Spend $5k on a great 145.022-71 with killer patina...if you own one, it better have some soul!
In all seriousness, if I were to have one watch it would be a Rolex Sub or GMT, and then I would think about a Speedy later down the road.
It really does. I'm still particular about NOS condition, but I'm certainly keeping my eye on the watches that pop up here.
Why? You buying a watch to wear...it is going to be character within a few weeks.
Please don't buy modern if you are going for one watch...get something with patina.
I'd like the patina to be my own. I know that's the minority opinion here ...
However, I assume that many of you had conflicts the first time you spent $5k on a watch, and dealt with similar questions
Then you better invent a time machine and jump back a minimum of 20 years to the tritium days, as superluminova (i.e. what you get on your watch these days) has not been seen to patinate ... and most likely wont do it anytime soon (whilst most of us here are still alive or young enough to still see our watches) ...
Yes, (and to answer your 'at what point' question) spending that cash and being so unbelievably happy with your purchase and digging further back for more patina (whilst consistently maintaining your income) is what turns on the switch that makes the multiples-of-$5k decisions taken in a heart-beat 😀
Welcome and good luck...would love to hear your own opinion on your OP in 6 months time after buying your first Speedy or Roley ...
I'd like the patina to be my own. I know that's the minority opinion here, but getting something with a patina already feels like cheating. I plan to watch my patina develop slowly over time, knowing each ding, scratch, and fade reflects my history. Why would you prefer to carry around somebody else's history?
Welcome and good luck...would love to hear your own opinion on your OP in 6 months time after buying your first Speedy or Roley ...
Buy a new one, and you will never get lume patina.
I'll definitely update here once I make the purchase!
Its not that I don't find faded lume or a tropical face exceedingly beautiful, it's just that I'm okay without it. And who knows what characteristic of contemporary watches will be desirable in 20, 30 years. I think it'll be exciting to find out, knowing my watch has been with me for that journey. And if none are, I'm okay with that too. I'm not buying for collective regard, just my own.
Sounds like you should:
1. Go to an AD and pay up. You'll get the whole experience, glass of champers, a lot of "suits you sir".
2. Go grey market and get a new modern piece, save a few buck, but no schmoozing
3. Find a vintage piece in NOS. Wear it, batter it, make it no longer NOS.
From what you've said so far I doubt you will be satisfied with a vintage watch as you want to add your own marks
Have you bought it yet?
Honestly ... rewarding myself for big wins was how I got started. Love them bonuses. Life is short. If you can spare the cash ... DO IT!
