He paid 2x MSRP. Watches are emotional. The story mattered more to him than my advice.

And look, it's not a bad money decision. The Panda is a stable store of value even at 2x MSRP with low supply and endless waitlists. It will hold its value.

But for me, any Rolex under $50k is predictable and not that interesting. An asset, but that's it.

I always suggest watches that check three boxes: asset, networking tool, and wearable art.

Here are three pieces around $30k that do exactly that:

Hublot Big Bang 44mm Rose Gold Chronograph....Full rose gold case and bracelet under $30k. The value of the gold alone is worth the price of admission. That's just smart. Wearing one without paying the $44k+ MSRP is a serious brag.

IWC Big Pilot Le Petit Prince Perpetual Calendar in Rose Gold...a perpetual calendar + rose gold in the low $20s is insane value. IWC is consistently under-appreciated and under-priced in the secondary market. With an MSRP over $50k, this is a hell of a brag on your wrist.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Half Brick Rhodium Dial...my favorite Offshore dial design in rose gold. I'm calling these get into the $40s by end of year. They're still available in the $30s today. Just make sure it's had a recent service.

All three feature rose gold. All three start conversations. All three are wearable art that holds value.

Which one would you prefer to a predictable Daytona?