White Gold Rolex VS SS Patek. What route would you go?

[Hairdude1]

Originally Posted by locutus49

Rolex PM first, then 5711.

This

[hdfb910]

I have the Smurf, love it.
Great for all the reasons you mentioned, can be worn doing virtually anything.
This is tough call. Plan to have both eventually.

[jschmidtdmd]

I'd go smurf here.

JPS

[ash20]

I own both. Yes, the WG Sub can be worn without worry doing just about anything and if that's important to you for this piece in your collection then that's what I'd recommend going with. I have an older Omega SMP for really rough stuff so don't find the need for a SS Rolex, as the WG sub fits all activities

IMO the 5711 is just a more special piece--and I treat it that way. I do wish I could get to the point where I'd wear the 5711 all the time since I love it so much. When I first purchased the 5711 I was extremely worried about scratching it and definitely babied it (only long sleeves, etc.) but I didn't buy it for it to sit in the safe. Part of me wants to sell my WG Sub just to force myself to wear the 5711 more. I haven't seen too many people on this forum who wear the 5711 as a true daily--I suppose for the same reasons (fear of scratching or damage to movement).

But is there truth to this fear of scratching? I was told by my PP dealer that the 5711 could be polished a maximum of 3-4 times. But what does that mean--the bracelet or bezel or case? We know the bezel can be replaced for $800 so if there is any damage to the top that's an easy fix. For me the bezel is the biggest area of concern since it's the most noticeable. The bracelet can be scratched but I don't really have fears of this, as it's not as noticeable as the bezel. Assuming you polish the bracelet every other service (every 10-15 years) there shouldn't be an issue--and it can be replaced if really necessary.
The case I can see it being something that can't be polished too many times (and I probably wouldn't). In short, if you really want to wear the piece and plan to keep it a long time and don't mind replacing a few parts if needed, then it really should be ok. Still trying to convince myself

One other concern with the PP is the service time--6-9 months. The more use/wear the higher the chance of needing service but that still don't scare me away from PP--just need a few backup pieces for the downtime

[Bladesfield]

Not a fan of gold watches (too soft, too heavy) so it's a no-brainer for me, I'd go with the SS PP all day.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by locutus49

Rolex PM first, then 5711.

Agree with this, altho probably a PM 5711 too.

[jon_jon]

Rolex PM vs Patek SS is an interesting dilemma. I usually go for SS Rolex and PM Patek watches. Traditionally Patek did not make SS watches before they introduced the Nautilus in the 1970s. An iconic Patek is a Calatrava in PM, just as an iconic Rolex is a SS Sub, although a PM DD is also very iconic.

[Manofsteelpt]

5712 would be my choice.