Calatrava 5296G-010

[Valedictorian]

Guys, I have the possibility to get a 5296G-010 at a significant discount (10%) from an AD close to me. This watch has been on my radar for a while now but haven't pulled the trigger because of a mix of personal and practical reasons, none of which have to do anything with money. Maybe the most prominent reason is that I live in a very hot and humid city (Dubai) and I was told that the leather strap 'disintegrates' really fast in this weather if I choose to wear the watch on a daily basis, which I am planning to. The AD told me that, with daily wear, the strap would need to be replaced every 8 months! I also understood it is a very fagile model, although I would never wear it during sports activities.

This watch is for my personal taste, and because of its simplicity, by far the most beautiful timepiece and I do not have any other in my wishlist (I do not like the 'bulky' 5227, nor the 'sector dial' or other gold versions of the 5296, nor the other overly classical Calatravas). Worth mentioning as well that I do not mind resale value or popularity as I would, if I ever acquire it, probably never sell it.

I do have a 5167A as a weekend watch and a lovely PAM00219 (yes, I'm left-handed!) which I rarely wear and have put up for sale on this forum.

I do not consider myself to be a collector as I think having more than 2-3 watches would not do justice to both my wallet and the watches. Also, I think owning too many watches is a bit of a decadence. We always compare the accuracy of our watches with our phones anyway, so a mechanical watch is mainly a statement of one's character, rather than a necessity.

With this little introduction, I am very curious to know your opinion (including pros and cons) about the 5296G-010, especially taking into account the climate I live in for now and probably for as long as my jobs allows me to.

I have a pic from the AD attached for you guys to enjoy, while helping to me decide.


Edit: I don't know why the picture is upside down! Can't seem to change it after several re-upload attempts :)

Thanks in advance.
Regards, V.