Patek Philippe

Doctor
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I have owned a few cats...but I love apples

John, what a great dilemma! Both are beautiful timepieces and despite those who might not want to debate the decision, I think your chosen options make a lot of sense. There is nothing unusual about craving both of these very different but equally beautiful pieces.

I love the unique practicality of the VC 1921 for a working executive. Dozens of times every day we look down at our watches at just that angle and thus it makes no sense why more designers don’t take advantage of this innovation. There are consulting firms that advise their consultants to wear their watches upside down so that clients never catch them making the international “what time is it, I’m bored with you” hand motion. If you are a white-collar guy who needs your watch to be both practical in its style and use, then the 1921 pulls ahead. I’ve considered the watch myself.

For some having even a small bit of yellow gold on their wrist can be a bit too flashy for their profession and lifestyle. I find this is the case for me and it is one reason why I sold my last and final Rolex, a GMT IIc. But if the inner haute horlogerie in you can’t go without some wrist art, but it just can’t be too flashy, this could be a strong mark against the VC 1921. But compared on the bling Richter scale, the VC gets an 8 compared to a Rolex’s 98, the Aquanaut is below the radar for the oh so non-watch savvy world. 

Also to consider is if ever there will be a time that you will be within the vicinity of water. Have you ever gone to a gym, or a party where there is a pool or anyplace with the combination of water and strangers? Can you imagine perhaps a few friends inviting you to partake in a water activity at the spur of the moment? If not I feel sorry for your social life and lack of activity. But if water and your watch might come to a fork in the road, you must ask if you are ok with leaving a golden temptation for a young punk to pilfer. Besides leaving your wallet out of your sight, ask yourself if leaving a shiny VC 1921 worth many thousands of dollars out of your sight is something you don’t mind doing.

Frankly I hate leaving a $10,000 watch in my shoe at a beach or in an unlocked locker in a strange gym. I’d rather wear an Aquanaut into the river and canoe trusting in the integrity of the manufacture vs. trusting in the integrity of the local riff raff. I would rather take that quick dip into the pool or even shower with my quiet but expensive piece of Patek art on my wrist than have a VC wrapped up in my shirt with my wallet. I have no problem getting Amex to send me a new card and cancel the recent charges but calling my insurance company to explain how I forgot to lock my watch in my car before taking that hike near the river is another matter.

This is the reason the AP Royal Oak, Patek Nautilus, and all those hoi polloi Rolexes have become so popular and it amazes me how slow the top echelon names in watchmaking have been realizing how much market share they have surrendered to Rolex because of this one differentiation and yet much desired quality in an expensive timepiece. I promise you, the more the top shelf brands design, build and sell watches unafraid of water (100 meters minimum) the more their market will jump and the Rolex marketshare will dwindle.

Bottom line, get the watch that empowers you to live more, not less. You’ll know it in your gut as you work through the next couple of weeks, it will be as obvious as a ham sandwich as you live your life and think about what  will make you happy and what will work for you vs. it…and you’ll never think twice about not getting the other piece.

But the best option, is to just buy both! You can always make more money, but you may not be able to quickly find another one of your perfect timekeepers. 

I hope the other responses weren't discouraging. That's not the typical spirit for this forum.