Trip to Dallas/Incoming

[Duke10]

Headed over to the Big D last weekend to take my 9 year old daughter to see Caitlin Clark. She and the wife let dear old dad indulge in a little watch looking/shopping and I thought I would give a quick report. I will follow up with pics from my app.

First stop was Grand Caliber. Wanted to visit somewhere I knew would have a large variety of watches and brands but my main focus was to try out the 116500 Daytona and the 126710 BRLO as neither of my AD's have had those to see in person. The staff was incredibly kind and helpful. I even made a purchase from them that arrived yesterday and the overall experience was 10/10.

Saturday morning began with a visit to the AP boutique. After having done a good deal of research I somewhat knew what to expect with regards to how they allocate watches. Again, the staff was fantastic and very straightforward about how and why they allocate the way they do. They let me try on several models as I really wanted to see the ROO on the wrist. Amazing fit and finish on these watches and specifically the ROO ss and titanium was very comfortable given its 43mm size. I do actually think the codes are cool but just not at the price point they are currently at. My SA Nick was very pleasant to talk with and informed me that I would be able to get the RO I wanted as a second watch. Still not sure if I just want to go grey, but their help and service made the AD route much more intriguing. I never thought an AP was my style but the history and the process with which they make their watches should be admired by any watch enthusiast. Not quite ready to pull the trigger on my first AP, but I do see myself owning one sooner rather than later.

Took an unexpected stop in the VC boutique and was pleasantly surprised at the models they had in store. The sales associate Kelli could not have been more helpful and eager to discuss watches with me. Not sure they are a buy for me but it is easy to see the intrigue for their timepieces. Beautifully made but they are gravitating to a more PM, dress watch vibe and that just does not fit my current lifestyle. However. the 41MM overseas with blue dial is dynamite and would be hard to turn down.

Next up was Omega. I was going to finally decide if the sapphire sandwich speedmaster is a buy for me. While I really like the watch and appreciate its history and place in a watch collection, I just still have several Rolex models that are ahead of it. I dont know if it will ever get there for me, but for the price I dont think you could find a better watch. Dorothy was delightful to deal with and let me try on many different items. But, yet again I left Omega empty handed.

Checked out the new Tudor offerings (those they had) and found them to be quite nice. Not a purchase for me, but I can definitely see how the brand continues to have such a strong following.

Lastly, and probably the biggest surprise of the whole trip was Tag Heuer. My fists ss watch was a quartz tag my parents gave me for graduation. My first automatic watch was an aquaracer, as I couldnt bring myself to fork over the money for a submariner at that time in my life. I have always really liked the brand so thought I would pop in. I was impressed with their lineup, but specifically the Carrera lineup blew me away. IMO they have done a fantastic job with these models and I have a hunch I will be owning one in the future. Several different variations that are simply stunning. The SA Kevin was incredibly helpful and made the whole experience very pleasant.

All in all it was a blast to see and try on so many different models. I have an appreciation for all of them and honestly would love to own just one of every watch......HAHA. Is that too much to ask??!! Not one SA was pushy or bothered by my questions and allowed me to really explore all the offerings without being in a rush. Very interesting how some models and styles speak to you regardless of price and hype. My motto is buy what you like and wear the hell out of it. Ultimately I ended up purchasing the 116500 Daytona as it was just perfect in my book. The thick black ceramic bezel, the weightier sub dials and contrast of the white dial cannot be beat. Before any of you chime in I would "almost" be just as happy with a 126500.

What a cool hobby we have and I am grateful to share with this forum as so many of you have done. Expanding my knowledge of watch making and brands in general. How cool is it that long after we are gone someone in our lineage can/will wear the same timepiece. In a world of computers, nothing beats kinetic energy and a flick of the wrist......