Watch fund is full and I'm heading to Vegas

[goaliechris]

Next week I'm hitting Vegas for some basketball and poker. And watch browsing - not actually buying in Vegas because, as we know, Caesar don't deal. Anyway, I do plan on making a purchase either in the secondary market or through a trusted seller here. I'm in no rush and assuming I don't blow my funds on Vegas's many attractions and diversions, I will have enough to obtain one of my long-term wants.

For reference, my daily wearers are either the Rolex SD 16600, an Omega SMP, or an IWC 3777 Pilot Chrono (Le Petit Prince edition). The Rolex and the Omega (sentimental value) will never leave.

So I'm down to these final 3:

1) Panerai 233: I used to own a 312 (twice) and a 024 so I have 2 awesome straps that are sitting there unused (a GSD and a Europelli). The 233 has been on my list for a long time. Love the domed crystal, the hand wound movement (don't own one currently) with 8-day power reserve, etc. Would prefer the dot version with the quick change strap system but I'm good with the am/pm version as well.

2) AP Royal Oak 15400 (black) or 3)the AP Diver: Either one of these would necessitate a sacrifice in the form of the IWC and in stretching the budget.These are grail-level watches and an AP is something I have wanted to own for years. I have read a lot about the pros and cons of both. The 15400 with the bracelet is a thing of beauty but I know it's a ding magnet (and apparently if there is a door or a desk I can bang a watch against, chances are good I will, although the IWC has been spared so far). The Diver is a big chunk of a watch and is the more casual, rugged option. I have briefly handled the 15400 but have never seen the Diver in person - something I hope to remedy in Vegas.

These are different choices obviously but each has been on my list and I'm itching to try one. So, what say you if you were me?

[slashd0t]

I think you'll find things have changed a bit in Vegas.. I was there last month and even the boutiques were willing to deal on prices (Blancpain). If you want my advice, go for the 15400

[goaliechris]

I think you'll find things have changed a bit in Vegas.. I was there last month and even the boutiques were willing to deal on prices (Blancpain). If you want my advice, go for the 15400

Thanks, I did not know that - it's been a few years since I have been there. I just always assumed it's a bad place to buy.

Whether now, or several years from now, I will own the 15400. The $ stretch is not insubstantial but selling the IWC would certainly help to get me there.

[rockmastermike]

good luck and have fun!

we were there last month - didn't buy anything but they were willing to deal in a few shops

fun times at the fountains and renewing our vows with Elvis

[logan2z]

Tough choice between the 15400 and the Diver. I agonized over it for a long time but ultimately went with the 15400. I think it's the more versatile piece. Still love the Diver, though, and hope to own one at some point.

Good luck with your decision.

[goaliechris]

good luck and have fun!

we were there last month - didn't buy anything but they were willing to deal in a few shops

fun times at the fountains and renewing our vows with Elvis

Congrats!


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[goaliechris]

Tough choice between the 15400 and the Diver. I agonized over it for a long time but ultimately went with the 15400. I think it's the more versatile piece. Still love the Diver, though, and hope to own one at some point.

Good luck with your decision.

Thank you - it's the direction I'm leaning as well.

I feel like buying one of these watches is like what happens when the dog catches the bumper: then what?


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[hoppyjr]

I hope you come home with a nice watch, not just a G-Shock and VD.

[Nellipj]

Chris, they are all great choices. I have had the 233 and the AP Diver, and I will be going after a 15400 this year. I actually went over to Mark's house (drster) and tried on the 15400 a couple of days ago. It is stunning on the wrist.

The 233, for a Panerai, wears small compared to your 312 and 024. Something about how the dome curves makes it feel smaller. Try it on so you know how it wears if you can.

The AP Diver wears larger than its specs. It is 42mm according to AP, but it wears all of 44 or bigger. Definitely try one on to check the fit on your wrist.

You can't go wrong with any of them. 15400 will win out for me. The bracelet is just killer and that puts it over the top for my taste. Good luck with your search

[Panerai7]

AP Diver
233 wears like a 42mm Pam if that's what you want and I personally think Oldsmobile fuel gauge is not Panerai.
Go for the Diver if you're into Divers like I am

[dukerules]

All good choices. 15400 for me, even if I liked the 15300 proportions better. And if you win big, just go 15202, and then you'll never need another watch.

[logan2z]

You can't go wrong with any of them. 15400 will win out for me. The bracelet is just killer and that puts it over the top for my taste. Good luck with your search

+1

Re: the bracelet, it's available for the Diver too and I think it looks great on the watch - maybe even better than the rubber strap

[jimyritz]

All good choices. 15400 for me, even if I liked the 15300 proportions better. And if you win big, just go 15202, and then you'll never need another watch.

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+1...What Rahul said

[nweash]

Please just go to CUT at the Palazzo. Get the Tennessee ribeye. Thank me later.

[BacoNoir]

Another vote for the 15400. Once I tried one on, I called Thanh Do (takuya on TRF) and bought one - great discount and my name on the warranty.

[matt.wu]

If you've not had an AP, then you've got to try it out. It's very different than most other watches. It'd bring nice variety to your collection.

That said, 233 is also an all-time favorite, so I'd say kill it at the tables and sports book and buy both.

[james80]

Hookers and blow.

NB: Keep existing watches in the hotel safe.

Thank me later.

[goaliechris]

Thanks all - so far the 15400 seems to a favorite. And I should eat at CUT (will do). Staying at Bellagio and most of my Thursday and Friday is going to be spent sitting in a sports book, drinking, and watching the tournament. So cheap food for lunch and head out for a nice dinner.

Ah, good 'ol hookers and blow - a time honored tradition in Vegas. I think the closest I will get to either will be as I walk past the high roller tables.

Buy both? So the plan needs to be take all the cash and bet it on black and let the ball roll!

[andrema]

[goaliechris]

I don't know what this is in reference to but I love it.


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[andrema]

Canadian citizenship test


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[JDC222]

Canadian citizenship test


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LMAO

[goaliechris]

LOL. The deeper test is the guy that convinced her to do it there wearing that. Impressive. Most impressive.


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[hoppyjr]

Canadian citizenship test


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Picture a large Syrian woman in that outfit.

[59yukon01]

A lady with an axe, and ice cold water equals double shrinkage.