Ditching Rolex for Patek.. Anyone?

[AK797]

Originally Posted by mrarchiegoodwin

Thank you for posting this. It provides information on relative size and clarity for each make and model. I have not seen an Aquanaut in 20 years and did not realize it is so big. This is very instructive.

It isn't, the Aqua is raised so the comparisons are not accurate unless all are flat down.

[Ichiran]

This is a more accurate size comparison of Aquanaut vs batman and 15400.

IMG_26092020_171110_(1000_x_750_pixel).jpg

[ts3]

Originally Posted by AK797

It isn't, the Aqua is raised so the comparisons are not accurate unless all are flat down.

For the same reason the 5711 also looks inflated compared to the 5320 next to it. At the same time the 5167 does wear larger than one might expect.

[liborguy]

this is my 114060 and 5167
i would prefer the PP and wear it more

[mrarchiegoodwin]

Originally Posted by AK797

It isn't, the Aqua is raised so the comparisons are not accurate unless all are flat down.

Thank you very much for that information. It's impossible to see a real stainless steel Patek in the store.

[mrarchiegoodwin]

Originally Posted by Ichiran

This is a more accurate size comparison of Aquanaut vs batman and 15400.

Attachment 1170949

OMG. That's very instructive. The Aquanaut is not a metal donut after all. What a box. It looks like the interior of a Riva.

[mrarchiegoodwin]

Originally Posted by liborguy

this is my 114060 and 5167
i would prefer the PP and wear it more

This is an interesting picture and so is your comment. Both are spot on in response to the original post. While it's unlikely for anyone on Rolex Forums to ditch Rolex for Patek (unlike on Patek Forums), it is possible that those who own both might prefer to wear one over another--or to have a favorite default watch. Not owning a Patek (I bought one on line that turned out to be fake so even though it was expensive, it doesn't count) I too was curious about the answer. Your answer makes sense to me. The PP is your default preference. That's intrigueing. Thank you.

Does your PP have a deployant buckle? Ever since a slight of hand performer demonstrated how to remove a watch from someone's wrist without the mark feeling it I have refused to wear a standard buckle. Prior to that, I refused to wear a bracelet--too much metal on the wrist. But after that demonstration the bracelet seemed the only choice (also I started visiting very hot and humid places).

[Swaye]

Originally Posted by GB-man

Duck yes, I’ve left Rolex before and it lasted about a week.

Never go Sans Rolex. It’s a mistake.

This. My collection has evolved away from Rolex over time, but there are always a few Rolex around because for what they are, there is just no real replacement that I can find. A really nicely patinaed 16753 from the early 80's? I can't get that feeling in any other watch. So, while I mostly focus on FPJ now, I will never be able to leave Rolex in the rear view.

[Swaye]

Originally Posted by vandyologist

Definitely keep at least one. I used to own a bunch of Rolex but as my collection diversified, I now own fewer. I’m quite happy with the two that I have now, but may add back a PM Daytona. That said, the Patek get the most worst time.

I've told you this before, but this collection is superb!

[alanski]

Originally Posted by iLLGT2

I can wear my Patek perp or 5960 p when not broken but nothing feels like a Rolex, for whatever reason and a fraction of the price

Did I mention Patek and breaking? Guess I sound like a broken record on the forums

My 5960 p pusher cap is about to fall off, here’s to another 3 months plus at service

Exactly what he said :)

Depends how you live and how hard you are on your watches.

I smack around a sports rolex and have done for nearly 20 yrs with little or no issue at all. Used to play tennis with a 16660 on a rubber b aswell.

The pateks get worn now and again . My 5990 broke after 7 days and it's currently being repaired. Would I play tennis with a rubber strap aquanaut on I dont think it would survive 2 3 sets.

It's always good to have diversity and a wee selection if you can . I would keep some sort of sports rolex if you can .

[fwhawk]

Originally Posted by 15400ST

I think you all have convinced me that it's probably worth keeping a Rolex in the stable and that I'll eventually regret it and grab another if I don't.

That's what happened to me. I decided early on that for various reasons two really top watches was going to be my limit. I started with Rolex and later added a JLC Reverso. After a time I got the Patek urge and parted with the Rolex for a Pre-owned Patek SS sport watch. Then I sold the Reverso and acquired a second Patek--a vintage Ellipse. Recently I evolved into thinking that my perfect two watch collection would be a Patek and a Rolex--both SS sport watches so I parted with the Ellipse upon finding the Rolex I wanted. So far I'm very happy with my current pair.

[Cru Jones]

Looks like this guy is ditching his Rolex for Patek:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFaWUCMA...=14l0uxvd3ifzk

[KBM]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

Looks like this guy is ditching his Rolex for Patek:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFaWUCMA...=14l0uxvd3ifzk

I'd like to see him do that in open waters.

[Dr.Stu]

Originally Posted by vandyologist

Definitely keep at least one. I used to own a bunch of Rolex but as my collection diversified, I now own fewer. I’m quite happy with the two that I have now, but may add back a PM Daytona. That said, the Patek get the most worst time.

Now that is a beautifully curated collection! I'm salivating over that Gronefeld Remontoir. (A red gold w/salmon dial will have to find its way to me someday).

