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

Annapolis
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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.
 
ghce
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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:
 
Tony C.
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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
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Annapolis Annapolis
Dammit, man, I want to soar with turkeys.
Wild_Turkey_25224200549.jpg
 
redpcar
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Eagles may soar but the turkey never gets sucked into a jet engine. 😉
 
pdxleaf
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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
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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.

Screenshot 2023-08-26 at 8.47.08 PM.png
 
sheepdoll
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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
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Aroxx 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.

Screenshot 2023-08-26 at 8.47.08 PM.png
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.
IMG_1875.jpeg
 
pdxleaf
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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.

Patek.jpg ukmtkoglgmjvybeqqbnk.jpg dlwoy3n15b5ibeay1noy.jpg
 
Larry S
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pdxleaf 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.

Patek.jpg ukmtkoglgmjvybeqqbnk.jpg dlwoy3n15b5ibeay1noy.jpg
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
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pdxleaf 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
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Yeah, I expected nothing less, posting to this crowd on a Saturday eve.
 
STANDY
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$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
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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.
 
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