My Which Watch Poll?

[Timber Loftis]

The only relationship these two watches have is that I've narrowed down my selection for a new watch for this Xmas between them. Other than that, they are worlds apart. But, they make sense for my collection, because one is what I would deem my dressiest watch and the other would be my first truly complicated watch, and also my first light-colored dial watch.

Poll is open for 9 days. Thanks for votes and any responses.

They are:
1. Rolex DJII SS Black on Black

and

2. Bremont Alt-1Z cream dial

I like both. Both are on my list of watches to acquire. I just want opinions on which one to get now.

[FeelingTheBlues]

DJII has my vote! I'm not a big fan of that Bremont...

[m_allie]

Dj all the way

[Mar122]

I'm a huge Rolex guy but the DJII does not sing to me at all. The Bremont on the other hand, has a nice look and a chronograph function

[Timber Loftis]

Originally Posted by Mar122

I'm a huge Rolex guy but the DJII does not sing to me at all. The Bremont on the other hand, has a nice look and a chronograph function

It also has a GMT hand, which has been my signature on all my watches thus far. As I mentioned, having a chrono, date, and GMT function, as well as an internal rotating bezel ((that is not smartly designed IMO, b/c the 5-increment minutes turn but the 24-hr level (the black ring of numbers) does not)). Basically, it'd be my only chrono thus far, probably my only ever, and keeping the date and GMT function.

It is a modified stock ETA movement, though.

It's a tough decision, and I appreciate your opinion.

[Mar122]

Originally Posted by Timber Loftis

It also has a GMT hand, which has been my signature on all my watches thus far. As I mentioned, having a chrono, date, and GMT function, as well as an internal rotating bezel ((that is not smartly designed IMO, b/c the 5-increment minutes turn but the 24-hr level (the black ring of numbers) does not)). Basically, it'd be my only chrono thus far, probably my only ever, and keeping the date and GMT function.

It is a modified stock ETA movement, though.

It's a tough decision, and I appreciate your opinion.

Sounds like the problem with the rotating bezel isn't that big but one wonders how the design team really misses these discrepancies.

The only other is is the modified stock movement and as I recall, your thread about in-house vs. stock movements did include a very good quote by the Bremont CEO and even though I'm really keen on in-house movements, I couldn't help but agreeing with him. I guess you have to see if you're fine with a modified ETA movement in a watch that you want to own.

Good luck with your decision.

[Andad]

Either would be a very nice Xmas present Jon.

I am still trying to figure out why Bremont woud go to all that trouble to rotate the 60 minute internal bezel?

Nice watch though.

[Timber Loftis]

Originally Posted by directioneng

I am still trying to figure out why Bremont woud go to all that trouble to rotate the 60 minute internal bezel?

Nice watch though.

I agree. Since the minutes part in the internal bezel rotates, it will function finely as an egg timer -- but if the outer part of it (the 1-24 portion) rotated, then you'd have a new time zone counter, as well as an egg timer! It boggles the mind how someone in the design team didn't notice that.

But, then again, how did the design team at Rolex approve the DJII with only 3 lume markers on the whole watch -- one on each hand and one at 9'o'clock of all places? It's gorgeous, but it's not incredibly functional. It's almost whimsical, which I do like.

[Cru Jones]

between those two, i prefer the DJII, but, i am not 100% sold on that style dial (the stick at 9 has always bothered me a tad). if going black, i prefer the full stick dial.

good luck with the choice. either option is quite nice.

[RRGHOST1]

I love the DJ II and think its a great looking watch,i like Bremont,but a Rolex would win every time.

[mjclark32]

Djii here too.

[1William]

DJ II all the way.

[capote]

DJ36 > Bremont > DJII IMHO

[Xenophon]

Bremont all the way. I own both and regret buying the DJII. The cream dial Alt1-Z is loveley and I think that Bremont are bringing out a cream leather strap too which might make a nice combo.

