In two days, it will be one year (to the day) since I bought my Omega Speedmaster 3573.50, which I love for being the model where the original, thoroughbred, Speedmaster "jumped the shark." But this isn't about Speedy.
Oblivious to the precision of this precedent I was setting for March being "watch month," a new wave of obsessive research wound up manifesting this little beauty:
Never thought I'd buy a Rolex. But, as it turned out, my selection process objectively determined the 16710 to be the absolute optimal GMT watch for my needs (if not for most people's). After much searching and looking at numerous GMT watches, it came down to a 16710 "Coke" a 116710BLNR and a 116710LN. When it came down to it, the newer ceramic models just had more "bling factor" than I wanted in a GMT watch. And, I'm sorry to say, the blue in the BLNR's ceramic bezel really didn't do much for me. Maybe it was the lighting in the shop, maybe I just don't find the color blue all that striking. But I found myself thinking "that's what all the fuss and the massive price hike is about?" As for the LN... It was still just too flashy, what with the larger indices and the PCL.
At under $5k, she was a steal, and still within what I'd consider "tool watch" territory. Though she was a bit gritty and needed a good cleaning.
Earlier today I picked her up from the spa, we went on a little drive.
After a few motorists honked their frustration, I think she seemed to sense that I couldn't take my eyes off of her. She insisted we pull in someplace dark and quiet.
After some alone time, I took her inside to meet her new flatmates.
And now she's already picking out my outfits for me! At least she's only concerned with accessories.
Initial Impressions
The bezel's metallic shimmer draws the eyes to the bright, glimmering indices, whereupon the matching red GMT hand begs your momentary attention before you quickly ponder the very-readable time and date. Your departing eye glances once more over to the understated, matte steel bracelet, marveling at its feeling of both lightness and durability.
What's to say that hasn't been said before? It's not too heavy, not too busy, just the perfect amount of wrist presence and so comfortable I'd forget it's there if it weren't so beautiful to look at. As an older model, it's got some street cred for looking as relevant and lovely today as it ever has. The time is easy to set although, as part of a larger rotation, I'm sure a quick-set date would be missed.
What I love most about the 16710 is that, while it's got undeniable pizzazz, it still feels like a tool watch; a machine to be used without the kid gloves. As I write this, it occurs to me that I feel the same way about Speedy. Could that ethos be the core of my overall aesthetic sensibility?
What a wonderful thing when watch shopping causes one to learn something about himself.
Oblivious to the precision of this precedent I was setting for March being "watch month," a new wave of obsessive research wound up manifesting this little beauty:
Never thought I'd buy a Rolex. But, as it turned out, my selection process objectively determined the 16710 to be the absolute optimal GMT watch for my needs (if not for most people's). After much searching and looking at numerous GMT watches, it came down to a 16710 "Coke" a 116710BLNR and a 116710LN. When it came down to it, the newer ceramic models just had more "bling factor" than I wanted in a GMT watch. And, I'm sorry to say, the blue in the BLNR's ceramic bezel really didn't do much for me. Maybe it was the lighting in the shop, maybe I just don't find the color blue all that striking. But I found myself thinking "that's what all the fuss and the massive price hike is about?" As for the LN... It was still just too flashy, what with the larger indices and the PCL.
At under $5k, she was a steal, and still within what I'd consider "tool watch" territory. Though she was a bit gritty and needed a good cleaning.
Earlier today I picked her up from the spa, we went on a little drive.
After a few motorists honked their frustration, I think she seemed to sense that I couldn't take my eyes off of her. She insisted we pull in someplace dark and quiet.
After some alone time, I took her inside to meet her new flatmates.
And now she's already picking out my outfits for me! At least she's only concerned with accessories.
Initial Impressions
The bezel's metallic shimmer draws the eyes to the bright, glimmering indices, whereupon the matching red GMT hand begs your momentary attention before you quickly ponder the very-readable time and date. Your departing eye glances once more over to the understated, matte steel bracelet, marveling at its feeling of both lightness and durability.
What's to say that hasn't been said before? It's not too heavy, not too busy, just the perfect amount of wrist presence and so comfortable I'd forget it's there if it weren't so beautiful to look at. As an older model, it's got some street cred for looking as relevant and lovely today as it ever has. The time is easy to set although, as part of a larger rotation, I'm sure a quick-set date would be missed.
What I love most about the 16710 is that, while it's got undeniable pizzazz, it still feels like a tool watch; a machine to be used without the kid gloves. As I write this, it occurs to me that I feel the same way about Speedy. Could that ethos be the core of my overall aesthetic sensibility?
What a wonderful thing when watch shopping causes one to learn something about himself.
