[Watch House Watch Miscellaneous] Buying a watch to choose "chicken head" or "phoenix tail" has long been a topic that players are keen to discuss. "Chicken Head" with excellent design and excellent technology, reflects the peak of a brand's watchmaking strength, but the higher price has also dissuaded many players, after all, there are higher brands to choose from at the same price. At this time, many price-sensitive cousins will choose the basic entry model, after all, "Fengwei" can step into the threshold of high-end brands with the least budget, enjoy the same watch purchase experience and warranty services, and it is also a good choice. Today, let's summarize the data of the official websites of major brands and see how much money it takes to buy the "phoenix tail" of high-end brands. It should be noted that the product models and prices in the article are currently on sale, and only the mechanical men's watch with a diameter of more than 36 mm is listed, and the premium products with no reference significance for quartz movements and limited editions, discontinued models, or public prices without reference are not discussed. Let's take a look at how much budget you need to prepare to "get on the bus" if you want to step into the threshold of these high-end brands.
Patek Philippe GALATRAVA 5196R
We may wish to start with the "cousin king" Patek Philippe. Because the AQUANAUT "grenade" is too popular, although the 5167A is lower than the 5196R, the public price obviously does not have much reference value in the face of the high premium. For the average player, the easiest product to get started at present is the 5196R. It belongs to the CASATRAVA series, which has clean lines and is regarded as a classic of round watches and one of the outstanding representatives of the Patek Philippe style. Ultimate elegance, timelessness and understated perfection, CALATRAVA is the love of generations of watch enthusiasts.
The 5196R has a diameter of 37 mm, the case is made of 18-carat rose gold, and the disc surface is an elegant small three-pin shape, which is very classic and attractive. This watch is equipped with Patek Philippe's 215 PS hand-wound mechanical movement, which is only 2.55 mm thick and has a 44-hour dynamic storage time, and the Top of it is engraved with the Patek Philippe seal, reflecting the luxury from the "Watch King". Thanks to the ultra-thin movement process, the overall thickness of the watch is only 7.68 mm. The current price of the 5196R is RMB 19,1800.
Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59
As in the case of Patek Philippe, the Royal Oak 15400ST, although the lowest public price among the brand's current products, has no reference significance in the face of the high premium, so CODE 11.59 has become the easiest series to "get on the car". Launched in 2019, the collection is in line with the classic round watch, introducing contemporary design elements that highlight the watch's multiple geometries and many exquisite details.
Model 15210BC.OO.A321CR.01 combines a circle with an octagonal shape. The modern hyperboloid anti-glare sapphire crystal glass creates a unique optical experience. The lacquered dial, paired with precious metal three-dimensional hour markers and hands, helps to create a sense of depth and sophistication, making this collection particularly eye-catching. Code 11.59 basic third-hand model has a variety of colors to choose from, and they are all priced at RMB 225,000.
Vacheron Constantin Woodland Type 4600E
Vacheron Constantin also has a significant position in the top watch circle, and the Wuluzhi type large three-pin 4600E is the entry-level product of the brand, and its appearance replaces the Quidley series and plays the role of "phoenix tail". Inspired by a watch from 1956, the Woolluzhi model inherits a case shape similar to that of a historical model, with a highly recognizable Maltese cross-shaped lug, which pays homage to the classic and gives it a new interpretation.
However, it is a little regrettable that the Cal.1326 movement carried by the 4600E did not obtain the Geneva mark, so this movement also caused some controversy when it was launched. But in any case, with its meticulously polished trim and Vacheron Constantin's signature 22-carat Maltese Cross Automatic, this is still a highly comprehensive movement. And most importantly, the public price of 4600E is only 94,000 yuan, thanks to vacheron Constantin's brand aura, it still has a strong competitiveness within 100,000 yuan.
宝玑TYPE XX - XXI - XXII 3810ST/92/9ZU
Compared with the previous players, Breguet is more low-key in the top watch clubs. There is no premium in the brand's entire range of products, and the lowest starting price at this stage is the 3810ST/92/9ZU watch in the TYPE XX - XXI - XXII series. The type XX - XXI - XXII series is uniquely named, it was created by the Breguet brand in the 1950s specifically for the French naval air force.
