Horological Meandering

Hi everyone. My fiance wants to buy me a watch and I'm having the hardest time deciding which one!! It's a huge battle between Breguet's Reine de Naples and Patek's Calatrava (with diamonds in rose gold). I know that for the brand value, Patek definitely has the upper hand but there aren't many forums out there that explains women's watches. Both are so expensive and SO pretty!! It's so hard. Which watch do you think will be more classic and still look good 10 years from now? I don't think I'll ever sell this watch but which watch do you think will go up in value? Thanks!!

I this case the breguet piece is more original, and from the diamond point of view, both are equivalent in quality. Maybe PP has a tendency to preserve more value.  both watches do not have any type of complication, so I Believe in time both will loose value in a similar proportion. Again the breguet is more appealing to the eyes.

Thanks for joining our dialogue here!  And best wishes on your upcoming wedding!  You and your fiance are considering two very lovely pieces.

So don't even think of it as an investment. Ladies watches with diamonds easily loses 50% off their list price, if not more, once it's out of the retail store. Gone are the days of rapid price appreciation, these days, it's about lost minimization excercise.

You are picking between two apples.  It is simply a question of which one you like.  If you are investing for the future you are in the wrong segment.

This is an emotional statement that s discreet between you and your future.

If you want a more overt statement a Chanel bag and a gold Rolex Daytona will convey a louder message.  I like both Rolex and Chanel so it is not a put down just a way to help focus your message.

A young couple may want to communicate two different messages one more conservative and one more opulent.  In a lifetime we have many chances to communicate both.

Just choose the message of the day and the message that communicate what you feel today.  If finally it is an investment look elsewhere.

Kind regards

Bill

in my opinion, and as said before do not look at this as an investmnt.  Make the choice based on what you are going to enjoy for years to come.  They are are both prestigious brands, but the Breguet is much more interesting in shape and design and I would think you would be much less likely to become bored with it over the years.

Stewart

jiuhn.han,

Congratulations whichever way you decide.

The most important criterium is that this is a 'memories watch'.

The current Mrs MTF has a 'memories box' that she keeps....well.....our memories inside.  It could be a old cinema ticket of our first movie together or a petal from my first rose to her.  The point is that this is for keeping and you have to consider the passage of time.

 

The Breguet case is unique and immediately it is different from all the round watches in all the world from any brand, irrespective of the Patek Philippe name.

 

The neutral white gold Breguet watch will be easier to match clothes and other accessories over time; at least that is what appears to be important to the current Mrs MTF. I suspect that this will not be a daily wearer to the supermarket sort of watch but a special occasion and dress up nice timepiece. That is why the conservatibe black or navy blue strap will be better than a white one in the long run.

 

Just thinking out loud.....

 

 

Regards,

MTF

 

 

 

This message has been edited by MTF on 2013-05-06 01:07:00

the "current" Mrs MTF.

In-joke or realist?

For all of us, it is only by the Grace of God that we survive.....

Even 2nd degree murderers get off for less than that time in jail!

 

On the other hand, I have had the same "current Mrs MTF" for nearly quarter of a century (boy, it sounds long when said like that).

Most of my college buddies are on their 2nd or 3rd and even one 4th Mrs......imagine being a father when you are 52 years old.. Does not sound like a problem until I pointed out to him when the child is 10 years old and wants to play football, Dad will be a puffing respiratory physician of 62 years age collapsed by the touchline!

You can forget your Hublot Big Bang Manchester United when that happens.

 

Regards,

MTF

Love the way it looks. I find that Patek a bit boring. The Breguet looks much more femenine and elegant, to me.

 

Let us know which one you choose.

 

cheers

 

 

Vte

It is more unique, yet not so outlandish as to not age well. Mechanically, it is very cool with its use of a silicon balance spring and escapement. Also, the oval case is more feminine and lends itself well to more formal dress engagements, because of the bracelet-like fit of the watch. As a woman myself, I value that in a timepiece.

Good luck with your choice, and congratulations on your pending nuptials.

Cheers,
Daos

... strap them both on your wrist and decide which one looks better, suits your lifestyle, fits most comfortably on your wrist and makes you smile.

The Breguet looks far better and more unique to me. And I like the history associated with the Reine de Naples line.

Of the large companies I have serviced watches with, Breguet was the most communicative and helpful during the service period. [However I have not had a watch serviced by Patek, so I cannot comment directly.]

Let us know what you decide. Either will be a special piece for you to look back on and enjoy.

Andrew

i think ladies watches won't go upper the price they have,and i would choose Breguet also for the fantastic case and the look.i hope she will be happy with your choice.

Among the two i would choose the Reine de naples. Love the design.

Me and my wife bought ourselfs a pair of his/hers Patek aquanaute for our wedding . It was our first experience with Patek and we enjoy wearing it. Its a sign of togetherness for us.

Maybe a pair of his/her nautilus or calatrava is something to consider for this special occasion. Just an option you and your Fiance might consider,

Best

Iceman.

Thank you for all your suggestions! It's helped me a lot in deciding which watch to buy.
I have finally decided to get the Breguet Reine de Naples.. but in the smaller design with the roman numerals.
Maybe in the future I can afford to buy a Patek ladies watch with complications ;-)

The smaller RdN with Romans is a watch that my wife admires quite a bit -- you will be very fortunate to own it.

I wish you many happy years in love, and with this new watch!

Cheers,
Daos

definitely the breguet, its so much more unique and just seems more special, the patek is just a watch with diamonds on it