Rolex defector...now onto Patek

[Brian7708]

I took the plunge into Patek this week. I have a smaller wrist and have been eyeing the various Aquanaut models for the right size, settling on the low key 5066A. Very happy with it excited to finally have a Patek.

I first saw the brand among some ads in the Robb Report back in 1993 when I was 15. “Who are these people? How are they charging twice the price of Rolex? Don’t they know Rolex is the industry standard for fine watches?” I remember seeing the 3940 and saying, “why isn’t there a crown or something on the dial? Just the name? That’s all!?!”

Rolex is very popular in Atlanta and there is nothing wrong with that, but it’s everywhere. Walk around The Avalon in Atlanta on a weekend afternoon and you can check the boxes on all the different Rolex sport models you see walking by. However, go to a local AD and you will be chastised by most for dare inquiring about a sport model (despite hefty spending).

So I got tired of the Rolex AD games and wondered over to TRF PP. First it was once a week. Then once a day, now several times a day. The newer sport PP are too big for me, so I’m a fan of the smaller 3800 nautilus, the old 3940, and (of course) my new 5066:

[Andrés G]

Enjoy your new watch. Rolex's shortage of supply has made many of us look elsewhere.

[rockdrock]

Congratulations! I am so excited for you. I too have that same feeling with the Rolex shortages and have moved on. I still love the brand but over it.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[FinWatch]

Similar feelings! The truth is that Rolex watches are just mass produced timepiece. That’s why you can see Rolexes everywhere.
Patek is so unique... haute horology.
You can truly feel the difference when wearing a Patek on your wrist! That feeling you can’t get with Rolex.
Congrats!!! Great watch you have!!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[okie4455]

Congrats, nothing beats the subtle nature of PP. enjoy! something tells me it wont be your last one.

[andyol1966]

Great understated watch the 5066! Enjoy!

[Nikrnic]

Congrats! I get what your saying as well as many others that the world doesn't revolve around the crown. There was nothing left for me to like after 7 Rolex. My latest acquisition was a VC Overseas. I love my Rolex but this is another level. My eyes have been opened and I see the light... Enjoy your Aquanaut! thats my favorite in the PP lineup.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[WatchinMD]

Very nice! Congrats

[Kevin.S]

It's a beauty, congrats!

[Fat_ninja]

Beauty!!!
But u know u don’t need to defect right?

[Passionata]

Congrats wise choice

[skylie]

The 5066 is the next and last one on my wishlist! Congratulations!

[RussW]

As much as I love Patek, and it’s my favourite brand, I still enjoy wearing Rolex. I don’t think that will ever change.

[hideki4]

Will you also buy a 3940 and 3800? I wish my wrist was small enough to wear both. My favorite.

[Odie-r]

Beautiful. Congrats!

[GGGMT]

I’m just inching into the same Rolex to PP journey. Love Rolex but time for something new. Plus fun to learn about such a masterpiece product. Great work!! Hope to join you soon!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[subtona]

Congrats... the road continues

[MadSpaniard]

Welcome to the Patek crackhouse. Your first hit probably won't be your last. Not that there's anything wrong with that :-). Congrats!

[Brian7708]

Originally Posted by hideki4

Will you also buy a 3940 and 3800? I wish my wrist was small enough to wear both. My favorite.

Definitely need a dress watch upgrade, so the 3940 would be great, but it’s going to be a loooooooing time saving up.

I was obsessed with the 3800, and never thought I could love the Aquanaut rubber bracelet. However, the more I looked at the Aquanaut, the more it reminded me of the Casio and Seiko dive watches of the 80s that I loved. The rubber, the wide hands and dial markers, the black dial...

I was also hung up on the Aquanaut deployment clasp. I thought it looked weird in pics. I love it in person. I find myself looking at the Order of the Calatrava on the back of my wrist almost as often as the dial.

[JR16]

Congrats , enjoy !


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[EdwardC]

I like the vintage version better than the modern one. Very nice

[Ichiran]

Congrats! Lovely reference.

[beshannon]

Congrats!

[wear4l]

What a beauty, congrats!

[skylie]

Is it rude to ask how much you paid for this?

[inadeje]

OP your timing is impeccable. I just had a similar realization and unloaded no less than 7 Rolex for a Patek. I’m not leaving Rolex entirely and franking never suffered the AD games many suggest, however, my collection had ballooned over a few years and I knew that my Rolex’s were at peak value. Consolidation is good for us watch geeks and I feel no remorse having said goodbye to 7 of arguably the hottest SS Rolex’s of the moment.

[MichaelFlash]

Congratulations on a great acquisition,

[Bearxj86]

You can bat for both teams if you know what I mean

[FinWatch]

Originally Posted by inadeje

OP your timing is impeccable. I just had a similar realization and unloaded no less than 7 Rolex for a Patek. I’m not leaving Rolex entirely and franking never suffered the AD games many suggest, however, my collection had ballooned over a few years and I knew that my Rolex’s were at peak value. Consolidation is good for us watch geeks and I feel no remorse having said goodbye to 7 of arguably the hottest SS Rolex’s of the moment.

Well done!!! Amazing PP you have, true gem! Less is more!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Rushne]

Congrats OP!
I too also moved up plans to a PP just because I was sick and tired of games with Rolex so tried my luck at getting a 5167. Luckily I got it and still haven't heard a thing from Rolex, but now get to enjoy a semi grail earlier than planned due to them screwing me around.