Rolex - I just love them both

I just love them both

In spite of today’s trend and probably because of the limited size of my wrist (17cm) I feel much more comfortable with watches having a quite reasonable size. This is the reason why 36 mm diameter watches fit well on my wrist and my taste leads me towards this kind of watches that many could find too small in size against present standards.

Also for this reason I highly appreciate simple 3 hands watches with no complications at least for my every day use. Thus since many years I have been very naturally seduced by the very coveted classy Patek 2526, the mother of all Calatravas (that I have already presented here in a review early September).

And for the same reason I could not resist when I first saw its cousin from the Rolex house. The rarity of this piece (because of the model and obviously because of the Tiffany dial) but certainly also its exceptional condition pushed me to grab it with no hesitation. Of course they don’t “box” in the same category but that is not the point: I don’t mean to compare them, on the contrary: they have so many similarities I thought it could be interesting to present them in parallel.

Size of the case is similar and was qualified as “oversized” at that time with their 36mm diameter

Although the design of the case is obviously different, it is clear they are from the same period (1956 for the Patek, 1964 for the Rolex).

Their similar fluid shape falls ideally on the wrist and they are equally comfortable to wear thanks to their very reasonable 11mm thickness.

As for the dial, in spite of the clear differences (baked enamel dial with small second at 6:00 for PP, silverstone soleil dial with sweep second for the Rolex), the global aspect looks very similar mainly due to the dauphine hands (with tritium for the Rolex), the gold indexes and minute track.

And from another angle

Of course both original crowns proudly carry the logo of their respective Houses

As for the caliber they are however less comparable: when the 2526 shows the mythic 12-600 AT inside (the first self-winding movement of the manufacture) with its massive 18K guilloche golden rotor and stamped with the Geneva seal

The Rolex shows a more modest but robust and reliable 1560 caliber that runs strongly and perfectly

Each of the 2 watches is having its charm and beauty.

Actually I am not asking to myself if I love one more than the other: would you ask yourself this question if you had 2 children?

Of course not and this is just the same: I cherish them equally, I just love them both.

Best,

Mike

💰1862 Marketplace Listings for Rolex›

Two pieces of Elegance, for sure. The dials and cases are superb. Bravo!

By: amanico : November 8th, 2012-23:35

And the signed Patek crown is SUBLIME! Thanks for sharing. Best, Nicolas

An excellent post which shows that the value of a watch is so much more than £££££ [nt]

By: ImranLondon : November 8th, 2012-23:50

Two lovely vintage dress watches for sure!

By: anaesdoc : November 9th, 2012-04:34

The size of 36 mm is perfect in my eyes for a dress watch. I would like to see more of this diameter around nowadays. But it is a good reason to have a closer look on the vintage ones :-). Kind regards anaesdoc

Amazing review ! What a pair of watches !!

By: DrStrong : November 9th, 2012-06:43

thanks a lot for posting !

Nice, classic and elegant

By: FrancisV : November 9th, 2012-11:06

Congrats, they are both great watches, specially the "oversize" Rolex, reference 1013, (36mm case and 20mm lugs) and really rare to find.

Hello Mike! Great presentation of your two so charming...

By: Subexplorer : November 9th, 2012-14:18

... watches. I love these type of watches, which as you well say, could be considered small for todays satandards, but I like to wear them so much. They are both charming and elegant, and so enjoyable to have on our wrist. Thank you for a wonderful post, ...