The titanium flyback chronograph model 3810ST/92/9ZU is the cheapest model on sale, priced at RMB 90,300. The watch has a 42 mm diameter and a graduated bezel that can be rotated in both directions. In terms of movement, breguet 584 Q calibre is used for self-winding movement, which has a flyback chronograph function. In addition, the movement has a date display window at 6 o'clock, with a day/night display and a 12-hour accumulation device. It is more functional and is a complex watch with a low purchase threshold in breguet's product line.
Jaquet Dro Star J017030241
If Breguet occupies a place in luxury watches with its tourbillon, then presumably Jaquet Dro's foothold is a moving doll. Historically, Jaquet-Dro was known for its exquisite range of automatic dolls, while the modern Jaquet-Dro also focuses on a variety of artistic skills, which is also praiseworthy. However, as an entry-level product, the ASTRALE Star Series J017030241, which costs 70,000 yuan, obviously does not have these complex design elements, and it only shows its most minimalist appearance.
The case of this watch is made of stainless steel and the disc face is designed with a small three-pin design. The small blue steel seconds hand is located in the 9 o'clock orientation of the silver dial, which stands out against the 43 mm diameter. The bottom of the table is back-through structured and engraved with independent numbers. Through sapphire glass, the Jaquet Droz 1169.Si movement, which has a 68-hour storage time, is clearly visible.
Lange SAXONIA 216.027
Lange & Lange is the epitome of the top German watchmakers, and SAXONIA was one of the four major models in the first series in 1994. Named after the brand's birthplace, Saxonia, Germany, SAXONIA pursues the watchmaking tradition and focuses on the design of the movement, using the essence of the movement as the basis to show the beauty of the watch.
Model 216.027 was introduced in 2015 and is currently the lowest starting price in the Lange SAXONIA range, with a current reference price of RMB 137,000. The watch adopts a 37 mm diameter, with a white 18-carat gold case with a gray dial, the dial is cast in solid silver, fused with a solid 18K gold block scale, plus 18-carat gold rhodium-plated hands, the material and workmanship are very luxurious.
Parmigiani TONDA GT PFC910-0000210-X01482
Among the many luxury watch brands, Parmigiani is undoubtedly the youngest. It was founded in 1996 by the founder of the brand, Michel Parmigiani, and in the course of more than two decades, Parmigiani has been recognized by many watchmakers for its solid watchmaking strength and excellent movement performance. In 2021, the brand will fully update the Tongda series, and the new TONDA PF will be more sporty in terms of appearance.
Model PFC910-0000210-X01482 is currently the lowest price of the series, 11,6000 yuan can be owned. With a diameter of 42 mm, this model is made of polished and satin brushed steel or 18-carat rose gold and is water-resistant to 100 metres. The silver-black dial is embellished with a "triangular stud" engraved pattern embellished with black rhodium-plated hour markers. The black coating of the iconic triangular hands shows the time, while the date can be viewed through the large double-date window at 12 o'clock.
Roger Dupi King DBEX0536
Like Parmigiani, Roger Dubi is a rising star in luxury watches, and the brand was co-founded in 1995 by Roger Dupi and Carlos Díaz. Roger Du pi focuses on the appearance of his models, showing architectural beauty and exquisite mechanics with the technique of skeleton movement, and using a variety of high-tech materials, the shape of the watch is full of futuristic. The king EXCALIBUR series DBEX0536 is priced at RMB 98,000, which is currently the lowest price of the Roger Dubi brand.
This watch is made of stainless steel and has a case diameter of 42 mm. The silver sun-pattern dial, paired with exaggerated Roman numerals, delivers a tensioning effect that also makes this entry-level product highly recognizable. It is powered by the Roger Du pi RD830 automatic mechanical movement with a power reserve of 48 hours. For friends who want to "get on the car" roger Dupi brand, the performance of the basic model is also very strong.
Summary: Excluding premium styles, the current price of entry-level products of these high-luxury brands is concentrated at 700,000 to 200,000 yuan, and it is also a good choice for many people to experience the shopping experience and quality services of top brands with the least budget. So the question is, will you buy these entry-level models in order to be able to "get on the car" of high-end brands? (Photo/Text Watch House Xiao Feng)