Reaching the End with Rolex - Advice on Next Acquisition - DJ41, JLC, Ingeniuer

[dmash]

Originally Posted by phillyEagles

Great choice indeed.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

These hit so much above their league for the price you can pick them up. I am doing an overhaul of my collection and was just in the situation of being able to pick up:

Option 1:
$15k- New Omega 3861 + New GP Laureato

Vs

Option 2:
$75k- New Daytona + New RO

FIVE TIMES as much for option 2, yet I think the Omega looks better, GP has better WR and more comfortable bracelet, and multiple other factors. I obviously chose option 1 (granted I did get a bit of a good deal). Rolex/AP/PP hype is opening the door on some amazing bargains for other brands.

[jmgorman]

Originally Posted by Poodlopogus

For me, the Ingenieur isn't as overpriced relative to Rolex as it is relative to other, more similar watches.

When I think about three-handed, integrated bracelet watches that are $10-15,000, I think of:

GP Laureato (the clear winner)
Zenith Defy
Chopard Alpine Eagle

Each bests the Ingenieur in my mind.

I also love the Laureato - the smaller model was a surprise, but OP seems to prefer a bigger watch. The Zenith is so chonky - the thickness really makes it wear awkwardly. I really, really want to like the Alpine Eagle, but I feel like the design flourishes are distracting in a sportwatch.

[Poodlopogus]

Originally Posted by jmgorman

I also love the Laureato - the smaller model was a surprise, but OP seems to prefer a bigger watch. The Zenith is so chonky - the thickness really makes it wear awkwardly. I really, really want to like the Alpine Eagle, but I feel like the design flourishes are distracting in a sportwatch.

Agree on the Zenith Defy 41mm. The Pilot is a much, much better execution of a three-hand El Primero watch, IMO (and it's nuts that it can be had new for less than $1,000 over the IWC Mk XX).

If one wants the integrated style w/o the thickness, there are still Defy Classics floating around out there in dealer cases, but I think they came primarily in titanium (there may have been PM versions) They have the Elite, though.

[enjoythemusic]

Guess it depends if you choose to be a follower or a leader.

Obviously AP / PP for followers.

H. Moser if you're a leader.

MB&F if your an adventurer.

Jmho

[exp90]

Another vote for VC.

[dannyboy123]

By way of an update I pulled the trigger on the black dialled IWC Ingenieur yesterday. Got a small discount. Buying duty free so dont get it until I travel overseas in November.

[Obi Wan]

What about a A. Lange & Söhne or Glashütte with perpetual calendar?

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by dannyboy123

By way of an update I pulled the trigger on the black dialled IWC Ingenieur yesterday. Got a small discount. Buying duty free so dont get it until I travel overseas in November.

Very nice, congrats!! Looking forward to the pics.

[dmash]

Update- I tried on the Laureato after buying, man the 42 felt a smidge too big for the plain design and bezel. I ended up selling it because of this. Highly suggest anybody reading this thread to try one on in store, as I felt it was more dinner plate than a sub for example.

[1William]

Congratulations.

[Poodlopogus]

Originally Posted by dmash

Update- I tried on the Laureato after buying, man the 42 felt a smidge too big for the plain design and bezel. I ended up selling it because of this. Highly suggest anybody reading this thread to try one on in store, as I felt it was more dinner plate than a sub for example.

Too bad, as it's a watch I always "root for" but in reality I'm not sure why they had to go so big for what is essentially the only option (save the copper and green ceramic variants). I could see doing 42 for the chronograph, or other more complicated versions, but not the three-hander.

I think there's a reason most (AP, VC, PP, Breguet, Chopard, PF, Zenith, IWC) top out at 41 for "standard" size these days for simple three-handers. Honestly, I think even that is too big and wouldn't be looking at anything over 38 (preferably 36/37).

[dmash]

Originally Posted by Poodlopogus

Too bad, as it's a watch I always "root for" but in reality I'm not sure why they had to go so big for what is essentially the only option (save the copper and green ceramic variants). I could see doing 42 for the chronograph, or other more complicated versions, but not the three-hander.

I think there's a reason most (AP, VC, PP, Breguet, Chopard, PF, Zenith, IWC) top out at 41 for "standard" size these days for simple three-handers. Honestly, I think even that is too big and wouldn't be looking at anything over 38 (preferably 36/37).

GP would be perfect at 40 for me after wearing. I also prefer the older 15300 39 from AP for example. For the price I really, really wanted the GP to work. But yeah, something felt off.