Sorry, my kid demanded my undivided attention for the full day it seems, luckily he is sleeping now
Like for the APRO, I chose a watch which I first hated, and then learned to like more and more with time.
I tried on a few high end divers on, from the Fifty Fathom in 40mm to some old Rolexes (5513, and Sea dweler), the new Milgauss, and even some Master Compressor Chrono from JLC. But each time the piece was working 'intellectually' (I mean, it ticked my imaginary boxes
), but when on the wrist, it went from 'meh' to 'ok, but not in love'.
2 weeks ago though, I tried a Breguet Marine Big date in SS with the black dial, and suddenly it became all clear: it's the perfect watch both on paper, and on wrist, and it suits my current style perfectly (it even 'balances' it in a way, adding a touch of whimsy/originality with that rubber/rectilinear lugs...).
On a side note, this research challenged a deep belief I had: I am not a fervent believer of the 'one needs each type of watches in his collection (a formal dress, a casual, a diver, a sporty...)' anymore, I actually think that following a 'theme' can be cool too, as long as you keep variation in mind. My theme could be 'super versatile' or 'in between', as the GO PML is a dress but has some kind of playful-ness that makes it borderline casual, the APRO works as much with a suit as it does in a tshirt, and now the Marine, which is basically a diver that wanted to be a dressy (or is it the other way around?).
In a word, I am never deep diving, just snorkeling at best and I will not climb the Everest (well, not in the near future), so let's stick to watches that make sense with my day to day. (at least that's my state of mind right now...).
Sorry for the horrendous iphone pic, so much lighting in those ADs
I expect to buy it around the June time period, now it's on for that lovely negotiation time
edit:
(much better) close up pic stolen online:
