Battle of Blue & Grey: AP & Rolex Combos?

[eyeheartny]

Background:

• I previously posted this thread laying out a discussion on what were previously a range of options I've been considering.
• My thinking has shifted since then and I wanted to both start a new poll and get some feedback on a current debate I'm facing.
• For those who don't click through, I've got $30k budgeted for one or more watches at the moment. I started this search thinking I wanted a DD40, but I've moved away from that after trying on a range of other options. Of my initial list, the only one I haven't been able to try on is the Ressence Type 1 Squared.
• I had mixed/complicated feelings about the RO 15400 when trying it on in person. The bracelet pulled my hair (thread on that here) and the silver dial, while gorgeous, didn't 100% mesh for me with the shimmery bracelet. It was just kind of a lot of look, you know? While I like light play and reflections, it may have been a little much. I will acknowledge that both stores I tried it on in had very strong directional lighting, which may have made it look even more sparkly/shimmery than it would in normal circumstances. I still think the RO bracelet is the nicest looking bracelet on the market, but it does not fit as comfortably as my SubC bracelet by any stretch of the imagination.
• That said, I haven't been able to stop thinking about that RO since I saw it in person twice late last week. It's a watch that looks/feels really different in person, and it stuck with me despite the challenges I had with it.

New Thinking:

• At the moment I'm leaning toward adding one grey and one blue piece each to the collection.
• I tried on and loved the DJ41 in WG/SS with fluted/jubilee in both the blue and rhodium dials. I think the rhodium was a bit more dramatic/interesting looking because of how it plays tonally with the WG and 904L steel. It looks very modern and very classic at the same time, and I really, really, really appreciate the EasyLink. I use the Glidelock on my SubC all the time and it's a fantastic feature, so I imagine I'd use the Easylink quite a lot.
• Obviously the 15400 in SS/Blue is incredibly hard to find, so I am battling with this decision and would appreciate some feedback.

Two Sets of Options

• DJ41 in Blue, Royal Oak in Silver

  • Neither one of these is my first, makes-my-heart sing choice, but they are a) gorgeous b) fantastic pieces that I am sure I would be thrilled to wear regularly.

• DJ41 in Rhodium, RO in Blue

  
  • I was only able to see the blue dial with the rose gold case, but it's a really striking color. From a distance I still think I love the silver dial the most, but up close and from a wearability point of view, the blue is quite appealing.
  •The downside here is that if I can even find a blue 15400, I'm looking at more than MSRP.
  •I can probably find one for what I'd have paid at a boutique for MSRP + tax, but it still nags at me to pay more than MSRP for something that will likely depreciate in value.
  •Normally I don't think about resale value, but since I'm not totally sure that the bracelet will stop pulling my hair, I'd like to have some confidence that I wouldn't lose a huge amount if I decided to move that piece on in a few months if it didn't end up working out.

• Questions: Should I give the silver one a third look? Or suck it up and pay >MSRP for the blue? Do those of you who own the 15400 in Silver find it too blingy for your taste? Should I consider the Ruthenium dial 15400? Haven't been able to see that in person but could make a trip somewhere to try and look at it.

I'd be grateful for updated thoughts, recommendations, questions, etc. I really value the feedback and guidance that folks here offer and am eager to hear what these questions will garner from you.

[scarlet knight]

I have a DJ2 in blue. I am thinking of trading it in, along with an IWC Portuguese Chrono, for an AP RO in silver.

[eyeheartny]

Originally Posted by scarlet knight

I have a DJ2 in blue. I am thinking of trading it in, along with an IWC Portuguese Chrono, for an AP RO in silver.

Interesting. What are you not loving about the DJ2?

[AK797]

I like number two, think both brands excel at these unique colours.

[eyeheartny]

Originally Posted by AK797

I like number two, think both brands excel at these unique colours.

Yeah, I'm leaning that way. Hard to even locate a 15400 in blue. David is looking for one for me but I've struck out everywhere. There are dealers on Chrono24 but I have less confidence that the warranty card and other things would be in proper order when going with a seller I don't have experience with. I got on a list at a location in Vegas but it'll be 2019 before they get one in stock.

[Reloko]

I recently acquired the dj41 dark rhodium on jubilee and also have the 15400 blue. Depending on the light source and angle, the grey becomes close to silver, while the blue close to grey. The bracelets on both watches adds bling to the watches, more so for the 15400.
Obviously biased, you will be quite happy with these incredible watches....


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[subtona]

Pictures

[eyeheartny]

Originally Posted by Reloko

I recently acquired the dj41 dark rhodium on jubilee and also have the 15400 blue. Depending on the light source and angle, the grey becomes close to silver, while the blue close to grey. The bracelets on both watches adds bling to the watches, more so for the 15400.
Obviously biased, you will be quite happy with these incredible watches....


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Great to hear. The rhodium wasn't my first choice in pictures, but when I saw it in the boutique I visited in Vegas, I was really taken with it. It's such a fantastic combination of the grey dial and the two differential cool-toned metals in the bracelet. The center links in the jubilee bracelet just pop-- absolutely amazing. I'm confident I would wear this piece for the long term.

I'm feeling less certain that the AP makes sense, unfortunately. As much as I want it, I had a hard time getting a good fit in the boutique where the bracelet didn't pull my arm hair. Combined with the lack of availability, and I may just move on to something else. Tough call.

[Reloko]

Originally Posted by subtona

Pictures

Apologies for lousy pictures...

[eyeheartny]

Originally Posted by Reloko

Apologies for lousy pictures...

Not lousy at all. Gorgeous pieces!!

[Reloko]

Originally Posted by eyeheartny

Not lousy at all. Gorgeous pieces!!

Thank you so much. Quite difficult to catch the dials at their best.
I should take up photography next...



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[Watch Admirer]

not worth paying more than MSRP

[Jidonsu]

Would you consider a Royal Oak Chronograph with the DJ41? The white with black sundials would go great with the blue DJ41.

[Jidonsu]

Also, I don’t think the bracelet will stop pulling your hair. The tolerance and spacing between the links are just tighter on the RO bracelet.

[eyeheartny]

Originally Posted by Jidonsu

Also, I don’t think the bracelet will stop pulling your hair. The tolerance and spacing between the links are just tighter on the RO bracelet.

See that’s interesting. I think it’s that the Sub bracelet has rounded links and the RO ones are razor sharp. The inside literally looks like pairs of tweezers. The same thing that gives the RO such a special look (the sharp transitions from brushes to polished) requires harder edges.

That’s too bad that you don’t think it will stop pulling. Is that from personal experience?

[eyeheartny]

Originally Posted by Jidonsu

Would you consider a Royal Oak Chronograph with the DJ41? The white with black sundials would go great with the blue DJ41.

Definitely not into the chrono, but thanks for suggesting!