Rolex Daytona vs Zenith El Primero vs VC Overseas Chrono vs JLC Master Chrono

[gmtm2]

Dear friends

I am looking to buy a chronograph watch and shortlisted the above 4. I am torn between the choices as each has it's own attractions and strengths.

There are things for discussion like

Brand and Recognition
Movement and Reliability
Future Collector Value
Best Value for money during purchase
Others?

Can anyone share more information and shed some light on which would be a best choice amongst them?

[Dar Teo]

I would boil it down to Rolex Daytona vs VC Overseas Chrono.
Based on Brand and Recognition.

[rockdaman]

i do not have much knowledge on JLC and Zenith.

but to choose from the list i would prefer VC on top of 4 based on brand and recognition.

Value wise Daytona.

[ac_wong75]

The Brand and recognition criteria is very subjective and depends on what you lean towards as appeal.
A simple litmus test on brand and recognition in my humble opinion is to ask your man in the street or auntie uncles
run by those brands, Zenith, VC,JLC, Rolex and see their face. I bet my dollar that the only brand that they will show a
gleam when told of the "Five Match Sticks" brand.....

For movement and reliabilty I will say the Chrono masters are Zenith and JLC.. after all early Rolex daytonas also use Zenith El Primero movments as well. JLC movments are well known workhorses that power some of the high end watches, AP ROO being one of them whose 2326 series movments were base on a JLC base before they move on the in house 3126 series.

Futrure Collector value

refer to this article published sometime back. The conclusion is from all auctions it seems only Patek Phillipe and Rolex are the winners...
http://www.forbes.com/sites/arielada...oks-not-value/
Given Patek is not on your list the answer is the Daytona

The best value during purchase is rather confusion as the above article suggest buy a watch for the looks not for investment...
but if you are refering to how the second hand market reactions to the brand IMHO Rolex hold better compared to the other 3
There are enough trading and demand on this site to show how much demand is out there and there is always teh old saying that if you need money quickly, you can always cash in your rolex more quickly than the other brands which require more refine tastes and horological knowledge.

Having said and share all the above the only thing left is really is to wear that watch on your hand and see if the watch face smile back at you.. That is the watch that you shoudl choose.

[gmtm2]

Dear Friends

Thanks for the replies, i have narrowed to 2...

My mind tells me that getting Rolex Daytona is a wise choice as its well known among 'the men on the streets', holds value very well and the ease of liquidating it ( i hope not )..

Yet my heart leans towards JLC Master Chronograph for their attractive timeless design of watch, renowned mechanical prowess and irresistable price for their quality timepiece..

Still pondering.....

[justin.meridabikes]

actually the choice you make is dependent on how you generally spend money; what cheap and expensive means to you, and of course your current financial situation at the moment... But for me, the daytona wins in this case.

[caleb]

Based on your two choices I would go for the Rolex Daytona! Unless you choose the JLC in rose gold then that's a different story!! (I'm just a huge sucker for rose gold!)

[champagneluver]

Dear Friends

Thanks for the replies, i have narrowed to 2...

My mind tells me that getting Rolex Daytona is a wise choice as its well known among 'the men on the streets', holds value very well and the ease of liquidating it ( i hope not )..

Yet my heart leans towards JLC Master Chronograph for their attractive timeless design of watch, renowned mechanical prowess and irresistable price for their quality timepiece..

Still pondering.....

Go with your heart, not with our hearts!!!

All the best to your watch hunting!

[vick0002]

Although I always lean toward rolex, I have had a Zenith Defy Classic Open El Primero for some years now. Extremely reliable and looks awesome imo

[shou.biao.kuang]

For me, a Rolex Daytona is the one and only choice here... the rest are distance third onwards... Shallow? Yes! But I am a true sucker for the five match stick on a crown brand... All Hail King Rolex! :P

[Reversing]

Rolex Daytona - The most iconic Chronograph watch - everybody would be happy for you
Zenith El Primero - The chronograph movement with the most heritage - people who drink the same wine would complement you
VC Overseas Chrono - A watch only high society appreciates - Only the people who matters most to you would commend you
JLC Master Chrono - A gentlemen watch which is the most understated - Watch connoisseurs would appreciate your choice

Well, it boils down to your individuality. Wear the watch you see it growing on you. Buy the watch which you like and not the others like. Sometimes we fail to see other models when the Rolex Chant is too loud. Haha
IMHO, just 2 cents.

[mark81]

well, for me, its either daytona or overseas chrono...

[kenn18]

This is a Rolex Forum.. the Daytona would be the choice. It retains its value well, iconic, and has presence.

[Vedder007]

Rolex Daytona - The most iconic Chronograph watch - everybody would be happy for you
Zenith El Primero - The chronograph movement with the most heritage - people who drink the same wine would complement you
VC Overseas Chrono - A watch only high society appreciates - Only the people who matters most to you would commend you
JLC Master Chrono - A gentlemen watch which is the most understated - Watch connoisseurs would appreciate your choice

Well, it boils down to your individuality. Wear the watch you see it growing on you. Buy the watch which you like and not the others like. Sometimes we fail to see other models when the Rolex Chant is too loud. Haha
IMHO, just 2 cents.

Well said.