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Post by carl on Jan 6, 2016 11:52:12 GMT -6
That Zenith is really and truly a beauty! I have had my eye on it as well for a while.
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Baco Noir
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Post by Baco Noir on Jan 6, 2016 13:17:49 GMT -6
Man this would be hard to part with. Man, I understand your dilemma about this one. The prices of these things are going up rapidly, and no doubt you could get really good bucks for it. But, you might also not get the chance to have another one, they are becoming so rare. Especially, from what I see, the No Date. On the other hand, you can always get a new Aerospace. ^ This is why I like these kinds of threads! 1) It seems Watchco is no longer making these from the NOS parts and prices have risen because they are harder to find. Last night, my search results showed on listed at the end of last year on a forum for $3500! But even more surprising, two on Ebay right now for $4000 and $4500. I must say, I think these are high, and it may be supported by the fact that I saw one listed this AM at $2375, but without a bracelet. I think right now it's a supply and demand thing trying to figure out where the market is on these. 2) You are also right about being able to replace the Aerospace easier and on top of that, I'd likely update to the newer Evo model, which is slightly larger - although they don't have a model with this dial color out yet - just black, blue, and tungsten grey. I think I'm going to release a few frugals I don't wear much, sell some more dive equipment, and possibly my DSLR / lenses and see where that puts my watch fund saving account before I decide which way to go. If I chose to buy nothing right now, at least I will have de-cluttered a bit.
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Post by carl on Jan 6, 2016 13:23:55 GMT -6
Man, I understand your dilemma about this one. The prices of these things are going up rapidly, and no doubt you could get really good bucks for it. But, you might also not get the chance to have another one, they are becoming so rare. Especially, from what I see, the No Date. On the other hand, you can always get a new Aerospace. ^ This is why I like these kinds of threads! 1) It seems Watchco is no longer making these from the NOS parts and prices have risen because they are harder to find. Last night, my search results showed on listed at the end of last year on a forum for $3500! But even more surprising, two on Ebay right now for $4000 and $4500. I must say, I think these are high, and it may be supported by the fact that I saw one listed this AM at $2375, but without a bracelet. I think right now it's a supply and demand thing trying to figure out where the market is on these. 2) You are also right about being able to replace the Aerospace easier and on top of that, I'd likely update to the newer Evo model, which is slightly larger - although they don't have a model with this dial color out yet - just black, blue, and tungsten grey. I think I'm going to release a few frugals I don't wear much, sell some more dive equipment, and possibly my DSLR / lenses and see where that puts my watch fund saving account before I decide which way to go. If I chose to buy nothing right now, at least I will have de-cluttered a bit. I was actually thinking of the newer Evo model, which I have seen. A real beauty. And more recently, I was thinking of possible getting a vintage Seamaster, but gave up on the idea. I can imagine your surprise when you discovered what they are going for!
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Post by carl on Jan 6, 2016 13:33:19 GMT -6
And, if I remember, your SM300 is basically an Al rebuilt one. That, in itself, says a lot. Not many out there going for the prices they are probably even come close just for that reason alone.
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Post by carl on Jan 6, 2016 23:31:37 GMT -6
Changed my mind. As I didn't know much about the PAM643, I had a look at it a lot closer. It really is a stunner, and there is real beauty in it's simplicity. The hobnail dial is great as well. I think somehow the PAM is classier than the Zenith, and I think you might get tired of the Zenith. Somehow, the PAM just suits your style. So, I would keep the SM300 and sell whatever else you can, and wait until you can get the PAM.
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Baco Noir
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Post by Baco Noir on Jan 7, 2016 0:04:40 GMT -6
Chip and I had a similar discussion today. The Zenith is gorgeous and unique, but I think it's not as versatile as the PAM. I'm not quite sure what element or elements give me that impression, but it's something I feel.
The hobnail dial is similar the AP RO, but the two are kind of yen and yang.
After I sell my frugals and some other gear on Craigslist, I'll see how short I am and decide whether to wait or maybe sell a gun to fully fund the watch.
