pictures, but I get the sense that I'm going to REALLY like it in person. That's why it's high on my list right now. I am slightly afraid of it being dated. A normal round watch such as the JLC will never look dated, but I'm a bit nervous about how the AP will age in the future.

Only thing you would need to consider will be that, as a daily watch, it will eventually get nicks and bumps. It is a lot of finely brushed stainless steel wrapped around your wrist. So you better be ready for the heartbreak of that first scratch. Afterwards, it becomes easier!

I'm going to lose my mind once I get a scratch/nick.

By the way, JLC Master Control and Ultra Thin are also available with bracelet and can be a good option for an everyday watch over the leather version.

The Master Control on the bracelet actually looks a lot better than I thought it would. Is this the type of watch that can stand the test of time and be durable enough for everyday wear?

Thanks for all the help everyone.

[Bronte]

It depends on how casual your everyday wear is. As long as you normally wear at least leather shoes and a collared shirt in daily wear (e.g., loafers and a sport shirt or polo with jeans), the JLCs are not going to look inappropriate. I want to recommend the Master Control because it's beautiful and timeless, and JLC is probably the most universally respected brand in this price range. It's also cheaper than the Royal Oak.

The Royal Oak is a versatile watch and a classic. It has the advantage of being color neutral. I understand what you mean about being hesitant about how it looks. It kind of a has an oxymoronic "hideous beauty." It has the look of a watch designed to look futuristic in the 1980s. It's an acquired taste that can really grow on you. It's definitely more unique than the Datejust. If you can't figure out a solution to the black leather problem (like buying a more inexpensive black leather or steel bracelet watch), I would go with the Royal Oak.

However, for the price of the Royal Oak, you could get a Master Control with a brown strap and another nice watch with a black strap, like the JLC Reverso, a more inexpensive Swiss watch like a Baume et Mercier, or a German watch like the Nomos. Or you could get the Master Control and a bracelet watch, like the Datejust. If I had a $10,000 budget, I would probably get two watches in the $5000 range, one black strap and one brown strap.

[mleok]

The AP Royal Oak is one of the three best dressy sports watches on the market today, together with the Patek Philippe Nautilus, and the Vacheron Constantin Overseas.



Both the Nautilus and the Royal Oak are practically unchanged from their original iconic designs by Gerald Genta during the late 70's. The current VC Overseas is a much more contemporary design, and wears the largest of the three, followed by the Nautilus, and then the Royal Oak. There is also an older style Vacheron Overseas, which is similar in size to the Royal Oak, and used to be available preowned for about $4K.



Any of these high-end dressy sports watches would be a huge step up from the Rolex Datejust, and will impress watch enthusiasts in the know (although they might also think you're being overpaid as a consequence).

If you work in a professional setting, then the JLC Master Control on a leather strap would be a nice, tasteful, and understated choice. I also like the JLC Reverso, particularly the JLC Reverso Grande Duo, which is cool, because it has both a white and black face, so that you can dress it up or down depending on the occasion.



Indeed, while I have the Vacheron Constantin Overseas, I'm seriously contemplating the JLC Reverso Grande Duo as my next watch purchase, since it is a wonderful dress watch, and the dual time complication is useful for travel.

[Ramblin man]

How about Omega Aqua Terra... sporty and dressy.

[HPoirot]

Since it's just 1 watch for everyday use, i would say go for the AP RO, that is, of course, if you like it. And i'm sure you would. I wouldn't be concerned about it being dated, it has been 40 years since it came out and it's still a 'waiting-list only' watch. I personally find the MC a tad too low key. The iconic design of the AP will make WIS take notice, but trust me when i say non WIS will dismiss it as a normal watch.

If you find you don't like the AP, i would recommend the VCO. It's not too dressy, and not too sporty, so you can dress up or dress down. This is important because you're buying just 1 watch.

I do not recommend the datejust. It's just too 'bling' for a 24 year old, and i find the design a little too dated.

[Badandy]

Since I got so much help from everyone here, I thought I'd post an update about my search. I went watch shopping today on Rodeo Drive and saw a lot of great pieces. I tried on the new AP Royal Oak (the 15400) but they did not have the older version that is slightly smaller which I was looking for (15300). I tried that on along with a GO Senator Sixties, which I was very impressed by. It was obvious that the build quality on the GO was top notch and the AP looked great.

At the end of the visit to the store, I decided that the GO Senator Sixties might be a better watch for me. The RO, even though it's beautiful, felt extremely heavy. Add the large price difference and the fact that the bracelet on the AP seemed to pinch some of my wrist hairs, I crossed the AP RO off my list. It's a beautiful watch I just couldn't justify paying that much for a watch that I didn't think was as comfortable. I certainly wouldn't fault anyone for choosing the RO. Very cool watch.

Impressed by the GO, I headed over to a store with Rolex and Patek. Patek is outside of my price range but looking at them was fun. I was very impressed by the Aquanaut on the rubber strap (I don't think they get a lot of love on this forum). On the Rolex side of things, I tried on the Explorer I and the Sub. I felt that the Explorer fit the bill for what I am looking for (one and only watch that can be dressed up or down) but I couldn't help thinking it was a little bland. The GO had more character. Onto the next store.

The last shop I stopped by sold JLC's. Oh my. They had a rose gold Master Control. I'm not a fan of rose gold, but the look of the MC was timeless and every other cliche you can throw at it. As much as I like leather bands, I feel like for my only watch it should have a metal bracelet. I'm a day or two away from pulling the trigger on: 139.81.20 Jaeger LeCoultre Master Control Automatic Mens Watch

My only two reservations are the following:

-I know I will get scratches in anything I buy, but do you guys think that wearing a watch like the MC, with all its polished surfaces, is just a plain bad idea considering it will be my every-day watch?

