Need some watch advice from the cognoscenti. | FerrariChat

Need some watch advice from the cognoscenti.

Discussion in 'Fine Watches, Jewelry, & Clothes' started by Tyler, Feb 9, 2006.

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  1. Tyler

    Tyler F1 Rookie

    Dec 19, 2001
    4,274
    dusty old farm town
    Full Name:
    Tyler
    I'm looking for a new sport watch and have gotten good advice from members here in the past so here goes.

    I've narrowed it down to three choices.

    1. Rolex Submariner SS
    2. Ulysse Nardin Marine Diver with SS bracelet
    3. Panerai with leather strap

    I've had the roly before and it was a good watch, but I know nothing about the UN and very little about the Panny. Are they sturdy watches? This watch will be subjected to daily wear and tear for probably six months before I tire of it. Which one will I lose the least amount on in a trade when I'm bored with it? I had a Cartier Roadster that I liked, but didn't hold up well and it wasn't worth much when I got rid of it. I got an Omega Seamaster that was a nice watch too, but also didn't return quite as much value at trade as I'd like. I know it's smarter to buy these things and keep them, but I'm not much on collecting things, save cigars.

    Any advice would be appreciated. The UN in particular has really caught my eye, but I just don't know much about them.
     
  2. Buffarino

    Buffarino Guest

    Why not find a nice used (previously owned) watch and let someone else take the hit?
     
  3. VTChris

    VTChris F1 World Champ

    Aug 21, 2005
    13,259


    UN's Resale is horrible. If you want to sell it after 6 months, Rolex or Panerai is the way to go. Both resale values are fabulous right now.
     
  4. VTChris

    VTChris F1 World Champ

    Aug 21, 2005
    13,259

    Ulysse watches are exremely nice though. Too bad the resale is soft.
     
  5. 4REman

    4REman Rookie

    Nov 11, 2003
    19
    Tyler, If you're interested in this watch, there is an almost new one listed on Timezone.com for $3200 with all the papers in brand new condition. Log onto Timezone.com, click on Sales Corner, scroll down about 1/2 way on the first page and click on the listing. The seller has a very good description and pics. I have bought several watches from the sellers on Timezone and have always been satisfied. By the way, UN makes one of the best watches available and its somewhat exclusive....just like Ferrari! You don't see them everywhere but they are exceptional. Let someone else take the hit. Save yourself some money!
     
  6. Tyler

    Tyler F1 Rookie

    Dec 19, 2001
    4,274
    dusty old farm town
    Full Name:
    Tyler
    How well are they constructed? Will they take the same punishment as a submariner and still look presentable?

    Hmmmm.....a quick web search indicates that UN prices take about a 50% hit when they enter the used market. Does that trend continue on down the chain? For instance, I can buy a very nice sub used for let's say $3500. I know I can then get somewhere between $2400-2700 on a trade. So I'm only taking a 20 to 25% hit for my use. Can I replicate those same percentages in a UN or do they continue to drop drastically with each new change of hands?
     
  7. TigerAce

    TigerAce Formula 3

    May 29, 2003
    1,793
    Dallas, TX
    Full Name:
    Yoshi Ace
    Tyler, Having fun looking for the right watch, right?

    My watch supplliers say Rolex & Patek Phillips are the best for resale.

    UN may not have the best resale value, but looks different & best w/ gold bezel, white dial, & a rubber strap (I like the look of this strap, much better than Panerai's rubber strap) or SS bezel w/ white dial, from other 2 watches you listed.

    I just see many wearing Submariners, so I traded w/ GMT Yachtmaster. Unless you intend to use it for diving, YM will do fine for daily.

    Panerai seems to keep good resale, as they don't make a lot of watches. The popularity seems to wane compared w/ few years ago, but their Ferrari line should be popular unless they really screw it up w/ the design. Maybe you can wait Panerai for F line, which is scheduled for the fall release (little over 6 months of your time frame!)

    Buying UN in the used market maybe the route I take for this occasion. UN is known for its niche in mechanical structure. (their minute repeater Circus has the best sound!) Panerai is used by Italian army, so it must be pretty durable. Rolex, well, you know James Bond used to use this watch, so...
     
