On Buying A New Grail Question

[watchguy1234567]

I am sort of shocked that the prices of stainless steel sport watches have risen so dramatically.

For this grail purchase assume the price point i'd like to spend is 21-27k.

Would it make more sense to buy the blue dial stainless steel sky dweller or would it be better to buy a 40mm day date for about 6k more?

I'm just curious what the experts and WIS people think about the better strategy and which one would appreciate more.

Thank you for your consideration.

[MattyL147]

Which do you like more? Are you buying into hype or you truly value a SS piece at the prices they're commanding?

I took advantage of the climate we're in and sold my BLNR that I paid MSRP for and hopped into a PM piece.

Interesting times.

[Biginboca]

I would say buy the one you like better, but I’m old fashioned lol

[Grandcrew]

I’d take some time to decide which one is actually my grail, then get that one.

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by watchguy1234567

Would it make more sense to buy the blue dial stainless steel sky dweller or would it be better to buy a 40mm day date for about 6k more?

Which watch do you want to own and wear? Nothing about buying things for this price makes any sense.

[brandrea]

Another buy the one you want reply. Which one is worth more money in the future is a mugs game IMO.

[Sublovin]

Originally Posted by watchguy1234567

I am sort of shocked that the prices of stainless steel sport watches have risen so dramatically.

For this grail purchase assume the price point i'd like to spend is 21-27k.

Would it make more sense to buy the blue dial stainless steel sky dweller or would it be better to buy a 40mm day date for about 6k more?

I'm just curious what the experts and WIS people think about the better strategy and which one would appreciate more.

Thank you for your consideration.

What is your definition of grail? My definition doesn’t include anyone’s opinion, nor does it involve capital appreciation or “strategy”.

[m j b]

Neither one will be worth more in the future.

Use that as your yardstick, forget about that nonsense and buy the one you like.

If it was truly a "grail" you wouldn't be asking this question. IMHO.

[karim786]

Day date would be my pick. But don’t rush into anything, if it’s a grail you’ll know

[cbalster]

PP Nautilus SS at retail is within budget and seems to suit your strategy more. I think you will lose money on both the SkyD and the DD in that price range. Maybe a used skyD in precious metal +/- 25k could work out given that a RG SkyD can be had at greys under 40k new.

[Blansky]

Originally Posted by watchguy1234567

Would it make more sense to buy the blue dial stainless steel sky dweller or would it be better to buy a 40mm day date for about 6k more?

Buying a grail has NOTHING to do with making sense.

It's an emotional purchase.

When you were picking out your wife/mate did you decide which one makes more sense.

[watchguy1234567]

Sorry let me clarify as there are too many "choose the one you like" responses.

Both would qualify as a grail, to me - as it's the one i really want and that would be it. Not buying one and then down the road the other.

It really comes down to - is it smarter to buy the SS Sky D - or for 6k more jump in on the day date in PM yellow gold? Smarter meaning - the sky d retails for 14k but you won't get it for 14k. Is there room for this to appreciate after paying such a premium OR do you see the PM watch without the premium price being the smarter financial decision.

And to BLANKSY: yes, I actually did have a choice - and i went with the one that made more sense. I wasn't limited between one or two options like the watch scenario lol

[Rado63]

On C24 today, searching just in the US, I find 48 blue dial steel Sky d for sale. Only about 12 ads have photos of actual watches, others are stock Rolex photos. To me that means very few real watches in the inventory. I would get the Sky D and enjoy it for a few years, get it serviced and cleaned up and sell it when I am ready for that Day date. If the inventory is always low, then resale value will be retained. Buying a Day date will get you a discount on the secondary market, but after a few years you will probably lose more than with the sky d, so when you sell DD to get the Sky D you will probably get less in the resale. That's My opinion, which may not be worth 2 cents.

[locutus49]

Are you buying to resell or buying to keep?

[Cal-Yin()Cal-Yang]

I think the word grail is way overused - to the point of vomit inducing.

[1SG MTB]

Originally Posted by watchguy1234567

Sorry let me clarify as there are too many "choose the one you like" responses.

Both would qualify as a grail, to me - as it's the one i really want and that would be it. Not buying one and then down the road the other.

It really comes down to - is it smarter to buy the SS Sky D - or for 6k more jump in on the day date in PM yellow gold? Smarter meaning - the sky d retails for 14k but you won't get it for 14k. Is there room for this to appreciate after paying such a premium OR do you see the PM watch without the premium price being the smarter financial decision.

And to BLANKSY: yes, I actually did have a choice - and i went with the one that made more sense. I wasn't limited between one or two options like the watch scenario lol

In my humble opinion, based on responses to similar questions on many other threads, I think you’re asking an investment question to a group of folks who are largely watch enthusiasts who are not concerned with watch investment (of course there are exceptions). There does seem to be some with a view that we’re in a SS bubble which will eventually burst, for what it’s worth. Good luck with your decision!

[Anestheticsaregood]

Get a TT sky dweller for less than retail. Best value. Annual calendar, gmt function. Some yellow gold bling. The. Black or white dial are stunning. So is champagne. If you buy it right, which you should be able to, it will retain value as you aren’t paying a crazy premium.

[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by watchguy1234567

Sorry let me clarify as there are too many "choose the one you like" responses.

Both would qualify as a grail, to me - as it's the one i really want and that would be it. Not buying one and then down the road the other.

