[Sunday Banter] Growing competition for the Nautilus?

[MilesB]

With the Nautilus being the flame that tends to suck the air out of my Patek conversation, what do people think about the growing competition in the sports luxury space? Don't worry, I'm not talking about the Bell & Ross BR05.

I can't help notice that in 2019 three potential alternatives have emerged, and I'm sure more will follow. I've even heard rumours A. Lange & Sohne are planning to release a sports watch!

The watches I'm talking about are:

Urban Jürgensen One


Bulgari Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT


Chopard Alpine Eagle


Currently a Rolex Daytona fills this slot in my collection. I like the Octo Finissimo because GMT and chronographs are two of my favourite complications, but they need to add a bit of colour before I'd consider buying it.

Does anyone else think the Nautilus is soon going to be part of a crowded field?

[AK797]

I do like the UJ and the new Lange could be very interesting, it should be good news for this forum as we are on TRF so there is more of a sports bent on our choices.

[nick c]

My choice will be the Chopard. It’s nice 👍

[brandrea]

The bracelet of the UJ is Nautilesque

[Fat_ninja]

I dunno. The word alternative implies settling. That said with the spirit of your question in mind....

I would probably think about the overseas and some form of AP...my personal preference is a ROO 42/44mm Money would likely go more towards the AP 44mm’s. I’m not a huge fan of the typical RO’s

I would never spend my money on a Hublot. Probably spend money on a Lange and VC or even a panerai first.


I will add imitation is not the best form of flattery

[ts3]

IMO none of the three is a great alternative and the UJ and the Chopard are not even pretty in my eyes. The Bulgari is an interesting and original piece in its own right but not for me either.

[Vipes]

Bulgari is the most interesting one out of the 3.

[mbalmz]

very anxious to see what this supposed lange sports watch will look like. I think there’s potential for either a huge disappointment in the brand or something really awesome.

[CamSLC]

When I bought my first Nautilus the only other alternative on my radar was a Royal Oak 15202/15300. I was novice about the differences at the time and was glad I did the research and ended up with my 5711.

It's all opinion, but I really dislike the alternatives presented and would be much happier with an Omega/Rolex/Cartier Santos.

[GB-man]

The Bvlgari is the only interesting watch listed. And it is quite the beast.

[lord91]

I don't like any of this options.

Originally Posted by AK797

I do like the UJ and the new Lange could be very interesting, it should be good news for this forum as we are on TRF so there is more of a sports bent on our choices.

Which is the new Lange you are talking about?

[d11n]

at a macro level I like the wait..the anticipation...the journey... so no alternatives for me. I'm building up my patience skills as I wait for my 5711.

...one day.....

[locutus49]

I prefer the Bulgari. That particular Octo looks great.

[MilesB]

Originally Posted by Fat_ninja

I dunno. The word alternative implies settling. That said with the spirit of your question in mind....

I would probably think about the overseas and some form of AP...my personal preference is a ROO 42/44mm Money would likely go more towards the AP 44mm’s. I’m not a huge fan of the typical RO’s

I would never spend my money on a Hublot. Probably spend money on a Lange and VC or even a panerai first.

I will add imitation is not the best form of flattery

Alternative could mean settling, or just having some choices, especially when the most popular isn't easily obtainable. If you drop down a price point, Rolex is the obvious choice, but there are lot of alternatives in Omega, IWC, Breitling, Blancpain, etc.

I didn't include the Royal Oak since it seems to be in a similar supply/demand situation as the Nautilus. There are quite a few ROOs I like the look of, but the size does push it to more of a vacation watch for me.

I had forgotten about the VC Overseas, nice looking watch, surprisingly it's not more popular.

[MilesB]

Originally Posted by mbalmz

very anxious to see what this supposed lange sports watch will look like. I think there’s potential for either a huge disappointment in the brand or something really awesome.

Just a rumour at the moment, but the guy at the Lange boutique didn't dismiss it.

A streamlined sporty Double Split would be very cool.

[mbalmz]

Originally Posted by MilesB

Just a rumour at the moment, but the guy at the Lange boutique didn't dismiss it.



A streamlined sporty Double Split would be very cool.

I’m excited to see. A double split would be a little out of range for me but I’ve been lusting after an ALS for a while now and am holding out to see what might be.

