Would you rather: entry-level high end or top-level low end?

[Annapolis]

I know this is a silly hypothetical where specifics matter, but I’m just curious, if anyone feels like responding.

Given the choice and, say, $30,000 to spend on a single watch.

Would you go for an entry-level Patek (for example) or a super-fancy Omega? If you have some kind of theoretical way of answering this question, I’m interested.

It doesn’t even have to be about watches: I could see this question applying to any number of things, from cars to dishwashers.

 

[sonicosa]

PM JLC for me, please. Is this a new gov program?

 

[ghce]

Whilst maybe not theoretical but to quote an often used cliches, do you want to soar like an eagle or run with the turkey's.

Edited: Aug 26, 2023

 

[Annapolis]

Dammit, man, I want to soar with turkeys.

 

[ghce]

Annapolis

Dammit, man, I want to soar with turkeys.

An Invicta could be in your future.

 

[Tony C.]

It depends on the intent of the purchase. If value retention/appreciation is a meaningful factor, then go for a vintage model that has a long history of desirability amongst collectors, and in the best possible condition.

 

[Dan S]

Annapolis

Dammit, man, I want to soar with turkeys.

 

[redpcar]

Eagles may soar but the turkey never gets sucked into a jet engine.

 

[ghce]

 

[pdxleaf]

Classic! OP starts a new thread, eight posts later, hilariously derailed, but still with a connection to the original post.

(No judgment, no sarcasm, no moralizing, just an observation, and admiration. )

 

[Aroxx]

This post got me looking at some entry-level high-end watches. So that was fun. I think I have to second the JLC Master Control chrono calendar posted above except I think I would go for the white dial. That's one sweet looking watch. I like the AP Code 11.59 but that stretches the budget to 50k. A Patek Calatrava is 30k of "meh". I'm pretty basic, so a new 321 or a neo-vintage Rolex GMT or Sub would make me pretty happy too.

 

[sheepdoll]

I'd probably take the Omega. If it has a Snoopy on it.

Lot of debate what sort of bird Woodstock is. This was discussed at the Snoopy Museum in Santa Rosa. Most see Woodstock as a canary or a finch. Woodstock told Snoopy he was an eagle. (Or so Snoopy translated.) It is unlikely that Woodstock is a turkey.

Donald duck on the other hand is known to eat turkey.

Merlins are my favorite raptor.

 

[Larry S]

Aroxx

This post got me looking at some entry-level high-end watches. So that was fun. I think I have to second the JLC Master Control chrono calendar posted above except I think I would go for the white dial. That's one sweet looking watch. I like the AP Code 11.59 but that stretches the budget to 50k. A Patek Calatrava is 30k of "meh". I'm pretty basic, so a new 321 or a neo-vintage Rolex GMT or Sub would make me pretty happy too.

Plus 1. JLC offers more “value” for less money than entry level PP. That was the call I made years ago. Went with master moon triple in Rose Gold.

 

[pdxleaf]

Saw one of these a few years ago. The caseback always intrigued me. I wouldn't mind spending all the money on this Patek Philippe Calatrava 5153G-010 instead of several cheaper turkeys.

There'd be some money left over for a service, too.

 

[Larry S]

pdxleaf

Saw one of these a few years ago. The caseback always intrigued me. I wouldn't mind spending all the money on this Patek Philippe Calatrava 5153G-010 instead of several cheaper turkeys.

There'd be some money left over for a service, too.

When I was in the market, the Calatrava was pretty generic looking. Since then the line is much more interesting. What really put me off was the snooty sales people.

 

[Barking mad]

pdxleaf

Classic! OP starts a new thread, eight posts later, hilariously derailed, but still with a connection to the original post.

(No judgment, no sarcasm, no moralizing, just an observation, and admiration. )

Standard modus operandi for this forum

 

[Annapolis]

Yeah, I expected nothing less, posting to this crowd on a Saturday eve.

 

[redpcar]

Annapolis

Yeah, I expected nothing less, posting to this crowd on a Saturday eve.

 

[STANDY]

$10k on a watch and $20k on fun other stuff, Holiday and more fun stuff.

I wouldn’t do the $30K on a watch even though I have a few that are worth over $20k now

 

[bananapeanut]

Is there really such a thing as an entry-level Patek? I don't know because it seems to me that the Calatrava is just as well-finished as a Nautilus, if not better. If you're looking for a classy dress watch, you can't go wrong with a Calatrava and that would be my pick all day long over a super-fancy Omega which I would rarely wear.