  8. Modenafan

    Modenafan F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Dec 19, 2004
    12,069
    Moorpark
    Full Name:
    Jon
    I have a Rolex and Panerai. Since I purchased the Panerai, about 8 months ago, I haven't worn the Rolex. The only problem I've had with the Panerai is that it is much deeper/thicker than any other watch I have and I end up sometimes banging it on things as I walk by.
     
  9. ferraripete

    ferraripete F1 World Champ

    among others, i have the ulysse nardin ss w/ blue face...it is a lovely watch and gets lots of attention. also, unlike the rolex, it has an in house movement.
     
  10. ferraripete

    ferraripete F1 World Champ

    and your sleeves probably don't drape properly when wearing a suit. the un is a great suit watch !
     
  11. Modenafan

    Modenafan F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Dec 19, 2004
    12,069
    Moorpark
    Full Name:
    Jon
    You're exactly right. If I'm wearing a suit or tux, like next week, I cannot wear the Panerai. The sleeves are another issue.
     
  12. LetsJet

    LetsJet F1 Veteran
    Owner

    May 24, 2004
    9,334
    DC/LA/Paris/Haleiwa
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    Mr.
    [\choices.

    1. Rolex Submariner SS

    Best option - A lot around, but if you like it, great.....

    2. Ulysse Nardin Marine Diver with SS bracelet
    Not very reliable - according to a dealer I spoke with last week.

    3. Panerai with leather strap

    I think this is a fad watch. Not big on Panerai at all.
     
  13. VTChris

    VTChris F1 World Champ

    Aug 21, 2005
    13,259

    They are constructed well, if any parts are needed cosmetically, like a strap, bracelet or crown, they get expensive and they do not sell parts to everyone.
    the Rolex can be fixed by most watchmakers.

    The UN wont change drastically after the first hit...

    U got a PM
     
  14. ylshih

    ylshih Shogun Assassin
    Honorary Owner

    Mar 21, 2004
    20,364
    Northern CA
    Full Name:
    Yin
    Rolex Sub will perform well and have a high % resale, but almost no discounts on purchase. It is "cliche".

    UN is a great brand and I love some of their styles. They were out there with some rad complications before it became the rage and regularly come out with unique designs. Resale is soft because they're not as well known. Buying well is key here, you should be able to get a UN for at least 30% off unless it is a limited edition. Can't agree with the poor reliability comment.

    Panerai is hot, but could be a passing fad. Has good resale, right now, but also very little discount on purchase. It is on the way to becoming "cliche". You also have to like bigger watches.

    I'd go with the UN and look for a good buy.
     
  15. Z0RR0

    Z0RR0 F1 Rookie

    Apr 11, 2004
    3,470
    Montreal, Canada
    Full Name:
    Julien
    Rolex - too much of the Mercedes of watches for me ...
    Panerai - I like 'em, but they are a bit of a trend now (and I'd hate to jump in that).
    Ulysse Nardin - That'd be my choice ... and I'd buy it used to minimize the hit.

    + you got a PM. :)
     
  16. Admiral Thrawn

    Admiral Thrawn F1 Rookie

    Jul 2, 2003
    3,932
    What? Rolex's movements are in house. What made you think otherwise?
     
  17. 134282

    134282 Four Time F1 World Champ
    BANNED

    Aug 3, 2002
    40,647
    California
    Full Name:
    Carbon McCoy
    Tyler...

    All-black Movado with the black leather band... It's razor thin and... it's black...!!! :)
     
  18. LetsJet

    LetsJet F1 Veteran
    Owner

    May 24, 2004
    9,334
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    Mr.
    They did not used to be......

    They are now.....
     
  19. ylshih

    ylshih Shogun Assassin
    Honorary Owner

    Mar 21, 2004
    20,364
    Northern CA
    Full Name:
    Yin
    We've been through this before. For some reason, he's convinced Rolex outsources most of their movements.

    http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showpost.php?p=135390345&postcount=21
     
  20. Tyler

    Tyler F1 Rookie

    Dec 19, 2001
    4,274
    dusty old farm town
    Full Name:
    Tyler
    Thanks for your help and suggestions!

    I'm leaning toward the Ulysee Nardin. My biggest concern with UN is reliability. I have a local Rolex dealer but I can't find a place locally that carries UN. That means IF something goes wrong it's a 200 mile drive and God knows how long a wait to get it fixed.

    Anyone havee any personal experience with UN? Have the ones you've owned been reliable?
     

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