-Is this a watch that can stand up, movement-wise, to the rigors of daily wear? I'm not planning on being rough with it, but I felt it almost demanded (well, as much as an inanimate object can demand something) some caution on not moving my arm too fast or something ridiculous. This is in contrast to something like a Sub, which I felt like it would be fine with pretty much anything I threw at it. Is the MC too dressy?

Thanks everyone for all the help, you've all really helped me in my search. Feel free to let me know what you think and I'll be sure to keep everyone updated on my eventual choice.

[Omjlc]

I've been wearing my JLC Master Grande Ultra Thin for 6 months now and have put it through the normal rigours of everyday life (riding a bike, washing the dishes, carrying a baby, drinking too many beers at the pub, etc) and it has not lost any of its accuracy or shown any visible signs of wear (other than the leather strap). I have no doubt the MC will last a long time even though it may get the odd scratch here or there (bracelets are a magnet for scratches).

The only draw back for the MC being your one and only watch is it really isn't suitable for the beach, the pool, skiing, etc. If you did those activites quite often, I'd lean to the VC Overseas as your everyday watch for work, rest and play.

Cheers

Mark

[mikeyc]

badandy: I'm impressed that you have such mature taste for such a young feller! Its commendable that you're favouring the more understated and reserved looks of the JLC MC as I'm sure in a few years you'd be bored of the trendier, pizza sized bling watches that most young people favour these days. Personally, I love the MC for its timeless simplicity but I agree its more delicate than say a Rolex and may not be the best choice for everyday use. I think others have mentioned before, why not buy two watches - say the MC on a leather strap for important business meetings, evening wear etc and also get a more robust watch on a steel bracelet for everyday duty. The VC is great, but I don't think it will fit into your budget, even if you buy it used. However, I have a pretty low key Rolex Date that's 35 years old that I wear 99% of the time that looks almost brand new still and is still accurate within 2 secs a day. I've wear for playing sports, at work, meetings, and in casual settings. Its not as blingy as the Datejust and you can pick one up used for around $3K and still be under your $10K budget. Also, the strap is extremely well designed and I'm sure it won't pinch your hair. Something to think about....

[Donut]

Very interesting read...I think you are well on your way to chosing your own watch. Wish you luck.

For some reason I think I will be wearing this tomorrow....



I can't explain it but when I wear my Calatrava I just feel "Smarter". Like my IQ has been elevated. I can't imagine any reason why someone who knows Patek would think any less of you for wearing one. I think they would be impressed with your choice. I'm not suggesting you should get one...there are many wonderful watches to choose from. I'm sure you will find one that makes you smile....just hearing your coments about Patek makes me want to show my Calatrava some love so I will be wearing it to work tomorrow. I'm sure no one I meet will notice or know what I'm wearing, but that doesn't matter....I will.


Cheers,
Rob

[pukematrixx]

Since I got so much help from everyone here, I thought I'd post an update about my search. I went watch shopping today on Rodeo Drive and saw a lot of great pieces. I tried on the new AP Royal Oak (the 15400) but they did not have the older version that is slightly smaller which I was looking for (15300). I tried that on along with a GO Senator Sixties, which I was very impressed by. It was obvious that the build quality on the GO was top notch and the AP looked great.

At the end of the visit to the store, I decided that the GO Senator Sixties might be a better watch for me. The RO, even though it's beautiful, felt extremely heavy. Add the large price difference and the fact that the bracelet on the AP seemed to pinch some of my wrist hairs, I crossed the AP RO off my list. It's a beautiful watch I just couldn't justify paying that much for a watch that I didn't think was as comfortable. I certainly wouldn't fault anyone for choosing the RO. Very cool watch.

Impressed by the GO, I headed over to a store with Rolex and Patek. Patek is outside of my price range but looking at them was fun. I was very impressed by the Aquanaut on the rubber strap (I don't think they get a lot of love on this forum). On the Rolex side of things, I tried on the Explorer I and the Sub. I felt that the Explorer fit the bill for what I am looking for (one and only watch that can be dressed up or down) but I couldn't help thinking it was a little bland. The GO had more character. Onto the next store.

The last shop I stopped by sold JLC's. Oh my. They had a rose gold Master Control. I'm not a fan of rose gold, but the look of the MC was timeless and every other cliche you can throw at it. As much as I like leather bands, I feel like for my only watch it should have a metal bracelet. I'm a day or two away from pulling the trigger on: 139.81.20 Jaeger LeCoultre Master Control Automatic Mens Watch

My only two reservations are the following:

-I know I will get scratches in anything I buy, but do you guys think that wearing a watch like the MC, with all its polished surfaces, is just a plain bad idea considering it will be my every-day watch?

-Is this a watch that can stand up, movement-wise, to the rigors of daily wear? I'm not planning on being rough with it, but I felt it almost demanded (well, as much as an inanimate object can demand something) some caution on not moving my arm too fast or something ridiculous. This is in contrast to something like a Sub, which I felt like it would be fine with pretty much anything I threw at it. Is the MC too dressy?

Thanks everyone for all the help, you've all really helped me in my search. Feel free to let me know what you think and I'll be sure to keep everyone updated on my eventual choice.

Think you ended up in a good spot looking at a steel watch. However I would advise away from a high polished steel for your one and only piece. Basically you want something you can wear with jeans and a t shirt as well as with a suit right? I think this is going to look a bit too dressy when chilling at the bar with your mates over beers.