Journey to precious metals

[subtona]

i like the platinum versions a lot but full platinum rolex still feels too heavy for me, but I could certainly wear a platinum Patek on strap.

i have actually developed an overwhelming desire for a SS day date 40 with a glacier dial & smooth bezel, i know they don't make one but i sure would run out and buy one if they did… it would be an amazing limited edition… if only :)

[Amer]

I am planning on a PM in the next few weeks. Most likely the smurf. When I first saw it, it was love at first sight. Little did I know it was WG, so the price pushed me away. But it always, always nagged at me. I never tried one on but the weight is not an issue for me. I own a DSSD so it's heavy and I also own an Ennebi, PAM305 and several bronze watches which are somewhat heavy.

What put me over the top were the photo's posted here of the WG....In some light conditions it's bright silver (unlike SS) and in other lighting conditions it has a subtle yellow tinge. That combination with the changing blue I find fascinating, beautiful....So for me the PM part is an after thought. I also considered the BLNR because of the blue. However the combination of WG, ceramic blue bezel and matching dial really did it for me.

Yeah it's pricey, but the way I see it...Many of us have multiple watches or Rolexes....Adding them all up "may" equal one PM or close. If you are a heavy starbucks drinker, cigar smoker, cig smoker, car collector/car modifier these can all add up over time.....So it's all relative.

[handsfull]

When I hit 60 I'll consider PM....way too much bling/money to bang up on active wrists. For me, it's like wearing a high-end suit to the gym- LOL

[AS1]

Very good idea for a thread, Mike!

Short answer:
Influence of a certain tkerrmd

Longer answer:
Never even imagined spending the $$$ on a BLRO when it was released at Basel. Over time, and with the influence of photos on here, I asked my AD to show me one. The minute I held it, my perception changed. I just hadn't realized how different the heft would feel. I guess from that point on it was an inevitable journey.

It really is about the heft and feeling fundamentally but it would be wrong to ignore the tone. In the case of the BLRO, the WG is definitely subtly different to SS and the warmth is quite noticeable in the flesh. In the case of my vintage YG sub, I don't even know how to describe or properly photograph it, but it just fits within an overall aesthetic that I love (albeit only for certain occasions... not an every day watch in my case, though that's a purely personal decision).

I still love SS and it is the cornerstone of my collection, but I love having PM in there too. Part of the evolution of my collection.

[Lpugliese]

Wow very impressive !

Originally Posted by rebel_1

My first Rolex was a flat blue TT SubC. Since then I've acquired a RG DDII, YG SubC LN and a YG GMTII. I will admit that gold was addictive and I can definitely understand what you're saying about how it feels. Unless you've worn one, you just don't understand the small but big differences between solid 18kt vs TT or steel. I tend to not wear my gold Rolexes to work because I think it would be poor taste, so I typically wear my SS watches. My new favorite is a SubC ND. It may be the most comfortable watch I own. I think I'm good with (3) gold Rolexes and IMHO, Rolex makes the highest value PM watch. Don't get me wrong. I'm not say they make the best PM watch, I'm saying you get a lot of watch for relatively low cost com paired to PP for example.

[Cru Jones]

For me, PM or not really depends on the individual watch.

[srvrf]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

well Mike I must admit I feel the same way you do. once I felt a YG sub, I was just amazed at its feel, look, weight and wrist presence. once I got my first PM watch, I must admit it made the SS watches feel like toys. I lost all desire to wear SS watches because the joy of PM the weight, feel and look is just overwhelming. obviously everyone doesn't share my sentiments

but for the few who do and know and understand what I (we) are talking about they understand

now my problem is my obsession with Platinum!! the Platonas look weight and feel trumps my gold watches and now really prefer Platinum over all other metals. my next watch will probably be the DD40. wishing for a Platinum sub!!

Yes I still have all the versions of SS Rolex watches, but they just don't do it for me anymore

I am down to wearing only these three, kids have all the SS ...

Tom,

It is interesting that your journey has led to three primary PM watches that are WG/platinum - not YG or RG. I'd guess that most prefer RG to YG these days, but the one thing about the color of steel/WG/platinum, is that it goes with anything. It's a big reason I like my SS watches on bracelets--I can just pick any one of them and wear it with anything.

[locutus49]

Platinum rocks!

