i would definitely choose VC....

Dec 21, 2023,13:14 PM
 

It ticks all of your boxes:


weareability: It is super thin and wears accordingly. Not top heavy or anything like that! Also probably lighter than the Plating Daytona.
timeless iconic design: Its there as well. This is also give with the DayDate, but a connaisseur would immediately know what it is! 
value retention: Now this is maybe a tough one. The list price of the 222 has gone up and generally rather on the "high side", at least from my view, currently CHF 74k! This piece might not retain the value at this lvl, but i dont think you will be able to buy it a discount in the near future either. 

And you mentioned, that you are around 54, to be 55. At 55 i would want an elegant design piece, which is sleek and super refined looking. I totally see myself wearing a 222 with 55! 100%, not so much the AP or the DD in ice blue. The ice blue is "too cold" for me!

Hope this helps
 

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Seeking advice here

 
By: Adilo : December 21st, 2023-10:05
Dear watch community, As we are heading to Christmas celebrations, my best wishes to you all and your beloved ones. It took me a while to post this call for advice. Quite happy with my watch collecting journey, which started with Cartier, Tudor, GS/Credor...  

Not an easy task...

 
By: fmc000 : December 21st, 2023-10:07
...as you couldn't have chosen three more different watches (representing three different TYPE of watches). I can only say that i don't like that AP.

Clear position, thanks!

 
By: Adilo : December 21st, 2023-10:57
If I may read your mind, I would say 16202 is way better, and I do like it

I love them all

 
By: Adilo : December 21st, 2023-17:34
One thing is sure : the DD was always my air cooled 911 of watches. Hard to tick all boxes with one watch, but that remains a nice problem to have.

Not a rolex person

 
By: Arronax : December 21st, 2023-11:07
If it was a special occasion watch I would want to wear it as much as possible hence I would pick the DD. The VC looks old fashioned in a bad way to my eyes at least. The AP would be nice as a weekend watch in the same way that a 47mm panerai does but pro... 

And a week-end watch is an important watch!

 
By: Adilo : December 21st, 2023-17:40
Most comments lean toward DD for versatility. I am wodering if my RO 37mm steel blue dial isn't enough for that sport / dressy watch role ...  

They are all fantastic!

 
By: KCLQMULKU : December 21st, 2023-11:14
Yet so different. The second is I feel a secure choice, whilst the last two are bold (but of course beautiful) power pieces. However, the VC I feel is a classic beauty that can be worn at work, casually, but perhaps on a watch roll during more sporty acti... 

No brainer. VC 222

 
By: Chewbacca : December 21st, 2023-11:55
Will skyrocket in value in the future and totally wearable. If you can get it, buy it.

with all your criteria mentioned only the DD40 checks all boxes imo

 
By: penfriend : December 21st, 2023-12:32
I have got that one for three years now and it would be the last to leave my collection as it works for every occasion, every time of the year and it has the best bracelet (president in plat is really something). It will about keep its value I guess which...  

I would say that you first have to choose between dressy or sporty,

 
By: quattro_spirit : December 21st, 2023-12:45
as, for me, the 222 & Day-Date belong to the dressy category, whereas the Offshores belong to the sporty one. You write that "the choice would consider (...) fit with a lifestyle mixing corporate job responsibility, fun, automobile and that little thi... 

Thanks! to me the dressy/sporty option would be the DD

 
By: Adilo : December 22nd, 2023-18:16
The 222 attracts me in its yellow gold guise and that smooth cream dial, so soothing... I guess the DD wins with the platinum / diamonds / WR, in addition to the price difference

Number 2 - by a mile!

 
By: Timeout : December 21st, 2023-13:02
I love Vacheron - but that Maltese Cross on the flange just kills it for me - it’s like designer Boss - way too shouty. Likewise not a fan of the Offshore. Always look to me like they are designed for a bracelet with those end links - so every time I see ... 

