braybray

This was a good enough thread for me to finally register an account. FishinTygah mentioned a couple of my Patek's earlier. Obtuse1 probably said everything that needs saying. I don't have nearly the collection he has (wow) but have gone through a handful of watches over the years. There was a period where I was down on Rolex and thought it wasn’t refined enough, but now they are my favorite all-around brand. Solid movement, reasonable service cost, and in most instances hold their value very well. It seems like the right stainless sports models will appreciate in value enough to offset maintenance and insurance cost. You aren’t likely to make much money, relative to other investment vehicles, but you aren’t likely to lose money either.

Collection history:
Rolex Explorer II Polar 16570 (bought, sold, re-bought from same person, gave to wife)
Panerai Luminor 112 (sold)
Rolex Yacht-Master SS/Pt 16622 (sold)
Rolex Submarinar Anniversary 16610 (sold *cry*)
Patek Aquanaut 5167/1a (considering selling since very close to latest acquisition)
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15300 (sold *cry*)
Rolex Explorer II 216570
Panerai Luminor 00510
Patek Nautilus 3700
Wife also has a Rolex Yacht-Master SS/Pt 168622

It has taken me a bit to find the right mix of watches that I feel are well rounded. I only have 2 watch-flip regrets and that’s the Submariner since it has gone up a lot in value, and the Royal Oak since I miss it and believe it will go up in value.

The Explorer II has really my favorite and go-to for most occasions. Going to my deer camp? Explorer. Going to work? Explorer. Going to the beach? Explorer Going out somewhere with the family? Explorer. Compared to a Submariner or Datejust, most don’t know what it is so doesn’t attract unnecessary or negative attention. It is nice enough to feel special but not so delicate or finished in a manner that makes me worry about wearing it under almost any condition.

Panerai gives me something to wear if the occasion is more casual. Great weekend watch and love the manual wind + 8 day power reserve.

Patek Aquanaut is special to me and I even named my oldest child Patek. My grandfather was a railroad engineer but after losing a leg on Iwo Jima, had to find something he could do sitting and became a watchmaker. This definitely aided in my fascination with mechanical watches. I have recently acquired a Patek Nautilus 3700 (Jumbo) which is the first Nautilus. As mentioned by Obtuse1, it was designed by the renowned Gerald Genta who also designed the Royal Oak. I knew it had some mechanical issues going into the buy so it is currently w/ Patek getting serviced. It manually winds and keeps great time, but the rotor is not keeping the mainspring wound so doesn’t keep itself wound w/ movement. Fingers crossed it’s nothing major.



Great thread everyone.