[AF_Rob]

I want to make the leap with a Daytona. Love the face on their PM models. The price point isnt too far off from their SS models

[jjnd08]

I like the lightness of SS. I would do a RG on a strap. I'd be really happy with a RG JLC, 5205, or Lange 1 moon.

The one exception I wouls make is for a RG Jumbo on bracelet.

I have noticed myself gravitating towards haute horology brands. Once I tried on a RO, my Daytona never felt the same.

[lhanddds]

I can certainly understand the esthetic nature of precious metal. It's captivating. For me, watches have always been about engineering, utility and history. For the most part, SS and PM Rolex have the same movement. So I don't see an engineering difference or a functional advantage. I guess some like the heft of PM. With the increased size of modern watches today, when you add the weight of PM it becomes unnecessarily uncomfortable (for me). The tool watch history of Rolex is something I enjoy and have an appreciation for. I really couldn't see Chuck Yeager picking out a WG GMT to wear in the past or today, much less Paul Neumann who could certainly afford either. SS suits my functional and utilitarian nature. When you add PM to a watch, it lends itself to jewelry (IMHO). The only jewelry I wear is my simple wedding band. I'm simply not into bling in this way, rather uncomfortable for me. I think (for example) the WG Smurph is a beautiful watch to look at, but when it goes on the wrist, it doesn't meet my criteria. I'm still certainly happy for those who buy what they like and enjoy.

[kneedeep]

Steel rules for now. Always wanted a YG DD so I scratched the itch and got that one out of the way first. But I'm casual 95% of the time so I flipped the DD and got some Subs and a sport PP which is my daily for comfort and stealth. Now looking at PM especially rose gold and platinum on straps for that other 5% of the time. There's a chance a WG DD40 might trump the PMs on straps but won't know until I can compare them on my wrist.

[Muzz]

I migrated into TT models very quickly in the beginning. It was the contrast that I admired and the slightly heavier weight.

Solid PM pieces came much much latter. The first being a DD WG. Loved the feeling it provided on the wrist and it made a lasting impression.

I would not specifically say that the material is my sole driving factor in a new purchase however I now gravitate to PMs YG or WG in particular. If my skin tone was slightly darker or I tanned probably would be all over RG.

I know TT choices get beat up a lot here (not by long time members) but I still love them along side my PMs. I like contrast personally.

Rolex in my opinion does contrast and colour pairing exceptionally well. The Sub line is a perfect example. The PM/Blue combination has always been a soft spot for me, it just works so well.

The extra heft on the wrist feels wonderful. Once it is on the wrist you can absolutely feel something different. As I switch back and forth from my BLRO and the LN this becomes very apparent.

I will always keep a SS, TT and a PM. But my preference and got to pieces are primarily PM.

[Jack T]

I'm not there yet. Would love to get the Feel of a hefty gold piece, but it is a sting price-wise. No two tone for me, when I pull the trigger it will by solid.

[tkerrmd]

Originally Posted by AS1

Very good idea for a thread, Mike!

Short answer:
Influence of a certain tkerrmd

Longer answer:
Never even imagined spending the $$$ on a BLRO when it was released at Basel. Over time, and with the influence of photos on here, I asked my AD to show me one. The minute I held it, my perception changed. I just hadn't realized how different the heft would feel. I guess from that point on it was an inevitable journey.

[red1108nyc]

It took me about 10 years in my 30s and countless stainless steel sports models before I took the giant leap forward. I have a much better sense of appreciation for PM pieces now after buying my first in 116618LB.

The heft and the "ummph factor" with this latest is just spectacular to experience on the wrist. For anyone in doubt about PM models, please try one. You might like it too.

My new lady in blue and yellow:

[tkerrmd]

Originally Posted by srvrf

Tom,

It is interesting that your journey has led to three primary PM watches that are WG/platinum - not YG or RG. I'd guess that most prefer RG to YG these days, but the one thing about the color of steel/WG/platinum, is that it goes with anything. It's a big reason I like my SS watches on bracelets--I can just pick any one of them and wear it with anything.

Honestly Steve, these three PM watches easily do it all for me, look, weight, feel and stealth. I feel comfortable going anywhere doing anything with these three and am able to enjoy the PM experience for myself not really attracting unwanted attention

So same with me I can just pick anyone of them up and wear it with anything, but bonus to me is they are PM watches

[jjnd08]

Interesting thread. I'm enjoying the comments.

