My 3 big hitters.... And I'm done!

[Busyboy]

So first of all... I literally can't believe I've got to this point...  And second of all I literally cannot believe I've got to this point.

I've been into watches since I was 5 or 6 years old, watches of all sorts have been an obsession and a passion now for approaching 4 decades.    

- I've been electively 'self brain washed' and totally absorbed, in the pursuit of learning about, owning, then, evolving further - along a path of attaining (relative to my means - and then a smidge more) - the best I could get :  'my dream watches'.

I haven't always been lucky enough to get what I aspired to easily or in many cases at all.  But accepting what was possible, and then stretching it far beyond just "a passing desire" has become almost an occupation.   I've even actively focused on "manifesting the dream"    - its been "meditative".

I am massively appreciative of the journey to this point.  But as I've got here -  I wanted to share where "here" is :

In no particular order:


116500 black:

After a bunch of sports Rolex came and went - eventually it became 'all about the Daytona'. 

I lost big time money on my 116509 and regrettably never realised the potential of my 16520.  So eventually, fortuitously, and after a lot of effort, along came my c500.  I love it.  I feel lucky to have one.

I was lucky enough to get it from AD @ rrp, which makes it all the sweeter.

It is however: a Rolex, so I can trust it -  in every way, as such it has become my daily wearer, work, gym and a leisure piece. 

I honestly opted for the under dog black dial, over the white, and am still glad I did.



15202 blue:

This one was love at first sight... It was my favorite Genta from the off.  And I value the fact that it was conceptually conceived first, (before the 5711) too...

I'm very fond of this iteration dial wise (most recent) and I look at it the way a proud parent looks at their child's "first step" photo. 

Its not to be trusted in the water I don't think, so its for dinner dates and relaxing at home.

I got this one from the "London lounge" at its most recent iteration of rrp...

It came to me, with difficulty, after several price rises and then being rated as a boutique only piece.  For quite literally years, its  permanent elusivity and always having been just out of reach, vexed me massively... 

It is my most appreciated piece, as such.... But gets the least wear on account of the lack of trust in the waterproofing on that crown. 



5711 white:

I honestly preferred white to blue since its 2012 debut... It just struck me as having more pop than the blue and ultimately being a bit more nonconformist - like perhaps a yellow Bentley - But more heritage respectful than that haha... I guess I knew I'd want a blue 15202 so the contrast there is appreciated too.

To me the " fading " of the blue is a little moot and I really don't understand the super hype.  I'm by no means a blue basher though, so I'll leave it there... I do rate Patek massively and to have now joined the club is amazing.  The fact the white dial is produced in fewer numbers, and only for the last few years (not all 40) makes it very appreciated.

The original watch, as we know, was released in 1976 :  (just like me)...   I've grown an affinity and an appreciation of this one,  rather than it being love at first sight.  Its been more of an evolution of desire, but in no way overlooked.

Now after some twists and turns (and unfortunately another 20% price hike) I finally have the dial I always preferred!!

I bought this one second hand, saving a little from the Grey prices, but i still paid  the march 1st rrp for it... I can handle that though, as I've been offered similarly for it already, so it feels like a "safe" purchase - which helps alleviate guilt haha

I dropped into Patek on bond street on the day I bought it, for sizing, regulating and pressure testing etc.  They totally understood the necessity to buy secondary market pieces, and really took good care of me with lots of freebies, loupes, gloves and leather carry case!!!! After talking and the pressure test passed, I now do trust this one in the pool, the sauna and the gym.  Its a posher, wearable and enjoyable sports watch, that also doubles for summer day trips and important dates, be they daytime or evening.



           ----------------------------------------

Wouldn't change them for the world...
Or would I?

Of course being human, I suppose there will always be horizon that I look towards.... 
If I had a goal or aspiration from here... Give or take a lottery win....
I'd say the ULTIMATE grail situation for me - would be : the 15202or and the 5990.... (Love the 5712 too)

Any of those would have me in heaven... But I fear it might literally take that same transition on the metaphysical plane, to realise - after all its taken a tremendous effort and huge prioritisation to get where I am - so I just can't see it happening soon. 


Today I'm 'happy'


Thanks for Reading

[ap1]

Wonderful picks, great variety of dial colors. I’ve dated all these too, lol.

[kilyung]

Fantastic representatives of three amazing brands

[tyler1980]

thats an outstanding threesome and the rationale behind each is the best part as it involved some serious thought.

[kn_watches]

What a great collection! Love all 3 brands too.

[MeWatchYou]

Nice looking trio you have there.

[sensui]

Nice collection.

[chunkythebulldog]

Great collection, all iconic pieces but are you sure you're done? I think you're missing some precious metal in there

[soundserious]

Cool!

[GB-man]

Nice choices! I have loved them all at one point or another only the jumbo remains but part of me knows I shouldn’t have let the other two go!

If I may quote the great poet 3 stacks “forever never seems that long until you’re gone”

[tonupbklyn]

now THAT'S a trio!

[Louribal]

Can’t go wrong with those pieces, congrats

[AK797]

Unusual dial choices, but good that they are still all different, enjoy!

[mps354]

Great trio, they really work together

[Xerxes77]

3 iconic watch! Great choice!

[nyc2la]

Well done, all around! Wear and enjoy!

[christo4]

Three fine Grail pieces. Wow. ....very nice!

[multimedia]

Big congrats. Awesome collection :)

Cheers,
Joe

[Peterandwatches]

Fantastic trio. We must have similar tastes, although your collection is a few levels higher. Enjoy!

[Busyboy]

Thanks all


I really am happy, and appreciate the words

[Navarino]

Congratulations on the 5711! You have a beautiful collection. Such a great combo of timeless sport watches. You got the navy dial covered with the AP, so totally love the white dial 5711 for your collection.

[Hairdude1]

Great references

[wach16]

Perfect trio!

[onmyhand]

Congrats on a beautiful trio.

[lapince]

Cool trio, congrats

[Helmi]

Great collection, all iconic pieces. Unfortunately I don't have any of them at the moment in my collection but definitely all 3 are on my radar and hopefully I get them one day

[Chiboy]

Nice trio and write up! I like the idea that you went with three forum favorites, but did not follow the forum crowd on hottest dial versions.

[ezinhk]

IMO, the black dial ceramic daytona is so much sexier than the white. Good choice!

The other 2 are amazing. Congrats and wear in good health!

[rebel_1]

Nice trio. I’ve owned the 15202 as well. It’s a very nice piece for a collection with all of the history. In the end, I parted ways with it because I was too concerned with scratching it up.

The white 5711 is an awesome watch as well. It’s too bad these are so limited. I’d like to try one on and compare it to my 5726. That white dial looks very clean and I think I’d enjoy it. It’s also adds a great contrast to your other pieces.

The 500, well, it’s a grail for many as well, it’s a Rolex, so reliability and robustness are a huge factor.

You’re very fortunate to be able to have these three grails, and only these three. I’m not sure I could consolidate, but great for you.

[Iflylo]

Congratulations on your journey. You have 3 great watches.

Satisfaction is a wonderful thing, perhaps the most wonderful.