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Really want an Oyster Perpetual, but...

4.1K views 30 replies 21 participants last post by  Buschyfor3  
#1 ·
Hi all, I am getting a watch as a wedding gift. I want something that is timeless, well-built, and within my price range. The only watches that really tick most of my boxes are the Oyster Perpetual 36mm and the JLC Master Ultra Thin. I'd prefer something that's better suited for everyday wear with durability in mind. The Rolex Explorer or Oyster Perpetual are my top picks, but since I work in the financial services industry I am leaning more towards the Oyster Perpetual.

The only problem is, it's similar to a lot of watches I already own (in style, not caliber. Put your pitchforks away...)
I have a blue Tag Heuer Aquaracer and a Breitling Colt. I'd imagine those would not get a lot of wrist time were I to get the Oyster Perpetual, and they're not worth huge amounts of money where I'd consider downsizing my collection. I've had those watches for a while and they are the perfect size for me, when compared to a lot of current offerings from those brands (or most other brands for that matter).

Am I just overthinking this? I really don't think that once I have the Oyster Perpetual, I'd worry that the other watches aren't getting enough wrist time. I guess the other alternative is getting the JLC, but I'm posting this on the Rolex forum so I have an inkling about what kind of response I'd get...
 
#2 ·
I think you will surprise yourself if you get the OP, once the initial honeymoon phase wears off you may find yourself in more of a rotation, or wearing different watches for different occasions.
TBH it sounds like you really do want the OP, so get it without downsizing, then if you feel like it after a while maybe then make the decision to downsize.
Picking up a used one of your current watches should you sell, then regret the decision shouldnt be too bad, so you always have that as a backup.
Im a fan of both the Explore and the OP. The polar Explorer has really caught my eye recently out of nowhere, but in my opinion to OP would suit more situations/occasions so a bit more versatile. not everyone may feel the same way including yourself. Have you tried both Rolex and the JLC on yet? If not maybe its time to go and do so and see what feels right to you. a multi brand AD might be able to show you some other pieces you may not have considered and seeing them in person may change your thoughts.
 
#4 ·
Congrats on the upcoming wedding.

I think the OP is a good call as a daily over the MUT which I personally love (it's on my short list for a dress watch). I'm not so sure about the OPs style overlap with the Tag and Breitling. I think an OP compliments both and makes a nice trio. Same as if you chose the MUT. All 3 are a fit together in my eyes.

Don't hesitate on the OP though since it seems you're leaning that way.
 
#5 ·
Just because they are not worth a lot, doesnt meant downsizing is a bad idea. Even if its a couple of hundred dollars, you can always spend it on something instead of waiting for the Aquaracer or Colt to require some sort of service, costing you money, and worth even less.

If you like the OP, go for it. That being said the JLC is a very nice watch and would actually be my personal pick.
 
#8 ·
Every Tom, Dick, and Harry has a Rolex, especially in the financial services industry. So the OP is perfect if you need a Rolex to keep up with the boyz, though you might get teased about not having a Daytona or GMT. I‘d go with the JLC, since you already have some sports watches.

By posting here you’re almost guaranteed to hear that you have to get the OP, but you really can‘t go wrong with either one.
 
#9 ·
Every Tom, Dick, and Harry has a Rolex, especially in the financial services industry. So the OP is perfect if you need a Rolex to keep up with the boyz, though you might get teased about not having a Daytona or GMT. I‘d go with the JLC, since you already have some sports watches.

By posting here you’re almost guaranteed to hear that you have to get the OP, but you really can‘t go wrong with either one.
Just some sneaky nose play in the bathroom with the boyzzzz
 
#16 ·
The 36mm case size and especially a different dial color than your Tag or Breitling could differentiate the OP quite a lot.

As well, always good in collecting to go with what you actually want. If you don't end up wearing the Tag or Breitling much (though I agree you might surprise yourself in time), you can always trade on forums for similar tiered stuff.

