Hi Everyone,
I'm considering purchasing a Zenith Pilot Big Date Special on leather and have a few questions if you don't mind.
First, a little background - I'm in my early 30's and up until now have had a few (literally 3-4) watches that I've received as gifts or picked up 15 years ago. You know, a Fossil, a Kenneth Cole, etc. just stuff that's been 30-100 bucks and has no real history. Well, last year I picked up my first "higher end" watch with very little research, and more because it was a good deal. A Movado Fiero. Despite some of the Movado-bashing, I really like the Tungsten Carbide. I wear it every day and it looks like it did the day I bought it. Well, since then I've started to appreciate watches at a different level. I still know very little about watches, but I knew NOTHING when I bought the Movado.
Over the course of the last several months I've started reading (big mistake) a lot more about watches in general. I looked at B&M Capelands, Hamilton Khaki Field, Perrelet Jumping Hour, Submariners and Speedmasters, etc. All over the board. However, I can't seem to stop coming back to the Big Date Special.
I'm looking for a single watch that I can wear nearly every day (work dress is casual, jeans and button-downs) and not worry about it. I'm not necessarily interested in starting a collection (knowing me, that's BS). Will something like the Big Date be okay for an everyday watch? To me this watch seems like it will hold its appeal for decades, but maybe other people think differently. I'd like to hear your thoughts.
I'm also interested in what your opinions are on "no-brainer" prices from both AD's and grey market sellers. At this point AD's are about $1600 off List and there is another difference of about $1500 between AD and grey. I'd be interested in your take on how you make the decision of AD or not.
At the end of the day I realize this is ultimately my decision, but since this would be my first big (to me) watch purchase, I'd like to understand what kind of guidance more experienced people have to share. Thanks!
Cliffs Notes: I went 32 (of 33) years not spending more than $100 on a watch. In less than a year's time I've fallen in love with a $5k watch. Yeesh. Looking for a daily driver watch that I can hand to my boy 30 years from now. Need opinions on timelessness of the style and AD or non-AD.
I'm considering purchasing a Zenith Pilot Big Date Special on leather and have a few questions if you don't mind.
First, a little background - I'm in my early 30's and up until now have had a few (literally 3-4) watches that I've received as gifts or picked up 15 years ago. You know, a Fossil, a Kenneth Cole, etc. just stuff that's been 30-100 bucks and has no real history. Well, last year I picked up my first "higher end" watch with very little research, and more because it was a good deal. A Movado Fiero. Despite some of the Movado-bashing, I really like the Tungsten Carbide. I wear it every day and it looks like it did the day I bought it. Well, since then I've started to appreciate watches at a different level. I still know very little about watches, but I knew NOTHING when I bought the Movado.
Over the course of the last several months I've started reading (big mistake) a lot more about watches in general. I looked at B&M Capelands, Hamilton Khaki Field, Perrelet Jumping Hour, Submariners and Speedmasters, etc. All over the board. However, I can't seem to stop coming back to the Big Date Special.
I'm looking for a single watch that I can wear nearly every day (work dress is casual, jeans and button-downs) and not worry about it. I'm not necessarily interested in starting a collection (knowing me, that's BS). Will something like the Big Date be okay for an everyday watch? To me this watch seems like it will hold its appeal for decades, but maybe other people think differently. I'd like to hear your thoughts.
I'm also interested in what your opinions are on "no-brainer" prices from both AD's and grey market sellers. At this point AD's are about $1600 off List and there is another difference of about $1500 between AD and grey. I'd be interested in your take on how you make the decision of AD or not.
At the end of the day I realize this is ultimately my decision, but since this would be my first big (to me) watch purchase, I'd like to understand what kind of guidance more experienced people have to share. Thanks!
Cliffs Notes: I went 32 (of 33) years not spending more than $100 on a watch. In less than a year's time I've fallen in love with a $5k watch. Yeesh. Looking for a daily driver watch that I can hand to my boy 30 years from now. Need opinions on timelessness of the style and AD or non-AD.