I think I’ll still end up with an 1815 of some stripe or other but we’ll see...

[Russell996]

Originally Posted by MilesB

Just a rumour at the moment, but the guy at the Lange boutique didn't dismiss it.

A streamlined sporty Double Split would be very cool.

Sports DS! Wow, but no!

[Chute]

My hope is that these homages dumb down the desire for stainless steel sport watches.
I’m waiting for this trend to end. That way, hopefully, I can get a 5711 or 15202 at retail.

[Pateks]

Calling these pieces alternatives to Patek is like saying Ferrari is going to lose sales because they introduced a new Corvette. I don’t see anyone cross shopping these brands.

[Fat_ninja]

Originally Posted by Pateks

Calling these pieces alternatives to Patek is like saying Ferrari is going to lose sales because they introduced a new Corvette. I don’t see anyone cross shopping these brands.

Mid engine corvette?

[Pateks]

Originally Posted by Fat_ninja

Mid engine corvette?

The new C8. Don’t get me wrong, for a corvette, it’s a great car. But no Ferrari owner I know is now suddenly saying- hmmm, maybe I don’t need to order that new 812 GTS or F8. I’ll get a corvette instead.

[Ichiran]

Sharing a very nice pic from ablogtowatch. Just look at the overall profile, then the case construction, the brushed and mirror finishing, the slimness, the gradient on the dial, the beveling on the integrated lugs.. it's so pretty the nautilus.
Patek-Philippe-Nautilus-5711-1A-010-watch-11.jpg

[jag32]

The only watch on the market with the heritage, elegance, history, and iconic design language that is really on par with the Nautilus is the Royal Oak. Heavy hitters will never consider the Chopard or any of these other “alternatives,” except a RO which is not an alternative as the RO is really the only watch out there in direct competition with the Nautilus that wouldn’t be settling.

I think viable alternatives to the higher end Nautilus offerings that I would consider emanate from Richard Mille or the FP Journe sports watch.

[TJMike]

Originally Posted by MilesB

I had forgotten about the VC Overseas, nice looking watch, surprisingly it's not more popular.

The Overseas has heated up a lot this year. Generally you have to wait a few months to get the blue or black dial three-hander at an AD/boutique. On the secondary market, unworn ones are about the same price as buying from an AD. The pre-owned market for the Overseas has also strengthened quite a bit.

[TJMike]

Originally Posted by jag32

Heavy hitters will never consider the Chopard or any of these other “alternatives,” except a RO which is not an alternative as the RO is really the only watch out there in direct competition with the Nautilus that wouldn’t be settling..

Ha ha. Yes, a heavy hitter would never choose a Chopard, Bulgari, or whatever rather than a Nautilus or RO!

The arrogance of a certain breed of Rolex owners pales into insignificance compared to some Patek owners.

[tom2517]

Originally Posted by TJMike

Ha ha. Yes, a heavy hitter would never choose a Chopard, Bulgari, or whatever rather than a Nautilus or RO!

The arrogance of a certain breed of Rolex owners pales into insignificance compared to some Patek owners.

And then he went on saying one of the viable alternative is RM? Where is the heritage, elegance, and history? RM is not even created by a watchmaker, but a businessman.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by lord91

I don't like any of this options.



Which is the new Lange you are talking about?

If you look on the Lange thread there is a lot of talk about a new sports model being released.

[Fat_ninja]

Originally Posted by Ichiran

Sharing a very nice pic from ablogtowatch. Just look at the overall profile, then the case construction, the brushed and mirror finishing, the slimness, the gradient on the dial, the beveling on the integrated lugs.. it's so pretty the nautilus.
Attachment 1076079

Look at u being the tease

[Fat_ninja]

Originally Posted by TJMike

Ha ha. Yes, a heavy hitter would never choose a Chopard, Bulgari, or whatever rather than a Nautilus or RO!

The arrogance of a certain breed of Rolex owners pales into insignificance compared to some Patek owners.

Where do I sign up?
...
...I just said RM

Lol

[JR16]

No offense but I don’t think any of these are “alternatives” to a nautilus. If one wants a nautilus, I suspect the itch will only be scratched by getting a nautilus. Maybe an aquanaut or a 15202. Or if you’re a Ninja, RM.


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