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Post by carl on Jan 10, 2016 19:26:28 GMT -6
Wow! I actually saw a Zenith Pilot:Type 20 Extra Special in real life today! At 46mm, I was surprised how well it fit on my wrist, very pleasantly surprised. And that huge onion crown is a work of art, with a screwed down crown as well. I think that I like the caseback as well as I like the dial! Engraved with the cool Zenith airplane motif: And, an inhouse automatic movement. I had no idea what the price was, other than a guess at around 10 grand CAD. It is actually $7600CAD as they haven't increased prices yet due to the weak Canadian Dollar. Even the beautiful leather strap is a work art. Although it's a tang buckle, the strap is rubber lined at the back, so it will still reduce wear on the leather I would imagine. Believe me, if I hadn't already got my Seamaster 300, this watch would be a serious consideration. Especially since the final dollar amount would be equal for me. Don't get me wrong, I have absolutely no regrets at getting the Seamaster, nor any intention of selling it. And having worn my GS Hi-Beat all weekend, I don't think it will be going anywhere either. After seeing the Zenith, and looking at some more Grand Seikos (they receieved a gorgeous Spring Drive GMT with a green sunburst dial), I headed down to Montecristo Jewellers to look at some Rolexes and Panerais. The Rolex watches are almost flying out the window, as they seem to be a popular item here around Chinese New Year. Anyway, I did see a beautiful ceramic Radiomir, but not with the waffle dial, it had a matte dial but was still gorgeous. But it was selling for $13,500CAD. After seeing it, though, Roger, I think the gorgeous Lumerai model you have is really hard to beat. All-in-all, after seeing the Zenith in person, I would have to say that it has my vote. Especially since it isn't insanely large like I thought it might be.
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Baco Noir
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Post by Baco Noir on Jan 10, 2016 20:33:20 GMT -6
carl - sounds like you had a great day! I was able to look at them both back to back and was really torn as they are so different. The differentiator for me was the dials. I love them both but I think the 643's more classic styling would be the long run winner for me.
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Post by carl on Jan 10, 2016 20:42:45 GMT -6
carl - sounds like you had a great day! I was able to look at them both back to back and was really torn as they are so different. The differentiator for me was the dials. I love them both but I think the 643's more classic styling would be the long run winner for me. Indeed I did have a wonderful day! I wish they had a 643 that I could see. I really did like that waffle dial - or hobnail - though, on the one model I did see. Here is a link to an excellent photo of the 643: www.watchprosite.com/?page=wf.forumpost&fi=717&ti=1011463&pi=7133448
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Post by Nicko on Jan 11, 2016 11:07:14 GMT -6
Man Roger, I'd consider selling one of my Subs for that beautiful Seamaster.
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Post by BRIAN on Jan 12, 2016 6:41:02 GMT -6
This is quite tough decision.. If I were you, I would flip sm300 and go PAM 643
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Baco Noir
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Post by Baco Noir on Jan 12, 2016 7:38:17 GMT -6
This is quite tough decision.. If I were you, I would flip sm300 and go PAM 643 Good to see you back around Joo. That's the only way I can get the "instant gratification" with the PAM 643 since the grey market price is still $7000+. I have enough cash now to get the Zenith through a grey market seller, but I'm afraid it might not be a long term watch, so I've put my money in the bank while I think on it more and see where my heart takes me. Also, since they are both recent releases, the prices will come down over time so either way it is worth waiting.
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Post by BRIAN on Jan 12, 2016 8:00:41 GMT -6
This is quite tough decision.. If I were you, I would flip sm300 and go PAM 643 Good to see you back around Joo. That's the only way I can get the "instant gratification" with the PAM 643 since the grey market price is still $7000+. I have enough cash now to get the Zenith through a grey market seller, but I'm afraid it might not be a long term watch, so I've put my money in the bank while I think on it more and see where my heart takes me. Also, since they are both recent releases, the prices will come down over time so either way it is worth waiting. Roger. How have you been? I have been very busy because of looking for school to take master's degree. That's why I have not joined the forum for a while. I am in my home town for two weeks but I am going back to the US next week. I think your current decision is very intelligent decision That is absolutely worth waiting.
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Nicko
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Post by Nicko on Jan 12, 2016 8:42:20 GMT -6
Good decision Roger, you'd miss that sm300 if you were to sell it.
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Baco Noir
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Post by Baco Noir on Jan 12, 2016 9:36:18 GMT -6
Good to see you back around Joo. That's the only way I can get the "instant gratification" with the PAM 643 since the grey market price is still $7000+. I have enough cash now to get the Zenith through a grey market seller, but I'm afraid it might not be a long term watch, so I've put my money in the bank while I think on it more and see where my heart takes me. Also, since they are both recent releases, the prices will come down over time so either way it is worth waiting. Roger. How have you been? I have been very busy because of looking for school to take master's degree. That's why I have not joined the forum for a while. I am in my home town for two weeks but I am going back to the US next week. I think your current decision is very intelligent decision That is absolutely worth waiting. Life is good Joo and glad to hear you are on break. I've completed 2 Master's programs so I know how stressful that time can be and how valuable the recharge time is between semesters. Enjoy your time back home.
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