Sounds like you want the OP so yeah good call.

Now me, I'm actually not a Rolex guy and would generally prefer JLC, but that said, for a durable daily wear there's no question Rolex wins there and the movements are known to just run forever through thick and thin.
 
#17 ·
Hi all, I am getting a watch as a wedding gift. I want something that is timeless, well-built, and within my price range. The only watches that really tick most of my boxes are the Oyster Perpetual 36mm and the JLC Master Ultra Thin. I'd prefer something that's better suited for everyday wear with durability in mind. The Rolex Explorer or Oyster Perpetual are my top picks, but since I work in the financial services industry I am leaning more towards the Oyster Perpetual.

The only problem is, it's similar to a lot of watches I already own (in style, not caliber. Put your pitchforks away...)
I have a blue Tag Heuer Aquaracer and a Breitling Colt. I'd imagine those would not get a lot of wrist time were I to get the Oyster Perpetual, and they're not worth huge amounts of money where I'd consider downsizing my collection. I've had those watches for a while and they are the perfect size for me, when compared to a lot of current offerings from those brands (or most other brands for that matter).

Am I just overthinking this? I really don't think that once I have the Oyster Perpetual, I'd worry that the other watches aren't getting enough wrist time. I guess the other alternative is getting the JLC, but I'm posting this on the Rolex forum so I have an inkling about what kind of response I'd get...
I took my wife out to a nice lunch today and she wore the black OP31 I bought her a couple years ago. I was wearing my ORIS Aquis, and I couldn't help but notice how much nicer the steel, materials and finishing of her OP was, compared to mine, while sitting outdoors in the sunshine. The Rolex OP is just a fantastic (although, IMO, a bit boring) all-around daily watch that will never lose value (if you get it MSRP) and you could always flip in a pinch for a profit.

Now, regarding your dilemma with the AR and Colt (I've owned both, returned the AR immediately, got the Colt 41 new GM for under $2k so it's a keeper), I don't see that it's much of a dilemma. For one, assuming you paid retail or even GM, you aren't getting even half of your money back and you're obviously in the financial position where you can afford a $5k+ watch, so I don't see the point in wasting time and effort trying to hock a watch that you might, at best, get $1k for. Personally, I think the TAG AR at retail is one of the most overpriced pieces of s*** in the luxury market...but for $750 I'd happily grab a blue one for my weekend/travel beater. Now the Colt, on the other hand, punches well above what it could be gotten for during its time and I LOVE mine, and with the pandemic in the rearview it took over for my GSAR as my designated travel watch. Neither is going to conflict in style or theme with your OP.

You already know the OP is the best choice for you. Just get one and be done with it and, in the meantime, start saving those nickels and dimes because the first one is never the last one.
 
#18 ·
Thanks everyone for your responses. As always, I'm always overthinking things. I did buy both Tag and Colt from WUS members... the saying "one man's trash is another's treasure" sure comes to mind :)

I'll go ahead with the OP. Depending on how my tastes evolve, I may be coming back for that JLC Master (or a similar style).
 
#25 ·
Congratulations on the wedding and on deciding to get a wedding watch! I'm getting married in October and will also be getting a wedding watch (my fiance and I are gifting each other watches for the occasion), so this hits home :).

I think your decision to go with the OP is a fantastic one. I'm not so sure that the OP is similar in style to the TAG Aquaracer or Breitling Colt, so I'm confident you'll get lots of wear out of those other pieces as well (for example, that TAG will be a great beach vacation watch). Also, it should be said the JLC Master Ultra Thin is substantially more expensive at about $4k more than the OP (at least in Canada), so that has to be a bonus too.
 
#26 ·
Hi all, I am getting a watch as a wedding gift. I want something that is timeless, well-built, and within my price range. The only watches that really tick most of my boxes are the Oyster Perpetual 36mm and the JLC Master Ultra Thin. I'd prefer something that's better suited for everyday wear with durability in mind. The Rolex Explorer or Oyster Perpetual are my top picks, but since I work in the financial services industry I am leaning more towards the Oyster Perpetual.

