Rolex Day-Date or Calatrava?

[lswoboda]

I'm considering a switch from a Rolex day-date to a Calatrava.

I'm interested in a Patek 5096.

I would wear this watch for work and play (and I think the 5096 is a classic style that can do double duty).

Any thoughts on making this switch?

Also, any thoughts on how and where to track down a 5096 (which is no longer in production)?

Thanks.

LS

[justbrowsing]

I've owned a Day-Date and a Calatrava (5119), both in yellow gold. Both are great. The main advantage of the Calatrava is that it is very elegant and understated, and looks better with a suit. The main advantage of the Rolex is...probably everything else. I love Patek designs but IMO Rolex makes a better and more robust product, especially as an all-around watch.

But Day-Date is a lot of bling and comes with the Rolex image baggage, for better or worse. Could be a problem in some contexts. Rarely a problem with a Calatrava.

[Time Exposure]

I think the Rolex Day-Date is a much more versatile watch. If I were a collector I'd consider both. As a user with one nice watch to wear, I'd keep the Rolex and not make the switch.

If you're bored with the DD, then by all means get the Calatrava. Both watches are desirable so should not be a great financial loss if you change your mind.

[zama]

Bryan has summed up best, if it is your everyday watch the D is more robust, if you just want a change or have image concerns of the DD then make the change.

[SearChart]

I prefer the look of a classic dress watch to pretty mutch every other type of watch, so Calatrava it is!

[Preacher]

It's a tough choice but I think I'd go Calatrava.

[AK797]

I prefer the DD, Calatrava is bit too simple for me.

[1William]

I prefer the DayDate.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by Time Exposure

I think the Rolex Day-Date is a much more versatile watch. If I were a collector I'd consider both. As a user with one nice watch to wear, I'd keep the Rolex and not make the switch.

If you're bored with the DD, then by all means get the Calatrava. Both watches are desirable so should not be a great financial loss if you change your mind.

X2 and well said.

[FeelingTheBlues]

Both are very nice watches, however, as stated above the Day-Date would be more versatile and robust. If you're the type of man who has the habit of banging his watches be warned that the Calatrava may not be able to resist as long. On the other hand, if you're just the regular wearer (and that includes wearing your watch everyday and not worrying about it in my opinion) both would be great and it would mostly depend on your tastes.

I for one would wear a dress watch with everything and as much as I like the Day-Date I must say the Calatrava fits my style more, therefore I'd chose it over the Rolex.

[SixPak]

Originally Posted by lswoboda

I'm considering a switch from a Rolex day-date to a Calatrava.

I'm interested in a Patek 5096.

I would wear this watch for work and play (and I think the 5096 is a classic style that can do double duty).

Any thoughts on making this switch?

Also, any thoughts on how and where to track down a 5096 (which is no longer in production)?

Thanks.

LS

With the leather strap I'm not sure if I would want to play with the 5906 esp. in the hot summer months. However I love the Calatrava and would certainly add it to the collection to compliment your DD.

[benlee]

If you are looking for an all occassion watch, to wear for both work and play, suggest you go with a Rolex for added Robustness and peace of mind. I never feel PPs are designed for daily use. They just seems too fragile to me. But then I am kind of clumsy so for work, I wear only my SS beaters.

[myopiccoog]

I would go day date on a leather strap.

[iazrollie]

I'd go calatrava, despite its gentleness and plainness. DD is too flashy for me.

[lswoboda]

Originally Posted by myopiccoog

I would go day date on a leather strap.

That's exactly what I have now. The gold bracelet is a little too much for my taste.

[Sam Philip]

Originally Posted by AK797

I prefer the DD, Calatrava is bit too simple for me.

This

[Le Chef]

The way you describe what you're looking for, you might want to consider something like a Patek 5711. It's thinner, less bulky,and less "shouty" than the DD, but more than wearable on a daily basis, and has all the pedigree of a Patek. It's also an icon in the way the Calatrava is. You might also look at a 5726/1a or if you like precious metal a 5712R or G.

[gtbguy]

I stopped wearing my Daytona and now use my new 5711 as a daily. The 5711 is not bulky and as most noted, it is not as flashy. I think at the end of the day it really depends on you. Do you want something more sleek like the Calatrava or the iconic Rolex look?

[HL65]

Originally Posted by Le Chef

The way you describe what you're looking for, you might want to consider something like a Patek 5711. It's thinner, less bulky,and less "shouty" than the DD, but more than wearable on a daily basis, and has all the pedigree of a Patek. It's also an icon in the way the Calatrava is. You might also look at a 5726/1a or if you like precious metal a 5712R or G.

5711 always a great suggestion!

[subtona]

Originally Posted by Le Chef

The way you describe what you're looking for, you might want to consider something like a Patek 5711. It's thinner, less bulky,and less "shouty" than the DD, but more than wearable on a daily basis, and has all the pedigree of a Patek. It's also an icon in the way the Calatrava is. You might also look at a 5726/1a or if you like precious metal a 5712R or G.

5711 would be a nice change yet maintain much of the versatility of the DD

[shnxx]

not a good comparo.

[AboutTime]

I owned a Calatrava 5296 for about seven months and wore it on perhaps three occasions during that time. The 5296 was a beautiful watch that appeared too delicate for frequent wear and that never sat quite properly on my bony wrist. I traded the 5296 for a Day-Date 118238 which I now wear frequently. The Day-Date fits my wrist better and is more comfortable than my now-departed 5296. I'm happy with the more substantial and more robust Day-Date and I anticipate a lower long-term cost of ownership.

[lswoboda]

Leem, thanks for the comments. I'm waiting for a few new straps to come in for the DD. I'll see how it works out.

[Grey.Coupe]

I wear my RG DD on alligator straps in cool weather. Truly handsome, like having an entirely different watch. Brown for casual, dresses up beautifully with a black strap...

[stockjock1975]

Is relative uniqueness important to you? If so, I would lean more toward the Patek for the simple reason that you tend to see Roles very regularly in day to day life. Not so much for the Calatrava. If you like knowing that you are likely the only one in the room with that particular piece on your wrist, then it's hard to overlook a Patek. Just food for thought.

[Daytonaman799]

I think it depends on your lifestyle. If younare more casual and physically active then the DD. If you are I a suit or live a more sedate indoors lifestyle then I would go PP, there is a personal element as well.

A DD says LOOK AT ME BABY while a PP flies under the radar. I have been wearing a 5726 1/a as a daily wearer for about a year but recently switched to a 16600 COMEX. That's as under the radar as you can get. I used to wear a DD. As a daily wearer it's a question flash as well. Where I live most guys don't wear YG so SS, WG, or PT just blends in unless the YG is on a strap. My YG DD attracts a lot more look than my 5970J. In other areas YG is more common. Nothing is like wearing a YG watch on a bracelet but it can just be out of the norm. Can't lose either way.....good luck and a total high class problem.

[PatekCollector]

Rolex DD for me.

[el1125]

Dd