YG DD2 or PP Calatrava ?

[AboutTime]

I apologize in advance for another “this or that” thread.

I’m about to pull the trigger on a new YG DD2 that I would love to own and wear. I would be buying the DD2 from my local AD because the owner has agreed to a deal that’s almost too good to pass. I own no Rolex at the present time, having traded my only Rolex last year to partially fund a finer Rolex (purchased from the same AD) for my wife. Despite the great deal available on the DD2, the amount of money I’m about to spend would fund an “entry level” PP Calatrava, another watch on my “some-day” wish list.

As background, I currently own two relatively new timepieces, a stainless Breguet Marine (my daily wearer) and a rose gold Jaeger Master Ultra Thin Moon 39.

I know exactly which dial combination I want on the DD2 but my thoughts about the various Calatrava models are a bit jumbled. I appreciate the Rolex reputation for robustness and I’m concerned that the Calatrava might be both too delicate and too costly to service. On the other hand, the DD2 would be very bold and flashy, whereas the Calatrava would be understated.

Yes, I have to make the decision but I’d appreciate any suggestions.

[kilyung]

I'd want at least one Rolex in my collection so I'd get the DD2.

[watchwatcher]

DDII. Out of curiosity, what dial combo are you looking at?

[GIS8]

Calatrava

[Balsquat]

I would go 36mm Day-Date personally. While I love the Calatrava, I have the same concern as you do about accessibility to receive service on a Patek.

[dddrees]

Sounds like you want the DD2 anyway and your getting the combo you want, get the DD2 and visit the Patek later when you've decided exactly what you want.

[perpetualman88]

DDII

if you want a PP with a calatrava case I would get something with a complcation such as a world time annual calendar ext

[vintagewaferthin]

Definatly calatrava

[thomaspp]

DDII - now if we're talking a nautulis or aquanaut then the choice would get very difficult.

[Sam Philip]

Ddii

[gwozhog]

The Patek movement is probably much more impressive than the DDII but aesthetically the DDII is as good as it gets. Not only the case but the bracelett is a masterpiece. There quite a few members on here who own just a DD or DDII and they are single watch owners. For them the itch is scratched and no need to buy anything else. To me that says alot about a watch. Post pics of your decision.

[Grumpy Badger]

To me it depends on how you're going to wear it...

IMO the Rolex with it's oyster case and bracelet is a semi-dress watch (ie geared more towards day to day business wear) whereas the PP is a true dress watch.

Personally the DDII doesn't melt my butter at all so I'd go for a 5119j.

[AboutTime]

Originally Posted by kilyung

I'd want at least one Rolex in my collection so I'd get the DD2.

I'm leaning toward the Rolex and I believe the DD2 would completely satisfy my Rolex "itch."

[AboutTime]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

DDII. Out of curiosity, what dial combo are you looking at?

I prefer the YD DD2 with the silver roman dial. The ivory concentric arabic dial would be my second choice.

[Watchdog]

Normally I would choose PP over Rolex; however, in this case you should choose the DD.

[roger0770]

DD2

[AboutTime]

Originally Posted by Balsquat

I would go 36mm Day-Date personally. While I love the Calatrava, I have the same concern as you do about accessibility to receive service on a Patek.

I must admit that the 36mm DD is a better fit to my small wrist in the traditional sense. I've tried on the spectacular 36mm DD with silver diamond dial in my AD's case; I could purchase that combination for the same price as the DD2. In the last few months, however, I've become accustomed to the look of larger men's watches. My wife now wears a 36mm TT DJ and my son, whose wrists are as small as mine, wears a 41mm TT DJ.

[kcmo]

Go for a DD!

[AboutTime]

Originally Posted by thomaspp

DDII - now if we're talking a nautulis or aquanaut then the choice would get very difficult.

I did recently look at a stainless steel Aquanaut on steel bracelet and thought it was beautiful! But, I love the dial of my Breguet Marine and think the Aquanaut would be too similar. If I chose to sell my Breguet, it might be a different story.

[AK797]

Dont apologise for this type or a poll thread, I love them. Id pick DD here.

[BarkMaster]

Depends on the desired use.

Originally Posted by Grumpy Badger

IMO the Rolex with it's oyster case and bracelet is a semi-dress watch (ie geared more towards day to day business wear) whereas the PP is a true dress watch.

Agreed!

From a branding perspective, the Rolex would be recognized by a larger number of people, but the PP would possibly command the respect of WIS and the "country club set".

When considering the size, choosing what is "manly" vs. what actually looks complimentary may cause you to own a watch with the wrong proportions and angles for your arm size. It sounds like a 36mm DD would look better on you (the way I look at "fit").

Try them both on and see what you like best on your wrist.

[AboutTime]

Originally Posted by BarkMaster

Depends on the desired use.

When considering the size, choosing what is "manly" vs. what actually looks complimentary may cause you to own a watch with the wrong proportions and angles for your arm size. It sounds like a 36mm DD would look better on you (the way I look at "fit").

Try them both on and see what you like best on your wrist.

I will do just that. I thank everyone for their suggestions!

[watchf]

I would choose the DD2 if I were to have to choose between the two. I would feel much more satisfied with the DD but that is me :-) but like others have pointed out have a look at the DD 36mm as well, just for size discussion I have a YG 36mm DD and had a TT DJ II. The 36mm DD looks elegant on my wrist while the DJII is beautiful as well but it just couldn't reach the level of elegance on me partly due to its bigger case/shape/bezel and I was worried that 36mm might be too small before I got it :-)

Sent from my Android mobile

[thomaspp]

Originally Posted by Leem

I did recently look at a stainless steel Aquanaut on steel bracelet and thought it was beautiful! But, I love the dial of my Breguet Marine and think the Aquanaut would be too similar. If I chose to sell my Breguet, it might be a different story.

Nice breguet! Similar because of their intended function you mean? Looks are extremely different.

The DDII is a wonderful piece, but I keep passing on it. I was between an aquanaut and a DD a year ago nd went for the aqua and then again this month between a YGGMT and DD and went for the GMT. This RGDD really got me going though...

image.jpg

Good luck!

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by thomaspp

The DDII is a wonderful piece, but I keep passing on it. I was between an aquanaut and a DD a year ago nd went for the aqua and then again this month between a YGGMT and DD and went for the GMT!

You're just waiting for platinum buddy!

[thomaspp]

Originally Posted by kilyung

You're just waiting for platinum buddy!

maybe my friend, but only if you agree to manage my watch fund and produce that 95% return you were raving about the other day!

Glacier blue is pretty fabulous.... I do also really like the everrose...

[jerseyden]

Calatrava every time.

[jolimont]

you get more bang for your buck with the DD but then again you're competing against a Patek

I would go the Calatrava

[capote]

The Calatravas are very elegant, where a DD2 is flashy and robust. Depends on your preference. I would go with a Calatrava myself, it defines a gentlemans watch.

[padi56]

Not a huge fan of most Patek watches and not really a fan of precious metal watches but if I had to choose it would be the Rolex simply because IMHO its a better style of watch.