116613LB to 126613LB...to 116613LB

[IR201]

This has been my path so far!

Owned the 116613LB but never loved the maxi lugs.

When I saw the new one I was excited about the case shape, the AR coating (not talked about enough!!!) and what seemed to me like a sharper blue.

Got the new one and liked it but not as much as I thought I would.

Turns out the blue (to me) is different looking but not better. More of a richer navy/violet and less of an iridescent. I could be wrong. Maybe the white text vs. gold is playing tricks on me and its the same dial color, but it appears different to me and that's what matters. Then the new clasp. It feels wide. Makes the watch feel less classic in styling (to me with smaller wrists). That said, the 12 series feels better on wrist - more balanced and integrated.

Some time passes and I decide to go for an 116619, trading my 126613LB toward it. Who needs a bluesy when you can have the smurf?? Well, I wind up loving the 116619 but still missing the two tone (which I like on its own merits, not because of affordability by comparison!!).

Time to bring back the bluesy. But which one?

Decided to go back to the 116613LB on balance.

116613LB pros and cons

Prefer the smaller bracelet/clasp (semi big factor for me)
Prefer the blue dial color (biggest factor for me)

126613LB pros and cons

Prefer the way it wears (only semi big factor because they are both comfortable)
Prefer the lugs
Prefer the AR coating

***

Frankly I'm on the fence of white vs. gold text. I think they both look good. If I had to pick I'd probably go gold as I think it is more cohesive with the watch and more classic (even though the white looks younger/fresher).