Suggestions for my next major watch purchase?

Gemini4

I own a 2998 and an Ed White and they are wonderful vintage pieces. However, my AP Royal Oak 15400 is the most stunning steel watch that I own. It is breathtaking to look down at my wrist and see the facets of the watch and bracelet. The tapestry dial is a work of art. My wife has the matching 15450, 37mm, in white dial.

Good luck in your hunt!

alfanator

JLC master perpetual, not on your list but an awesome timepiece, especially considering the price.

Time Exposure

Only you can say which is best, but my choice would be the VC Overseas chrono. I'm a big chronograph fan, and this has a great movement (Frederic Piguet), a great design and a fantastic bracelet that cleverly and tastefully incorporates the VC Maltese cross logo.
As for vintage, I am one of few who are not interested in the straight lug Speedy varieties. I'm not a fan of the Sub cyclops either. Here I would go for a 1665 "Great White" Sea Dweller. Buy from a trusted source to get one that hasn't been doctored. I (and many others) would suggest contacting Jacek at H.Q. Milton. Honest and knowledgeable, and I have heard the shop is a great place to visit. Bring cash for the best deal.

gee_cee

If vintage, Red Sub from those on your list. A vintage Cosmograph would also feature on mine, if I were in the position to have such a nice dilemma.

jud

I personally prefer 15300, but I doubt I will ever be able to afford it. Regardless of which one you choose, the RO would be my choice.

dsio

Me too, its hard to swallow that much of a difference based on just that.

adam78

Here's a white 1680 to whet your appetite. I am also of the camp not fathoming why a little bit of red on the dial is worth a $3-5K premium.

adam78

Here's a white 1680 to whet your appetite. I am also of the camp not fathoming why a little bit of red on the dial is worth a $3-5K premium.

adam78

I am also of the camp not fathoming why a little bit of red on the dial is worth a $3-5K premium.

dsio

Me too, its hard to swallow that much of a difference based on just that.

Nobel Prize

It's hard to fathom the premium brought by anything if you think about it.

Bart SImpson?
The premium a little Guild will bring
Meters first?
Dot on nine (on a speedy of course)
Serif...

I mean within the myriad of items that add or subtract value red line is not any stranger than most. But if you don't get it then that's not the one for you of course. Why buy something that you don't appreciate or care about?

Archer

If it's "worth it" is something everyone has to decide. My feeling is the people who have one will think it is, and those who don't, won't...

I would not have bought a 1680 if it wasn't red likely (although this one being a one owner watch and having such nice patina I probably would have bought anyway, but might have flipped it by now). This is what appeals to me about this model, and if I wanted an all white vintage Rolex, I would actually prefer a 5513 to a 1680, as I prefer no date and domed crystals usually.

I think Sergio has hit the nail on the head, and this is no more difficult to fathom than any other intricate detail people obsess over on a collectible watch. There is nothing inherently more valuable with red paint than white, but also nothing inherently more valuable with aged creamy lume than with white lume, or the order of feet and meters printed on the dial. It's all perceived value, and in the eye of the beholder. It just so happens that many eyes prefer the red, so they are more valuable. It's really not that difficult to figure out I think...

Cheers, Al

trama

Anything 20k and up tickle you? Maybe really reach for something again and feel a little squeamish, if there is something up there of course!

Andy K

I think these little incremental changes or one-offs in design are interesting of themselves, but everyone has to decide how much value to place on them.

rwilner

How about a panerai submersible? Panerais hold their value and are instantly identifiable.