First decent watch - Rolex?

[jonsp]

I've been promising myself a decent watch for years finally started seriously looking. I'm thinking Rolex as that's the only high end brand I've heard of. Went to the Rolex shop in town and seems I'd have to prostrate myself for the privilege of buying a watch unless I went used. They had some used watches but nothing I fancied so started going online. Couple of restrictions - I don't like metal straps and have skinny wrists so I need a 40mm case with leather/rubber strap.

Found this which looks perfect

https://www.miltonsdiamonds.com/watches-c26/rolex-...

Then I saw this

https://www.pomeranceboutique.co.uk/product-page/r...

Understand the 2nd one is newer but why is it double the price? Any advice would be welcome, obviously I don't know the market and don't want to get mugged off.

[Junglebert]

I can’t comment on those specific watches, but I can say that if I were buying a second hand Rolex I’d be buying it from Milton’s.

[Super Sonic]

There are plenty of other high end brands, you may want to look at some other makes and find one you like, rather than buy a watch because of the label.
Omega
IWC
Patek Phillipe
Chopard
Blancpain
Jaeger le Couture
Breguet
Etc
How much do you want to spend?

[HughiusMaximus]

Super Sonic said:

There are plenty of other high end brands, you may want to look at some other makes and find one you like, rather than buy a watch because of the label.
Omega
IWC
Patek Phillipe
Chopard
Blancpain
Jaeger le Couture
Breguet
Etc
How much do you want to spend?

Agreed - start with budget and then style of watch that you like.

[HughiusMaximus]

Super Sonic said:

There are plenty of other high end brands, you may want to look at some other makes and find one you like, rather than buy a watch because of the label.
Omega
IWC
Patek Phillipe
Chopard
Blancpain
Jaeger le Couture
Breguet
Etc
How much do you want to spend?

Agreed - start with budget and then style of watch that you like.

[fflump]

jonsp said:

I've been promising myself a decent watch for years finally started seriously looking. I'm thinking Rolex as that's the only high end brand I've heard of. Went to the Rolex shop in town and seems I'd have to prostrate myself for the privilege of buying a watch unless I went used. They had some used watches but nothing I fancied so started going online. Couple of restrictions - I don't like metal straps and have skinny wrists so I need a 40mm case with leather/rubber strap.

Found this which looks perfect

https://www.miltonsdiamonds.com/watches-c26/rolex-...

Then I saw this

https://www.pomeranceboutique.co.uk/product-page/r...

Understand the 2nd one is newer but why is it double the price? Any advice would be welcome, obviously I don't know the market and don't want to get mugged off.

The expensive one has a rare and sought after (by some) meteorite dial.

By the way- take your time researching watches and spend time on forums. Learn about different styles and brands. You can get amazing pieces for the sort of money you’re apparently willing to spend.

And be aware that a gold Daytona is one of the most conspicuous watches you can possibly buy.

[1967]

[Armitage.Shanks]

If your budget is anywhere between £30k-£60k based on those examples above and you want a 'small' watch size on leather I'd be looking at Patek Philippe. Under the radar except for those in the know, and if you want to 'bling it up' to get some attention get the folding deployment clasp with Calatrava cross.

Rolex are a great watch, very robust (less so with leather/rubber) but essentially a 'tool watch', designed for a specific purpose. Sadly they're now worn by some tools whose use of the chronometer on the Daytona may only extend to timing how long it takes the bartender to pull a pint

[Geertsen]

Armitage.Shanks said:

If your budget is anywhere between £30k-£60k based on those examples above and you want a 'small' watch size on leather I'd be looking at Patek Philippe. Under the radar except for those in the know, and if you want to 'bling it up' to get some attention get the folding deployment clasp with Calatrava cross.

Rolex are a great watch, very robust (less so with leather/rubber) but essentially a 'tool watch', designed for a specific purpose. Sadly they're now worn by some tools whose use of the chronometer on the Daytona may only extend to timing how long it takes the bartender to pull a pint

I can only agree with the advice regarding Patek Philippe, it’s a great suggestion. If you are able to afford a gold Daytona then don’t buy one. I love Rolex but if I could afford a gold Daytona then I’d no longer be looking at Rolex because I’d be in the next league up.

[Ninjin]

[quote/=Rolex are a great watch, very robust (less so with leather/rubber) but essentially a 'tool watch', designed for a specific purpose. Sadly they're now worn by some tools whose use of the chronometer on the Daytona may only extend to timing how long it takes the bartender to pull a pint
[/quote]

Surely you mean pull a bimbo/gold digger?

[jonsp]

Armitage.Shanks said:

If your budget is anywhere between £30k-£60k based on those examples above and you want a 'small' watch size on leather I'd be looking at Patek Philippe. Under the radar except for those in the know, and if you want to 'bling it up' to get some attention get the folding deployment clasp with Calatrava cross.

Rolex are a great watch, very robust (less so with leather/rubber) but essentially a 'tool watch', designed for a specific purpose. Sadly they're now worn by some tools whose use of the chronometer on the Daytona may only extend to timing how long it takes the bartender to pull a pint

Appreciate your thoughts. Obviously I'm new to this.

Can't get my head around 60 for a watch. Reason for posting the expensive one is to find out why it was double the price of what looked like the same watch. Appreciate the dial thing but that doesn't seem like £30k of value. I'm much more comfortable at ~30 unless I get a very good reason to spend more. Obviously I'm not planning to go skint but I like things that will hold their money over time.

Appreciate the steer toward Patek. I'm a low key guy and definitely don't want to be flash. I'm old enough to not need that kind of wk. Per your suggestion I've seen this

https://www.watchfinder.co.uk/Patek%20Philippe/Cal...

I'm assuming 25 years old isn't an issue - it still works fine etc? Wouldn't buy without physically seeing but Watchfinder seems a useful tool for research.

[HocusPocus]

Whatever you buy, please wear it. So many lovely pieces live in the safe. At the top end of the market, a OEM service can return the piece back to showroom condition (be careful not to lose patina with polishing the case), so don't worry about making one a daily beater. The pleasure is having it on your wrist.