The only problem is, it's similar to a lot of watches I already own (in style, not caliber. Put your pitchforks away...)
I have a blue Tag Heuer Aquaracer and a Breitling Colt. I'd imagine those would not get a lot of wrist time were I to get the Oyster Perpetual, and they're not worth huge amounts of money where I'd consider downsizing my collection. I've had those watches for a while and they are the perfect size for me, when compared to a lot of current offerings from those brands (or most other brands for that matter).

Am I just overthinking this? I really don't think that once I have the Oyster Perpetual, I'd worry that the other watches aren't getting enough wrist time. I guess the other alternative is getting the JLC, but I'm posting this on the Rolex forum so I have an inkling about what kind of response I'd get...
JLC and Rolex fan/owner here, so I say this without brand bias. The OP is a perfect do-anything watch. I would definitely feel more comfortable with it in that regard over the JLC. I don't consider the JLC to be "delicate" necessarily, but it has half the WR, no screw down crown, and is just generally not as robust. The OP also has an amazing steel bracelet. The OP is going to be really hard to beat if you can get it near retail. As far as it being similar to other watches you own, that just tells me that you really do like this particular style - you keep coming back to it. I see no problem with that.
 
#27 ·
Hi all, I am getting a watch as a wedding gift. I want something that is timeless, well-built, and within my price range. The only watches that really tick most of my boxes are the Oyster Perpetual 36mm and the JLC Master Ultra Thin. I'd prefer something that's better suited for everyday wear with durability in mind. The Rolex Explorer or Oyster Perpetual are my top picks, but since I work in the financial services industry I am leaning more towards the Oyster Perpetual.

The only problem is, it's similar to a lot of watches I already own (in style, not caliber. Put your pitchforks away...)
I have a blue Tag Heuer Aquaracer and a Breitling Colt. I'd imagine those would not get a lot of wrist time were I to get the Oyster Perpetual, and they're not worth huge amounts of money where I'd consider downsizing my collection. I've had those watches for a while and they are the perfect size for me, when compared to a lot of current offerings from those brands (or most other brands for that matter).

Am I just overthinking this? I really don't think that once I have the Oyster Perpetual, I'd worry that the other watches aren't getting enough wrist time. I guess the other alternative is getting the JLC, but I'm posting this on the Rolex forum so I have an inkling about what kind of response I'd get...

You are WAY overthinking this all. None of us can help you, because at the end of the day you need to decide which one YOU like the best. Put them all in a row and decide, if someone was going to give you one of them for free, which one would you grab? In the end, what difference do our options make?
 
#30 ·
I'd prefer something that's better suited for everyday wear with durability in mind.
I've owned a variety of OPs and MUTs and if you want to really split hairs, the OP will be better suited for everyday wear. BUT, while the OP may be on paper and feel like a more durable watch, functionally the two are so close as to not really make a difference in normal everyday use.

IMO the OP also gets more points for everyday practicality because of the bracelet v. leather strap (but you can also get a bracelet for some MUT models, so that point may be moot), water resistance, and screw down crown (things that become more important if you have babies and young kids).

Another nice thing about the OP is the engravable caseback, so you can commemorate the special event by engraving an emoji or "yolo" on the back.
 
#31 ·
Congrats! I am in the same boat. Looking at either the green OP36 or perhaps one of two DJ36 models (mint dial or the blue fluted motif dial) as a wedding watch. Green and mint both extremely hard to come by right now per my AD, but at least I'm on the list and have a bit of time to spare until then. Also, won't hurt to see what Rolex comes out with at Watches & Wonders in a couple weeks time... Sure, either of them would look very much the same as the blue 116000 that I already have in my collection. However, the watch has a timeless style and it is robust, and that is what I like.


Don't think you can go wrong with the JLC either, that watch is a looker too!