[esm]

DJII for me - i cant gel and don't understand Bremont....

although it seems that the English brothers knows what they are doing.....

[dddrees]

My vote goes to the DJII. I don't know too much about Bremont so the Rolex would be a great watch and the safer choice in my opinion.

[Timber Loftis]

Originally Posted by dddrees

Rolex would be a great watch and the safer choice

It goes without saying that the Bremont would not be bought with any "investment" intention in mind, and I recognize I'd basically be stuck with it forever. Like the 40 mm Pam in my avatar its marketability in the future would scrape the bottom of the barrel.

The DJII's are also at a high water mark in cost relevant to other Rolex's at the moment, IMO, especially since every authorized dealer as well as every grey dealer seems to be quick to point out that their version of the dial is the "hot one" right now, LOL. They're all special snowflakes, like " where all the children are above average" in a Garrison Keiller sign-off.

[cedargrove]

Both nice. Tough call, but I really like that Bremont, so it got my vote.

[rossi46]

DJ-II, but I'd personally go for the TT with green roman numerals.

[Timber Loftis]

Originally Posted by rossi46

DJ-II, but I'd personally go for the TT with green roman numerals.

That watch is my single favorite dial Rolex makes right now outside of the sport model dials -- Well, maybe the platinum DD is prettier, regardless point being it's a handsome dial. However, I don't do YG, so this is the SS version of that dial.

[mjm800]

DJII Where you going a cocktail party!

The ALT1-Z all the way.

The DJII (or any DJ) is just too dressy for me...I like a rugged watch that was built for the outdoors.

[Timber Loftis]

Originally Posted by mjm800

DJII Where you going a cocktail party!

The DJII (or any DJ) is just too dressy for me...I like a rugged watch that was built for the outdoors.

In all fairness, Michael, and with appropriate respect to Bremont (which is a wonderful case maker and stress tester using all stock or modified Vlajoux/ETA movements -- though that is ever so slowly changing* -- and I am still wanting one) the DJII houses a very rugged movement, and ranging across all models up to the platy DDII and Pearlmasters (at $70k+ and $90k+, respectively, both of which I tried on and viewed under a loupe tonight), they tend to be tough as nails. True that Bremont does some great stress-testing on their watches -- but other than being wary of scratches, you can't really say that the Rolexes are fragile just because they're dressy. Rolex is one of the few watchmakers that can hand you a gold watch that you can take off your wrist and throw in the dirt without too much worry. In all fairness, your DD Platy bead-set diamond settings are probably more at risk than your watch movement.

Plus, I have occasions for dressy watches. But then again, I am gauche enough to think that my GMTIIc, Pam 244, or Expy II (on bracelet or Nato even!) are perfectly dressy for a suit or tux. But, yes, this DJII would definitely my dressier watch choice.

* I think in this very forum, under the heading of "in-house movements" I addressed the validity or invalidity of valuing a watch on this issue, including a quote from one of the Bremont brothers. Long story short; I don't necessarily devalue a fine watch for using ETA/Valjoux movements, especially if modified well, but I do increase the value (in my mind) of an in-house make, even if it still uses some screws or a mainspring from the very few companies you can get such items from.

[Andad]

Originally Posted by Timber Loftis

In all fairness, Michael, and with appropriate respect to Bremont (which is a wonderful case maker and stress tester using all stock or modified Vlajoux/ETA movements -- though that is ever so slowly changing* -- and I am still wanting one) the DJII houses a very rugged movement, and ranging across all models up to the platy DDII and Pearlmasters (at $70k+ and $90k+, respectively, both of which I tried on and viewed under a loupe tonight), they tend to be tough as nails. True that Bremont does some great stress-testing on their watches -- but other than being wary of scratches, you can't really say that the Rolexes are fragile just because they're dressy. *Rolex is one of the few watchmakers that can hand you a gold watch that you can take off your wrist and throw in the dirt without too much worry. In all fairness, your DD Platy bead-set diamond settings are probably more at risk than your watch movement.

