Help me pick a wedding watch

[NYG1121]

9 months to go until the big day! Have had my share of amazing references through the years from all the big brands. Some have stayed, some have gone. But this one will have to stay FOREVER. This commitment may be harder than the marriage itself!

Budget ~60k or less

Options that are on my current list

1. 15202/16202st: Jumbo has always has been the watch that got me into AP, well before the hype. Had my fair share of everything since from 37mm ones to 41mm ones and the 38mm chrono stuck around the longest for 2 years. Gave up on AP for the past year + as the boutique model put a sour taste in my mouth but still be looking for the perfect 39mm. Could this be the time to do it as market prices are down?

2. Day Date 40 in platinum: Have had many day dates, such a staple and "feels" like a forever wedding watch. Now with the fluted bezel so may be the best version yet. Would probably go with the romans.

3. Lange 1: Own and adore the 1815 chrono. Love Lange and always wanted a L1. Definitely timeless and would prefer this in pink gold. Undecided on moon phase vs not.. might prefer the clean look without it.

4. VC OS 4500v in pink gold: Had the steel one for a while, didn't really get along with it but I have heard they now have a thinner case and a new bracelet taper.. things that were bothering me before. The dial is to die for and the strap changing is so much fun. Worth another look?

More to come.. As you know with watches, have to decide well in advance and it will then have to sit in the safe for 9 months. Not sure I can handle that but will give it my best

[Willyjo]

16202 or this DD!




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[HHIslander]

Platinum DD by quite a bit. Tell her you bought it because you expect to stay together for 70 years.

[jgottsman11]

I say platinum day date or maybe a Patek Aquanaut

[piratfisk]

Day Date, and not just because this is TRF.

-APROs are fine, but SS isn't "wedding watch special" to me. Too "sporty."
-VCO, too sporty, not special enough to me, arguably less of a classic, timeless look than the DD.
-Could see the L1, as it's the "dressiest," and it sure is special, but will it STILL be special 50 years from now in your eyes? It's definitely cool & unique out of the bunch, but it is polarizing in that is isn't a timeless design.

Edit: Saw a PP Aquanaut mentioned above... A sporty, dive-ish watch on rubber for your wedding day?!

[Michael1968]

Option 2

[Calatrava r]

I think the 4500v in pink gold would be quite special. I think they still lack much taper as I haven't heard they changed anything on the reference.

[ts3]

Platinum day date out of your options and I have never owned a Rolex.

Just to add, the other options are less classy in my eyes and/or I'd be afraid of growing tired of them over the hopefully lifelong duration of a marriage.

Personally I'd likely pick a platinum dress watch a la Patek 3940P or, keeping it simple, go with my 3998P.

[NYG1121]

Thanks for the responses so far! Not surprised to see the love for the PT DD40 but am surprised to see minimal enthusiasm for the jumbo! Maybe we all have AP hype fatigue but that has been one of the grails for me for nearly a decade. Would probably prefer the 15202 in that case for the iconic movement. Tough call but please keep the responses coming!

[Andy81]

Presumably this is a wedding gift rather than something mainly aimed at wearing on the day.

What have you already got in your collection?

[Wcdhtwn]

Though a very special day, your wedding day is just one day. I'd buy something you'll have use for and desire to wear long after the big day. DD is a great choice. But if you prefer something sportier and would get greater use from an AP or sporty watch, go with that.

You, your guests, should have their attention on your bride, not your wrist.

Congrats! Way in advance.

[Wcdhtwn]

Though a very special day, your wedding day is just one day. I'd buy something you'll have use for and desire to wear long after the big day. DD is a great choice. But if you prefer something sportier and would get greater use from an AP or sporty watch, go with that.

You, your guests, should have their attention on your bride, not your wrist.

Congrats! Way in advance.

[Carguy87]

Congrats in advance!!

My vote is for a platinum DD, but ultimately I think I’ll echo some of the others here and suggest you pick a piece that you’re 100% confident you’ll want to keep for the rest of your time. Another reason I’d personally pick the DD, it’s a timeless design, but definitely get something you’re dead set on keeping and wearing.

Let us know what you pick!

[1st amg]

If I may…..AP hype fatigue is real. It’s something that you have wanted in 10 years you say. Whether you get it for the big day or not, you will scratch that itch at one point. I just don’t see that reference as a “special” watch. It is for you though. However, its a tough model to differentiate from other offshores as they do look all the same…But, the PP Day date, with that ice blue dial, unmistakably platinum, and “special” in all its glory will be forever remembered among your other watches that was purchased and worn on your very special day…congratulations brother!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[NYG1121]

Many thanks all! A few points of clarification: this is not a “wedding day” watch. It is a wedding gift that she is letting me pick out since she knows how particular I am about this hobby and how expensive they are. She doesnt want to get the wrong one. I know I am very lucky and marrying the right one as she also wants a watch as her gift!

Sounds like DD40 is the most popular choice. I will have to check regarding availability with my AD. The APRO will be grey market of course. One is considerably heavier and the other is so dainty in comparison. I can definitely appreciate the comments regarding one feeling more special due to this.

Appreciate the patek advice. I am not sure why but I just don’t see a reference there that I am in love with at the moment. Aquanaut not my favorite and any nautilus is out of reach. I guess I am more biased towards Lange in terms of pure dress pieces.

[996marty]

I love option #4 great looking watch

[1William]

Platinum DD. Great looking watch and one that will last.

[fskywalker]

Another vote for PT DD40


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Jackie Daytona]

Congratulations!

My vote is towards the platinum DD40. Just great all around IMO yet very special

[Rybour]

go with the most expensive watch ! congrats

[Pw92676]

I’d go pt DD

[NYG1121]

Here is a wildcard. They can engrave the lange 1 balance cock with our initials! Def adds a super cool variable in the decision making…

[dba]

How about not wearing a watch at all? The day is about your commitment to each other, not about what's on your wrist.

[AG23]

Originally Posted by NYG1121

Here is a wildcard. They can engrave the lange 1 balance cock with our initials! Def adds a super cool variable in the decision making…

That’s awesome. Would seal the deal for me

[Carguy87]

Originally Posted by NYG1121

Here is a wildcard. They can engrave the lange 1 balance cock with our initials! Def adds a super cool variable in the decision making…

This is a super cool option with Lange. I want to get a custom engraved Lange some day for a proper occasion (already married; maybe for a big anniversary)

Since this isn’t the wedding day watch that begs the WIS question: what is?

[lab rat]

Lange, even without engraving, because it is one special watch and because it seems to me you really love it. With engraving it’s just obvious. And then buy DD after couple of months or years. DD will always be perfect, it doesn’t need wedding connection to shine.

[John Doyle]

DD plat can be had used for half the retail price. Unless you want to buy a hard to get model from AD, i'd suggest go used for the plat dd. I also don't think a dd40 is wedding watch material - i would go for the dd36 for the more classic look, or go with a simple time only (or time and date) watch on leather strap.