First Post- Decisions Milgauss, GMTc, Subc, and bracelet questions

[odis84]

First off, fantastic forum with great members and dialog. Much more open here than over at Timezone.

So I postponed my first Rolex purchase by buying an IWC Pilot's Chrono. Not a mistake because I absolutely love it and will never sell. I wanted a strap watch and something a little less common; it covers both those bases. It looks fantastic, smiles at me all the time. I even found special personal significance with the serial number! Pure coincidence.

That said, a Rolex was in contention during my search. And as all of you know the itch has not gone away.

With summer approaching I've been wanting to get something on a bracelet. My biggest qualm with the old sports series (16710, 570, 610 etc.) is the bracelet and clasp. Yes they have worked for 20 plus years but I can't seem to bring myself to terms with spending serious money on a Rolex and having my sub-thousand dollar Marcello C Nettuno 3 bracelet beat the pants it for solidity and feeling on the wrist.

So I want to pull the trigger soon and it's either Milgauss or GMTIIC. I am thoroughly impressed with the quality of bracelet on both these models. I will be buying from a TRF seller so no access to the new Sub yet..

Here's the dilemma; I like having less common pieces, that's where the Milgauss fits in. The GMT fits the bill with all updates and is readily available used. But the Sub is probably my all time favorite and will be on my wrist at some point in my future.

Do I buy the GMT now and see how I like the supercase, bracelet, dial and whatnot and then move into the Sub later. Buy the unusual but fun Milgauss and hold out until all updated models (Explorer II, Subc) are released and on the grey market. Or swing for the fences and buy the SubC as soon as it hits my dealer, which I'm told I should be able to obtain with no trouble (big purchasing power in a town with no real Rolex awareness).

Any bracelet/clasp stories to put to rest my fears of flimsyness and cheap feeling? I can't say it felt cheap on the wrist, just when handling the watch and hearing the noise it made. Finishing is excellent though.

If a pepsi/coke ever is released can the bezel insert simply be swapped or is it bonded such that the whole bezel assembly needs to be changed?

See my next post for questions about the custom Milgauss I was contemplating and DavidSW feedback.