Finally had some time to visit some ADs in Amsterdam last weekend. Checked out "Amsterdam Diamond Center" (ADC) and "Ace&Spyer" (AS).
Initially, I was mostly interested in the Navitimer since I like contrast of the white subdials and a black face. However, after trying it out it simply feels too small. 2 mm more and it would be perfect. ADC had a gold version of the Navitimer and to my surprise I really enjoyed the look of gold. I thought I would always be a steel guy but I might be tempted to go for gold at some point. At ADC I was also able to look at the Navi in steel, Navi in gold, Legende (white face), Datora (white face), 6.75 (white face) and Motors T (anthracite?) before my 4-year old son had enough. I wouldn't mind the integrated bracelet of the Legende and liked the white shimmer of the white face. The Datora might be too busy for me. The brushed and polished finish of the Motors T was great and it had a greyish face which was stunning. The saleswoman was no help in identifying the colour. I assume it was the anthracite. The 6.75 in white is too similar in the layout to my Blackbird although I love this layout of course.
At AS I only looked at the Navi World in black and the Navi 125 (the children being too tired by then). The Navi World is really a great size for me, the Navi 125 is also tempting, very nice arabic writing on it. My wife prefers first the Navi, then the Navi 125 before the World. She is clearly going for the smaller sizes whilst I think I can't go smaller than the BB having gotten used to its size quite quickly.
The World had a brown croc with deployant and a sales tag of 4900 Euros, the 125 a black croc with buckle for 4600 Euros. Is that normal retail (I don't have the recent chronolog at hand)? The saleswoman almost immediately said should I buy from them they will give me a nice prize. What should I shoot for (taking into account that my wife negotiated a clothing allowance for the same amount that I spend on a watch
)? When are the prizes going up and by how much?
In any case I'm looking for something elegant for my next watch. So, what should it be? I guess this should be the Navi World since it is such a classical piece.
I had no time to check it out but AS had lots of IWCs and the Portugieser Automatic caught my eye. Nice elegant watch and also an option.
I should be heading to Amsterdam again for a day without the kids so I can make a good decision. In the mean time please feel free to join the poll and advise me.
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