EDITOR’S PICK: Sick of waiting for that Patek? Here are 5 watches you could get instead

Felix Scholz

Editor’s note: ‘Wait list’ might well be the phrase of the year for watch fans. Demand, especially on steel sports watches, has seemingly never been higher, with mere mortal consumers faced with two options. A healthy wait, or a hefty premium. I originally wrote this piece around a year ago, and some of my (then) more readily available alternatives are now in high demand. Not as high as the Nautilus though …

You don’t need to sell us on Patek’s 5711/1A. It’s the Nautilus. In fact, you might go so far as to say it’s the steel sports watch. The case, the dial – that bracelet. Heck, even the date. It all works. The only bad thing about it? Unless you’re seriously connected, you can’t just walk into your local AD, drop the $32,300 AUD and walk out with it on your wrist. You need to wait. And I think we can all agree that waiting sucks. So don’t. Here are five excellent options to scratch that itch a whole lot quicker.

Glashütte Original Senator Excellence Perpetual Calendar

 

It might not be a Genta-designed icon, but Glashütte’s latest is a traditionally styled perpetual calendar with a thoroughly modern movement and an excellent price. Yes, please. $30,200

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona in yellow gold on Oysterflex

The steel Daytona is even harder to score than the Nautilus, but the latest yellow gold version on a sporty Oysterflex? Far more achievable. Plus it’s an awesomely fresh take on an old favourite. $34,900

A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Thin 40mm

Look. We know it’s kind of the polar opposite to the Patek, looks-wise, but it gives the Swiss firm a run for their money on the pedigree front and it’s just as pure a design. $27,900

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Dual Time

Lange too dressy for your tastes? You’re definitely in the market for a steel sports watch. OK, how about AP? In particular, how about this dual time Royal Oak? $27,200

Girard-Perregaux Laureato 42mm (x2)

AP not right, either? Not into leather bands or complications? Don’t worry, we got you. This is the Laureato, recently released from Girard-Perregaux. Similar ’70s style, hobnail dial and integrated bracelet, at half the price. Literally. You could buy two dial variants. $16,000