Rolex Daytona vs. JLC Reverso vs. Patek 3718

sham1 · 2017-08-04T10:24:02Z

Sham1 compares Rolex Daytona, JLC Reverso, and Patek Philippe 3718. Discover why these 'crazy' choices resonate with collectors and spark debate.

sham1

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

49 replies7454 views5 photos

Sham1 initiates a thought-provoking discussion by comparing three distinct watches—a Rolex Daytona, a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso, and a Patek Philippe Ref. 3718—challenging conventional collecting wisdom. His post delves into personal preferences and the emotional connection collectors form with their timepieces, inviting the community to weigh in on these 'apples and oranges' choices.

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but I am one who often compares apples and oranges (for the record, I prefer bananas!

)

I have discovered one thing during my first 6 weeks of retirement. I seem to be terribly busy doing absolutely nothing but perhaps I am spending more time on this site than ever igniting my desire to acquire another watch even though logic may dictate otherwise. Since when was this passion of ours ever logical or practical - it is afterall a passion

I have never quite liked Rolex watches apart from the vintage ones from the 20s and 30s (yes those small delicate ones!). However, there is one from the current collection (ok,ok, so it was discontinued thus year) which I keep trying on because it seems to have that X factor which to me is missing from the Rolex range. Perhaps it is a simple matter of the leather strap instead of a steel bracelet (I prefer leather straps!) but the rose gold Daytona with a white dial is a watch that perhaps allows me to think outside my normal comfort zone of dress watches, a watch that exudes a certain elegance which most Rolex watches I feel are missing.

Another watch which I have always been intrigued by is the Reverso especially the complicated ones. Alas, they are normally too large with lugs that do not wrap around one's wrist or have numerals that look somewhat plain. Last night I had the pleasure and privilege of meeting our fellow purist, Kamal Rostov, who showed me this lovely sun moon reverso! I am seldom keen on watches with black dials but the stylish numerals (some may say they are feminine and perhaps that is the attraction for me!

and the movement on show to me makes this my favourite reverso. The fact that the watch measure 42mm including the lugs makes this watch almost wearable but that dial, as fussy as some may argue, represents what to me is a beautiful dial. Totally sublime!

Lastly, I have always adored the much under rated and under valued Patek 3718 produced in 300 pieces for the Japanese market in conjunction with Patek's 150th anniversary. It may use the simple 215 manual movement but I love the simplicity of the dial's layoutl, its ivory colour and the great size of 33.5mm. The fact that it is in stainless steel is a further attraction but some may bemoan 'oh no Sham, not another Patek dress watch!! Then again, I may be establishing a much needed theme in my small collection to go with my 7200R London edition, the newly acquired vintage 1530A and the 5940G.

The choice is entirely mine of course but I would very much welcome and appreciate any input from my fellow purists because many a time, you are able to point out certain facts that I might have totally overlooked.

Thank you all!

Best wishes,

Sham

For me, the most stylish Rolex available

A romantic dial which I could get lost in!

Front or back - I am happy either way!

Pure elegance!

Simplicity with understated good looks

Key Points from the Discussion

The rose gold Daytona on a leather strap is seen as a more elegant and unique Rolex option compared to its steel bracelet counterparts, appealing to those who prefer dressier watches.
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Sun Moon with its distinctive black dial and stylish numerals is highlighted as a captivating and potentially wearable complicated Reverso, despite the author's usual preference against black dials.
The Patek Philippe Ref. 3718, a limited edition for the Japanese market, is praised for its understated elegance, 33.5mm stainless steel case, and simple manual movement, fitting a dress watch theme.
One collector prefers the older, smaller white gold Reverso and believes yellow gold Daytonas will gain popularity as rose gold's appeal fades, advocating for bracelet versions of the Daytona.
Rolex is not traditionally a dress watch manufacturer, but the Cellini line and rare vintage references like the 6062 and 6036 (Jean-Claude Killy) offer dressier options at significant price points.
The author emphasizes wearability as the most crucial factor in watch acquisition, noting that even beautiful enamel dials like the Patek 5131R were sold due to size concerns.
The lifestyle suitability factor is paramount, as a watch's appeal can change with evolving personal circumstances, and the new Oysterflex Daytona in gold is noted as a versatile option.
The author's past experiences with A. Lange & Söhne watches, including issues with weight and winding, illustrate the challenges of finding watches that truly resonate with individual tastes.

The Discussion

Alex83

Aug 4, 2017

that is not apples and oranges my friend,

Those are still fruits...your selection is rather like apples and...I don't know, sushi! I get you totally, I do not often pursue a theme, there are just random watches I like and there is a moment when need to choose one. If I was given the choice I would personally go for the Daytona. Good luck! Alex

sham1

Aug 4, 2017

:-)

I love sushi Alex!! Thanks for your choice. I actually asked three of my friends and the Rolex received two votes and the Jaeger one. But they are non watch collectors so I am wondering if the experts have a different view

Alex83

Aug 5, 2017

seems Daytona is winning?

Have you tried the new steel version with ceramic bezel?

sham1

Aug 5, 2017

I have Alex!

And I tried very hard to like it but I think I have a mental block when it comes to watches with bracelets! That is the only way I can explain how a leather strap on a rose gold Daytona can win my heart

georgeszaslavsky

Aug 4, 2017

Some things to consider

Rolex was never a dress watch manufcturer but if you are looking into a Rolex dress watch, then the new Cellini line is worth it. They make also some nice complications In the past Rolex had a watch with full calendar with a moonphase, it is the rare 6062, also there was the daytona with full clandar ref 6036 aka the Jean Claude Killy, both are very expensive watches starting at thousand of hundreds of dollars and cosdting much more than any Patek or any other high end watch. You also had some

sham1

Aug 4, 2017

Thank you George for enlightening me

and you are right - there are endless possibilities but based on my preferences and budget, there are just three!

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