Nice starter, Mike!

[Time Collector]

Originally Posted by AK797

You.

I only had one SS Rolex when I joined but now have 3 and a 4th on the way hopefully and the great pics and classy manner of guys like you Mike, Ken, Tom and Larry have made buying and owning and sharing them a real joy.

I too grew to love PM watches after seeing countless pictures of the same guys Mike, Ken, And Tom, an a host of others.

Now that my watch fund is full, I'm having a hard time deciding between the YG GMT black dial, DDII RG chocolate dial, and the RG AP 44mm, the longer I wait the more I manage to save up and maybe get something beyond those models.

[BNA/LION]

First watch was a YG DD and have a TT as well as SS but interested in other precious metals, thus the Journey continues...

[jphj012]

Because Rolex stainless steel watches are more popular than their precious metal watches, the resale value is far better than precious metal. Prepare to take a huge hit on PM's when you try to sell them. So therefore, my answer is stainless steel. For higher end brands like Patek, definitely gotta go with precious metals over stainless steel.

[Roll the Lex]

I went from SS to adding bluesy and now I'm thinking about flipping both or at least the bluesy for a PM model and make it the daily wearer. I like the thought of wearing a PM model every single day. To me that's such a luxurious indulgence that I can enjoy daily, and what also makes it special is that it's a lot more rare to see.

My only issue is what metal to get. Platinum is too expensive and don't like the color. I have dark skin so YG or RG would work and I love the color. However, as a daily wearer I don't feel comfortable wearing YG or RG. WG would work as a daily watch and it would be sneaky enough to wear daily.

I am zeroing in on smurf and almost, almost pulled the trigger on the g-serial that davidsw had recently.

But, if a yellow or rose gold toned watch was as common as a SS model and nobody batted an eyelid at it. I'd probably get the 116618lb. But I know that if I end up with the YG model, it's just going to be on my wrist at home and on weekends when I can cover up my wrist. And that's just a waste of money to me. If I'm going to drop $$$ on a watch, well I want to wear it 24-7!

[nick c]

Originally Posted by red1108nyc

It took me about 10 years in my 30s and countless stainless steel sports models before I took the giant leap forward. I have a much better sense of appreciation for PM pieces now after buying my first in 116618LB.

The heft and the "ummph factor" with this latest is just spectacular to experience on the wrist. For anyone in doubt about PM models, please try one. You might like it too.

My new lady in blue and yellow:

Well done Fred

[up2nogood]

For me, it was what I liked best. Don't get me wrong, I started with steel, and still own steel.

The two gold pieces I own are Rolex and Omega. Current sub and a vintage manual wind, respectively.

It might seem a bit odd, but I don't find myself desiring any other models in precious metal. Except - maybe - a gold Radiomir. Still on the fence with that one.

I've tried on Rolex in platinum, white gold, rose gold and other yellow ones, and got nadah from the experience. Even did same with VC and Patek. Zip.

I guess it's always going to come down to what you like, isn't it.

[Ravager135]

I voted steel but I do feel the need to qualify my choice. I like sport models in stainless. They just feel more pure in spirit to me. I'd love however to pick up a DD40 down the road as a dress piece (though I'll probably start with a Datejust). I tried on the YMII today in YG and two tone and that watch, while impractical for me, is simply beautiful.

[red1108nyc]

Originally Posted by nick c

Well done Fred

Thanks buddy Nick!

[HogwldFLTR]

I love them all but won't be going the Pt route unless something changes dramatically. So far mostly SS, one TT, and one Au. I'm fine with things the way they are. Other than that I've got my dad's old gold Bulova and my grandfather's old gold Tiffany pocket watch.

[thomaspp]

My journey has had a set back of late. After owning various full bracelet PM Rolex, including my favorites 116718 and 116619 (yes thanks in large part to brother Mike's enabling) I've been finding that I appreciate precious metal watches on leather and prefer watches on bracelet in steel. Best


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[zama]

I like the mix of materials in my watches, I must say other than the weight having a PM on my wrist does not make me feel different. Obviously many of the watches I have interest in are only in a PM form such as the DD so the material choice of PM is determined.

[travisb]

I do love the heft and feeling of PM. SS will always be my go-to for daily wear though. That said, I can definitely see a WG BLRO in my future. For now, my 718 will do for those rare occasions when I want to go with PM.