My 5059 has been sitting, unloved, still sealed from Patek after a servicing. Might just be time to put it towards the Gronefeld- and I never sell-to-buy. (Is there such a thing as FOSO (Fear of Selling Out)?)

To answer the original question, I own & enjoy many brands, Rolex & Patek included. Variety is the spice of life!

[nda]

Originally Posted by 15400ST

Has anyone on here ditched Rolex in favor of a Patek? Not that Patek is much better when it comes to the Nautilus, Aquanaut, etc., but I'm tired of the "buy this to get that" game from Rolex AD's and the second hand market pricing is unsustainable in my opinion. I've now started debating the "crazy move" of ditching my bluesy and pepsi (both 5 digit) to go to a APRO and Patek (5396, 5230, 5205?) only combo.

Has anyone done this? Any regrets? Did you miss the variety in your collection? Did you miss having a Rolex?

Patek ownership is part of the watch journey - I owned an Aquanaut for a while, but ditched it in favour of a Sky Dweller. In fact I pretty much bought my Sky Dweller on the profit from selling the Patek.

I am happier with the Rolex as the Aquanaut felt small and delicate on me, so much so that I never wore it. So I was the other way around to your question.

[STLBrax]

Originally Posted by Swaye

I've told you this before, but this collection is superb!

Very nice. Three of those are on my all-time favorite list.

[enjoythemusic]

Went the opposite way, about 8 or 10 PPs first and then 8 or so Rolex. Needed solid reliability and good service times, something Patek no longer offers imho and that of others. Panerai is also excellent with good reliability, excellent customer service, and the normal 6 weeks repair times. You really should consider giving Panerai a try if you truly wear and use your timepieces.

[edyu]

Whenever I wear the Patek, my wife comments that it's a grade above Rolex.
However, recently I've been more drawn to the Rolex for the "solidness" and the heft (with a PM bracelet watch).

[fsprow]

Over time, I have added mainly to Patek and AP. I find most if not all of the Rolex sport watches look basically identical. Have used all watches hard, but had trouble only with one Aquanaut. The other Aquanaut, a Nautilus and Royal Oak 15500 have been trouble free.

However, Patek's service is lengthy and costly. AP's is outstanding but also costly.

[Mr. Miami]

Originally Posted by fsprow

Over time, I have added mainly to Patek and AP. I find most if not all of the Rolex sport watches look basically identical. Have used all watches hard, but had trouble only with one Aquanaut. The other Aquanaut, a Nautilus and Royal Oak 15500 have been trouble free.

However, Patek's service is lengthy and costly. AP's is outstanding but also costly.

in terms of service time we talking 6-8 weeks or longer based on model? for patek

[fsprow]

One Aquanaut for routine service took 8 weeks through NYC Stern. The other one had seals fail and was water damaged and took over four months in a nice expensive stay in Switzerland.

[cryptorx]

Originally Posted by Sg6067

I don’t have a large collection, but when I got my AP I was blown away by the level of finish. My Rolex stopped getting wrist time and I contemplated selling it. Though as time has passed I’ve realized that it’s nice to keep at least one Rolex. This feels awkwardly snobby to type but my Rolex has become the watch I wear when I don’t want to worry about scratching my RO. I have a one year old son so the struggle is real. I’d imagine people who have a Patek keep a Rolex for the same reason.
Moving forward my next big watch purchase will likely be a mildly dressy mid level Patek (possibly 5205g), which by the way is refreshingly easy to find at an AD (in my limited experience). To a lesser extent VC also has my attention. The level of quality the trinity watches achieve makes it very tough to look back.

You, sir, have very good taste! I did see a 5205g on display at a dealer on the weekend, which in a SoCal big city is no small feat! Imo it was the one that stood out best in the display case.

[cryptorx]

Originally Posted by azizu

I believe once you get used to the finishing of Patek Philiippe, AP and VC all of a sudden Rolex appear to be on a different level.
i'm sorry if this will offend some people, but i would never compare Rolex with the holy trinity. Rolex is more comparable to Omega.
I had a datejust and batman before i bought my first Patek. when i bought my first and secone patek the datejust saw no wrist time what so ever.
when i bought my VCOS my batman saw no wrist time what so ever (all of a sudden the batman felt very rough on the edges when compared to the amazing finishing of VC).
when i got my APRO 15500 i started really considering selling my Datejust (although it is my first real luxary watch).

Agreed, it is just on a whole other level

[cryptorx]

Originally Posted by vandyologist

Definitely keep at least one. I used to own a bunch of Rolex but as my collection diversified, I now own fewer. I’m quite happy with the two that I have now, but may add back a PM Daytona. That said, the Patek get the most worst time.

Which patek gets more wrist time?

[vandyologist]

Originally Posted by cryptorx

which patek gets more wrist time?

5711

[cryptorx]

Originally Posted by vandyologist

5711

That’s what I figured, very nice!!!

[kneedeep]

I would never want to be without a Rolex. Both is the right answer.

[Carlazzo]

Originally Posted by Ichiran

This is a more accurate size comparison of Aquanaut vs batman and 15400.

Attachment 1170949

Wow, great photo !! What beautiful pieces !

[Ichiran]

Originally Posted by Carlazzo

Wow, great photo !! What beautiful pieces !

Thank you!

[Carlazzo]

Originally Posted by Ichiran

Thank you!

I love also the watch holder !!