Tough call...

Dec 21, 2023,15:02 PM
 

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 going for something a little bolder and already have a number of other watches in your rotation, then the AP is certainly more fun. I also think the connection to your GT3 Touring (lucky you!) brakes is kind of fun, so go for it!

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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 would vote n2, just because of the versatility it allows

 
 By: agyzace : December 21st, 2023-10:19
N3 is not my taste, but taste is each to his own as they say. Enjoy the choice!!

DD 36mm is versatile indeed

 
 By: Adilo : December 21st, 2023-17:30
I do like the way it hugs the wrist, stay classical and classy

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.

Good comparison!

 
 By: amanico : December 21st, 2023-20:44

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... 

Rolex is the obvious choice for good reasons

 
 By: mhz vph : December 21st, 2023-11:40
But I would go with the VC every single time.

No brainer. VC 222

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

The first three would make a spectacular trio! Any one of them would make a great choice depending on the rest of your collection and wearing habit.

 
 By: Chronometer (aka yacomino) : December 21st, 2023-12:17
For me I would hesitate between the rolex and the AR green dial as they would both get more wrist time then the other choices

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...  

Good choices to have. For this level of watch, I think you go with the one that steals your heart when it is on your wrist.

 
 By: David H : December 21st, 2023-12:43
Put logic aside. Not sure which I would choose, but it wouldn't be an offshore. Find them uncomfortable to wear after a few hours.

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.

My vote goes to the Day-Date, considering your requirements

 
 By: 1WatchMan : December 21st, 2023-14:17
Good luck, no wrong choice here!

This is going to complicate things but …

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : December 21st, 2023-14:21
Have you considered adding a nice Patek Philippe to your collection ?

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... 

The Patek 5212 would be my choice if i were him.

 
 By: hoseachandra : December 22nd, 2023-02:37
Or aquanaut, which can do whatever AP can do, but with much more versatility

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...  

You probably need …

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : December 22nd, 2023-09:11
Something robust to deal with that suspension 😉

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... 

Ha! These are good problems to have.

 
 By: g_schroder : December 22nd, 2023-18:13
I'm sure you'll enjoy whichever you decide on, even if it's a Seiko .

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. ...  

If you still can get hold of a smooth bezel

 
 By: penfriend : December 22nd, 2023-11:38
I would go 40 for the bezel distinction

Yes!!!!

 
 By: amanico : December 22nd, 2023-14:22

My car odometer cast the deciding vote

 
 By: saabman1997 : December 21st, 2023-22:50
...  

Signs ! :-)

 
 By: Adilo : December 22nd, 2023-07:49

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... 

The 222 keeps coming back

 
 By: Adilo : January 31st, 2024-10:59
...  

Cool one, mon ami.

 
 By: amanico : January 31st, 2024-14:36