It really comes down to - is it smarter to buy the SS Sky D - or for 6k more jump in on the day date in PM yellow gold? Smarter meaning - the sky d retails for 14k but you won't get it for 14k. Is there room for this to appreciate after paying such a premium OR do you see the PM watch without the premium price being the smarter financial decision.

And to BLANKSY: yes, I actually did have a choice - and i went with the one that made more sense. I wasn't limited between one or two options like the watch scenario lol

As you were told grail and future appreciation do not belong in the same sentence. If its a grail, you know you want it for what it is today.

[MichelleP]

My pick would be the DD but that's because the Sky Dweller is too big for my wrist. I wouldn't spend that much over retail for the Sky Dweller.

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by watchguy1234567

It really comes down to - is it smarter to buy the SS Sky D - or for 6k more jump in on the day date in PM yellow gold? Smarter meaning - the sky d retails for 14k but you won't get it for 14k. Is there room for this to appreciate after paying such a premium OR do you see the PM watch without the premium price being the smarter financial decision.

Buying 14K worth of high end luxury jewelry is not a smart financial decision ever.

Sorry if this is not the response you are looking for but many members here buy watches that we want to own and wear and enjoy. Those looking for price appreciation should choose other assets like equities, gold and real estate.

Good luck

[Phooi]

Have you tried on both watches? They are two very different wearing watches. Both are heavy on the wrist (DD more so). The SkyD is noticeably larger and thicker. Both watches are scratch magnets. The SkyD because of its highly polished PCL and case. The DD because it’s gold and the material is softer.

You say grail but what is grail-like in these two watches for you? Again, they are two very different watches. One is PM and has a history. The other is newer with more complications.

From a monetary/investment perspective, it should be irrelevant. You’ll settle on your “grail” watch because it will be the epitome of what a watch means to you irregardless of the future value. The Paul Newman was the one of the least popular watches in its day. Now we know that wasn’t the case.

As others have said, if you’re really looking for an investment, there are better ways than watches. If you’re looking for a grail watch, both watches would make great choices.

Good luck.

[David5807]

I'd go with the Day Date

[watchguy1234567]

Originally Posted by Rado63

On C24 today, searching just in the US, I find 48 blue dial steel Sky d for sale. Only about 12 ads have photos of actual watches, others are stock Rolex photos. To me that means very few real watches in the inventory. I would get the Sky D and enjoy it for a few years, get it serviced and cleaned up and sell it when I am ready for that Day date. If the inventory is always low, then resale value will be retained. Buying a Day date will get you a discount on the secondary market, but after a few years you will probably lose more than with the sky d, so when you sell DD to get the Sky D you will probably get less in the resale. That's My opinion, which may not be worth 2 cents.

thank you for this well thought out answer :)

[watchguy1234567]

Originally Posted by locutus49

Are you buying to resell or buying to keep?

that's a catch 22. keep it but obviously i'd like it to grow in value vs depreciate.

[watchguy1234567]

Originally Posted by Anestheticsaregood

Get a TT sky dweller for less than retail. Best value. Annual calendar, gmt function. Some yellow gold bling. The. Black or white dial are stunning. So is champagne. If you buy it right, which you should be able to, it will retain value as you aren’t paying a crazy premium.

I came across one at an AD in Stamford CT for 17k = but i'm not a fan of the two tone, sorry :(

[watchguy1234567]

Originally Posted by Phooi

Have you tried on both watches? They are two very different wearing watches. Both are heavy on the wrist (DD more so). The SkyD is noticeably larger and thicker. Both watches are scratch magnets. The SkyD because of its highly polished PCL and case. The DD because it’s gold and the material is softer.

You say grail but what is grail-like in these two watches for you? Again, they are two very different watches. One is PM and has a history. The other is newer with more complications.

From a monetary/investment perspective, it should be irrelevant. You’ll settle on your “grail” watch because it will be the epitome of what a watch means to you irregardless of the future value. The Paul Newman was the one of the least popular watches in its day. Now we know that wasn’t the case.

As others have said, if you’re really looking for an investment, there are better ways than watches. If you’re looking for a grail watch, both watches would make great choices.

Good luck.

Thank you - i have NOT tried on either - (sky d is really impossible to find)
I have a thin wrist so i'm sure trying them on will make the difference.

[watchguy1234567]

Originally Posted by David5807

I'd go with the Day Date

The man with the Sky D in his picture is telling me to get the Day Date - how come? You'd be the perfect reference point - is the Sky D too heavy? Too big?
You probably have great info - would love to know more.

[ryanderamos]

If you are chasing a grail, i guess the price of the watch does not matter because you like the watch to wear.

[David5807]

Originally Posted by watchguy1234567

The man with the Sky D in his picture is telling me to get the Day Date - how come? You'd be the perfect reference point - is the Sky D too heavy? Too big?
You probably have great info - would love to know more.

The Sky-Dweller is an incredibly beautiful watch with amazing complications. I mean I feel very fortunate to be able to own one but it's a stainless steel watch and the Day-Date is full precious metal. I guess it all comes down to personal preference but I would take a full gold watch over a stainless steel one pretty much any day. IMO making that jump to a full precious metal piece is a big deal and if you can afford to then I say go for it

[Tangier11]

Right now you can buy a preowned 118238 DD (late model) for less than many SS watches. This is insane to me!