The bad, the good and the simply impressive

[zama]

Some history I was psyching myself up to buy a used 16523 from a store in Melbourne that had been on special and was for Australia a good price (I was going down this week for business, with the plan of leaving Sydney watch free and having a TT Daytona on wrist for return journey). On Saturday night went on line to make my final yes I am committed, had wife approval and shock horror it was sold, probably to a TRF member I am sure.

Frustrated I went where nobody should go, E-Bay. Shock horror there is a Tudor Prince Chronograph with 10 min to go at a reasonable price, plenty of photos including inside all appear to match to a Panda TPC Tiger. I have been seduced by the date and general look/42mm of the Prince. With 10 seconds to go put in a price suddenly I own another Tudor! Sorry if others were bidding against my one bid.

Have to explain to my wife that I bought something different, she said what have you been told about buying on E-Bay, saving me from the shame she posted the add in watchouts for thankfully all positive checks form TRF experts. Felt better.

So Today it arrives I am excited it is not wound on arrival, set the date and time, strap it on, admire the look, an hour later NOOOOOO it has gained 4 minutes, OMG is it a Fake, this was the BAD (even Fakes dont usually do that I am thinking to myself). Panic sets in, while I planned to take it to the RSC in a couple of weeks so I knew it was as perfect as could be and that I had a definitive start point for service history moving forward/new band etc, I just could not face any longer not knowing what was up, called ahead and said I am coming in.

Nervously I travelled to the 39th floor of Australia square to visit the RSC. So the GOOD, watch is REAL, largely perfect but clearly way out of alignment, so it is still there for service, and will come back better than new. In fact the comment the Tiger's should go up in value given their limited run, made me feel even better, since I felt I got it for a reasonable price.

The IMPRESSIVE, would you like to have a look at something special, had not heard that since my single days with some drunk girls. Next thing that appears is 3 large cardboard boxes and suddenly EVERY NEW MODEL AND VARIATION from Baselworld 2012 appears for Rolex and Tudor, did not count but there must have been 40+ watches including multiple gold variations of the Sky Dweller, Day Date's and for me the two best looking of the lot the Tudor Black bay on leather (2), nato and bracelet, and the new updated Yachtmaster, the blue does look great in the flesh. I love understated watches and to be honest wash my mouth out, I think the current new range looks way too much bling, is largely too big most are 42mm and way too much colour/shapes, the datejust's look terrible in my personal opinion. The new sub no date is OK but the ceramic bezel does not do it for me next to my old school Tudor Sub. So the impressive was the $500K or more sitting in front of me, but the styles just don't do it for me except for the BB which is great and the Blue rather than platinum Yachtie surprised me, and for the owners yes the Bezel moves much better now. I think within a couple of years many many TRF members will have a BB in their set (the new Sub), it was for me the standout of all the models, but that is my opinion only.

Any way the good news is my Tudor should come up perfect, the current service time is a little scary but a Panda Tudor Chrono will soon be mine for good.

Thought you might like to ride the Coaster that was my Rolex/Tudor day. Think I will wear the Sub tomorrow to make me feel in the groove.

BEFORE you ask no they would not let me take pictures given a number of these have not got to any stores yet. P.S.S While I love the leather concept on the BB I would still go bracelet it makes it look that little bit higher end.

[Bangel]

Congrats and great to hear your new acquisition has the official Rolex stamp of approval!

I made a trek up the Australia Square building a few weeks ago too. I was impressed by their service, but I wasn't as lucky as you. I didn't get my personal Basel 2012 exhibition!

[zama]

Pretty sure they had arrived in the last couple of days....... Not really sure why they were there, I am guessing there must be a feature coming on at one of the dealers or they are on their way as stock to one of the AD given they don't sell from the RSC (strange that they would have every model at an AD though.

[caryyee]

Woop woop, I'll get onto my local AD in Melb to check out when they'll be receiving them. Always interested in 'just having a look' lol.

[Cru Jones]

Glad the new watch is okay. Congrats!

Did you get to see the Pelagos?

[travisb]

Very cool to be able to check out all of the new models.
Looking foward to pics of th Tudor once you get her back.

[superdog]

Let me know if you want my therapists number. Trust me, she is very helpful!!

[azguy]

Originally Posted by superdog

Let me know if you want my therapists number. Trust me, she is very helpful!!

x2