MichaelC[AP Moderator]
22403
Given your circumstances...
I would choose the panda dial ss ROC.
It is true that the gold watch will be a bit more limiting. The ss ROC on the other hand is extremely versatile. You can always add a gold Royal Oak later.
Now all that said, when I read through your post I sense your heart wants the gold watch more, and that part of the appeal on a ROC is the savings. Certainly that is a big part to consider, but I have learned first hand that when I choose a watch based on cost more than my heart, I invariably come back to the one I really wanted.
So I don't know if the advice helps, but either way you are getting a great AP. And happy birthday to you!