Plus, I have occasions for dressy watches. But then again, I am gauche enough to think that my GMTIIc, Pam 244, or Expy II (on bracelet or Nato even!) are perfectly dressy for a suit or tux. But, yes, this DJII would definitely my dressier watch choice.

* I think in this very forum, under the heading of "in-house movements" I addressed the validity or invalidity of valuing a watch on this issue, including a quote from one of the Bremont brothers. Long story short; I don't necessarily devalue a fine watch for using ETA/Valjoux movements, especially if modified well, but I do increase the value (in my mind) of an in-house make, even if it still uses some screws or a mainspring from the very few companies you can get such items from.

*That is close to blasphemy Jon and I demand an apology.

PS. I had a thought about the Bremont 'miinute bezel' adjuster. It is a fine way of zeroing that pesky chrono second hand and it avoids all those tedious 'my chrono hand is out of alignment threads'.

[asadtiger]

I have voted DJII 'only' because you asked and a person who has to ask 'others' opinions to buy a watch means he should buy the Rolex in the comparison :)

the Bremont is by far a lovely, well made watch which is more functional

[slcbbrown]

I'm not a DJII fan (DJ, yes) but would pick it over the Bremont because it's Rolex. I didn't catch any discussion of the costs for the two choices, and I wouldn't buy a Bremont if it approached the Rolex price-- too much for Bremont.

I like the look of the Bremont and have a couple chrono's with a similar look, but I'm not sold on the Bremont brand if the price is high. There are a lot of watches being made with the same look, and probably movement.

On the comment about toughness that someone mentioned, I agree that the Bremont has the "outdoorsy, macho" look, but you can't add lots of parts to a movement and make it more robust than a standard DJ. And, typically, chrono's with all the extra buttons are less water resistant than a run-of-the-mill oyster case.

[Timber Loftis]

Originally Posted by slcbbrown

I didn't catch any discussion of the costs for the two choices, and I wouldn't buy a Bremont if it approached the Rolex price-- too much for Bremont.

The Bremont would come in around $5k, which is below what I think their list prices are now, and the DJII would be retail at $8600. Either one would be my first AD watch purchase.

On the comment about toughness that someone mentioned, I agree that the Bremont has the "outdoorsy, macho" look, but you can't add lots of parts to a movement and make it more robust than a standard DJ.

I would expect both watches are tough as nails. Bremont stress tests their watches probably more than anyone else. They claim to heavily test every movement and field test every watch in their range. Their MB watch is the most heavily tested timepiece since the Omega moon watch. And, of course the Rolex is, well, a Rolex.

[Andad]

Originally Posted by slcbbrown

I'm not a DJII fan (DJ, yes) but would pick it over the Bremont because it's Rolex. I didn't catch any discussion of the costs for the two choices, and I wouldn't buy a Bremont if it approached the Rolex price-- too much for Bremont.

I like the look of the Bremont and have a couple chrono's with a similar look, but I'm not sold on the Bremont brand if the price is high. There are a lot of watches being made with the same look, and probably movement.

On the comment about toughness that someone mentioned, I agree that the Bremont has the "outdoorsy, macho" look, but you can't add lots of parts to a movement and make it more robust than a standard DJ. And, typically, chrono's with all the extra buttons are less water resistant than a run-of-the-mill oyster case.

Except for your run-of-the-mill Daytona.

[tifosi]

If you are going to get both anyway, then I would get the DJ first. I think if you get the Bremont first you will find yourself longing for the Rolex. I don't think that would happen the other way around. At least that's how I felt.

[Timber Loftis]

Bumping for some final input. I appreciate all that has been stated thus far.

[Timber Loftis]

Apology for suggesting you throw a rolex in the dirt or apology for the asterisk? Either way, I offer my humblest. Though I'm not terribly humble.

The minute bezel quote was funny as hell. I hope my AZ-1, when it arrives, doesn't have that pesky problem with it's chrono.