The Rolex

 
By: SoylentGreenChi : December 21st, 2023-13:14
Of the three, I’d go with the Rolex. If the AP chose was a jumbo, I’d say AP, but my guess is you already have a jumbo or another Royal Oak. I am not a fan of the VC 222. My honest take: the 222 is a tired release of a conglomerate brand without new ideas... 

i would definitely choose VC....

 
By: @lberti : December 21st, 2023-13:14
It ticks all of your boxes: - weareability: It is super thin and wears accordingly. Not top heavy or anything like that! Also probably lighter than the Plating Daytona. - timeless iconic design: Its there as well. This is also give with the DayDate, but a... 

Thank you all for your super valuable comments

 
By: Adilo : December 21st, 2023-13:34
Feedback has that wake-up call effect, and I can say that I tend to prefer the DD and the Offshores for different reasons. The DD has been a long term quest and I promised myself I’d wear one someday, it is in fact a matter of time. 36 or 40? Is another q...  

I like the Offshores and they look great on your wrist.

 
By: GWIS : December 21st, 2023-13:56
I have been wondering about the Offshores as well. I am of a similar age to you and one factor that has stopped me getting an Offshore is that I think it may look out of place on me as I get older. If you're looking for a watch to keep then I think the Da... 

Feel the same way

 
By: SoylentGreenChi : December 21st, 2023-14:30
now that I am on the north side of 50, I think about how a new purchase will “age” with me, so to speak.

Wondered the same thing

 
By: SoylentGreenChi : December 21st, 2023-14:37
My guess is that any Patek he could get at MSRP (eg. 5205) would take a drubbing on resale value. That said, given aesthetics, I think the 5205 is a fabulous option to consider. Also wondered if the OP would consider an FP Journe, MB&F (since he’s wil... 

Glad you brought that up!

 
By: Adilo : December 22nd, 2023-09:34
Actually, PP are putting me on a track : Calatrava then Nautilus 5726. that could also be the way to go, No decision made yet

Thank you all for your super valuable comments

 
By: Adilo : December 21st, 2023-14:46
Feedback has that wake-up call effect, and I can say that I tend to prefer the DD and the Offshores for different reasons. The DD has been a long term quest and I promised myself I’d wear one someday, it is in fact a matter of time. 36 or 40? Is another q...  

Out of these 3

 
By: TeutonicCarFan : December 21st, 2023-14:57
I'd say DD by far. That being said I'm not a huge rolex guy so I get why you wouldn't want rolex as you statement piece, but platinum DD is fantastic. Can consider plt datograph orpp 5172🤷‍♂️

Tough call...

 
By: g_schroder : December 21st, 2023-15:02
Since you've removed the 222 from the options, I think I'd lean in the direction of the Rolex. While I tend to find Rolex pretty hard to get excited about, it is a very good every-day watch and seems more versatile to me than the AP. However, if you're go... 

Thanks! you' touched a sensitive chord here

 
By: Adilo : December 22nd, 2023-08:19
I am sensitive to that connection between the AP End of Days and the GT3 Touring with its yellow calibers, seatbelts and dash needles, but I could equally enjoy a Bruce Lee Seiko 5 in that case ... The excellence of AP craftsmanship and the end an era wit... 

I'm an AP guy...but recommend the DD40!

 
By: pfang56 : December 21st, 2023-15:31
Nothing more classic and endearing than a Platinum Presidential with an ice blue dial, especially given your situation. It's a perfect, elevated "daily driver" which would be an outstanding milestone watch, that will never go out of style. I think the AP'... 

Thanks for your advice, nicely put in context

 
By: Adilo : December 22nd, 2023-08:09
Tried both 40 and 36mm, I think the 36 sits better on my wrist and blends better with the bracelet. ...  

Rolex is obviously safe choice, but a bit boring, maybe if that would be your one watch collection ....

 
By: hoseachandra : December 22nd, 2023-02:41
Which i assume not. If you dont mind the lowly water resistant of VC, that thing is beauty. Otherwise, i would look for other choices such Patek Aquanaut or VC overseas 37 mm. Personally i think AP offsgore is is too bulky and not comfortable in long wear...