KMII shares his recent watch acquisition journey, detailing the challenging decision between a pre-loved Chopard L.U.C Sport 2000, two Tudor models (North Flag and Black Bay Black), and a Grand Seiko SBGR063G. His post offers a comparative analysis of each watch's pros and cons, culminating in an unexpected but satisfying choice.
Finding myself Chopard-less for the first time since 2014 and with a wish for a slightly more robust / sportier watch, I had a bit of a conundrum. Do I get something for inbetween or do I delay pleasure gratification for a more significant piece later? And then there were those sooo attractive offers out there.
So in the end it came down to four pieces - the Chopard LUC Sport 2000, the Tudor North Flag, the Tudor Black Bay Black and a Grand Seiko SBGR063G. Price wise, they were all comparable, with the Chopard being pre-loved (no longer in production).
The pro's and con's - as I see them:
- LUC Sport:
> Possibly the most interesting movement - the only one with a micro rotor (would have been new to me) and probably produced in the most limited numbers of all (movement, not watch)
> Blue dial, which for me is always a plus; IMHO great pattern, too
> Decent power reserve at around 60h
> Nice finishing
> On the downside, the watch would not be brand new, so without warranty and would need TLC sooner than the rest
Here a pictureof it, trying it on at the dealer's.
- Tudor North Flag:
> IMHO very interesting design
> Decent workhorse movement, with a long power reserve (70h), in-house (although that was not a prerequisite)
> New, so low servicing costs for a while
> On the downside all examples that I have seen so far have not had the quality of finishing of Chopard or GS (OK, different price point) and the watch is heavy for my taste
- Tudor Black Bay Black:
> Iconic design, nicely recreated
> Works better with dings than a Chopard, I guess
> Probably a relatively high demand in the future, as in the catalogue for only a short time
> On the downside a pretty short power reserve as a result of the ETA movement
- Grand Seiko SBGR063G:
> Very limited edition (88 pieces in total)
> a bracelet and a croc strap with deployant clasp included
> GS finishing and quality
> 72h power reserve
> Complete anonymity here in Europe
> On the downside the watch would need to be imported and the seller was hardly responsive so far.
So, what to do?
In the end I decided to have a look at the LUC and the two Tudors yesterday and then sleep on it (GS would have too be decided upon remotely). The LUC was closer, so got seen first. And there the whole good intentions plan fell apart, slightly. How to say this...
Well, I just got it then and there and never actually managed to go see the Tudors
The time planned for that was invested in going to order a different strap from Chopard, as I wanted something in leather, too. Now 20/16 seems to be a difficult size for them, meaning the choice is not so large. Still awaiting feedback from the Boutique, if a barenia leather strap could be produced in these dimensions, as that would be my favourite. Let's see...
Which means, there is a third, largely unanticipated Chopard in our household, and the second LUC. Below some more pics from yesterday.
And one of the movement. Really need to get my act together and acquire proper equipment to do these justice. Hopefully soon...
The only downside I managed to find so far, is that the seconds do not hack on this model. That is hardly ideal for a certified chronometer but I am sure I will be able to live with that
As soon as I have had more experience with it, and the new strap, will come back with a fuller report.
Have a great weekend!
