Help Me Pick My Next: 126 OF Daytona vs. Patek 5230P

[bioyuki]

TRFers,

I love both chronographs (Speedmaster, 5172G) as well as travel complications (126710BLRO, 5164A). I'm looking for my next watch to build out either part of the collection, and would appreciate your guys thoughts as to whether I go with a 126519LN Ghost (also considering a 126515LN Sundust) or a Patek 5230P World Time.

126519LN/126515LN Pros/Cons:

[+] Insane comfort and wearability. It fits perfectly on my 6.75" wrist and OF with Glidelock is so comfortable.
[+] Value retention. While the bubble has popped, I feel like if any watch will retain value it's a Daytona.
[+] High tech movement and excellent timekeeping. It seems like the 4131 has avoided the Chronergy issues of the 32XX movements, and Rolex's use of LIGA parts and other technology is impressive.
[+] Fair amount cheaper than the 5230P even with gray market prices.
[-] Dial legibility sucks.
[-] It's a Rolex. And more importantly it's a Daytona, which makes it one of the most recognizable watches out there, and while I insure my watches, I do worry about the attention/potential theft.
[-] 18k gold is soft and scratches easily.
[-] Screwdown pushers.

5230P Pros/Cons:

[+] While niche, World Times have been essential part of the Patek catalog for almost a hundred years, and for many, it's the travel complication to have.
[+] Classic, durable, dependable 240 movement that's been updated with modern tech (silicon balance spring, ceramic bearings, etc.).
[+] Platinum should be more scratch/ding resistant compared with 18k gold.
[+] Hand guilloche dial , beautiful movement finishing.
[+] With the introduction of the 5330G with 240 HU C at this year's Watches and Wonders, the 5230P is likely the last classic, time only WT that Patek will make.
[-] 38.5mm fits well, but it's a touch small for my personal taste.
[-] At the end of the day it's a dress watch even if you try to make it more casual with different straps, and doesn't have the versatility of the Daytona.
[-] While prices are well below MSRP, it's more expensive than the Daytona, and the Daytona probably has the edge on value retention.

Any thoughts? Which would you buy?

[BriansRolex]

I'd go with the OF Daytona 126515 I'm actually considering the same watch to replace my full gold 126618LB sub

[Benzsiam]

Both are great timepieces but different style.

If you get it from AD, I would go for Daytona but if you have to get it from secondary market, I would go for PP World time.

[Cru Jones]

With those four watches already in the stable, I’d take the Patek here. Good luck with your choice.

[agriculture&watches]

Patek for sure

[Ryanonarcher]

Sundust dial would be a nice change of pace, imo

[JSol1]

I own 2 Daytonas and love them, but just acquired my first Patek from AD and I’m now going down a new (and very expensive) rabbit hole.
If I had to choose, I would give up my Daytonas and keep the Patek without hesitation. To be fair, I have several other Rolexes that I would be unwilling to give up.
Good luck-it’s a fun problem to have!

[996marty]

Buy the one that you like the most

[travisb]

With your current collection I’d add the Patek.
I love the 5164 by the way.

[1William]

I prefer the Daytona.

[Easy E]

Originally Posted by bioyuki

TRFers,


126519LN/126515LN Pros/Cons:

[-] Dial legibility sucks.

This is enough to disqualify the Daytona for me.

[brandrea]

Another vote for the Patek.

Very nice collection by the way

[RollingInTheDeep]

Patek, because, it's a Patek.

I am biased towards the 116500LN, so I hear the challenge when it comes to Daytonas. My PP grail is the Aqua Travel Time, and of course they needed to discontinue the SS.

[rmlovett1]

Given your collection…I’d go with the Patek. If your Daytona choice were PT, that’d be my choice.

[EnzoT]

I voted for the Daytona...mainly because you said "It fits perfectly on my 6.75" wrist and OF with Glidelock is so comfortable"

[enjoythemusic]

Daytona. Since you're in the $50k range, there are so many choices from custom-made Torsti Laine to Czapek and so many others. Also very much consider daily durability and timely service at this level.

[Brich436]

Just so you know my 3230 movement in my Explorer 1 is the most accurate movement of any of my watches. Gains +2 per WEEK or 8s a MONTH!

[Kinnakeet]

On of your negatives on the PP is the size, but it’s not far off from the true Daytona size.

[GB-man]

I prefer the patek as they really did a great job on this one. An absolute classic.

[Bazil]

I’ve gone 126519 simply because I have it to pick up and can’t wait to wear it ..

[Ichiran]

The P.

[Jackie Daytona]

Going Patek on this one.

Generally love Daytona's and sports watches, but that Patek is so nice.

[ltmgeller]

Daytona would be my vote