Like you, I used to think a date is a must-have. However, some watches I have come across do not have a quick date set (Panerai 270, JLC AMVOX 1), or require a pusher tool / toothpick to advance the date (GO Senator Chronometer). Since I don't keep my watches running at all times, setting them to the right date is just too time consuming when I'm about to leave home and just want to pick up a watch, wind and wear it. My no-date-watches (Panerai 371, Maurice Lacroix Le Chronographe Squelette) are ones I would choose first, followed by those with quick date set (IWC VC Ingy, JLC NSA) if I want something different.
Blue