daubigne
2
A massive thank you to everyone here. Your perspectives helped me cut through the noise and clarify what I actually want out of this two-watch collection.
To clarify my "perfectly flawed" comment: I’m talking about the quirks that give a reference its soul. I see the 5004 as a beautiful "hamburger" with that ridiculous crown, and the 5070 as an oversized dish that reminds me of my 44mm PAM 001 days. They have a specific character that has really grown on me.
For the daily slot, the 5164A is staying. It’s the ultimate stealth daily. My old 16710 on rubber/NATO grabbed way too much attention from the general public. Unless you're a WIS, you completely ignore the Aquanaut, which is exactly what I need for a focused workday.
As for the heavy hitter, I had a reality check. With two toddlers, I’m firmly in the "diaper phase." A Grand Complication isn't a daily; it’s for date nights or weekenders in Napa. Just like my 993, it won't see maximum asphalt until the kids are in grade school and can actually fit in the back. I spent a lot of time in the car pre-kids, but now it’s just Saturday morning backroads. It hurt pulling the trigger then, but I'm so glad I did. The 5970 is the same—prices are moving away, and if I don't move now, I'll be priced out by the time the kids are in school.
I’m leaning toward the 5970G as a solution.
Most importantly, it’s the "reasonable" way to get into a 5970 while keeping the car in the garage. If I wait until 2030, I won't be able to justify the numbers the Platinum will be hitting.
What do you guys think of the 5970G as the "Goldilocks" move? Is the silver dial/white gold combo the smart play for someone who wants the 5970 soul but isn't ready to part with the 993?
Does anyone have SF Bay Area dealer recommendations for trying the 5970, 5070, and 5004/3970?
Based on everyone's advice, seeing them side by side seems the only way to be 100% sure.