Managed to find myself at Bluewater earlier with a few hours by myself, so natural I navigated to the watch shops.
Managed to spend some time at Tag (part of Beaverbrooks) whilst also at Omega, M&W to look at some Rolex and also Chisholm Hunters for Nomos.
After being torn between the Monaco & Speedy for a while, with the Monaco being more in the forefront, today it felt a bit flat, fit was great, still think stunning looking, but something not speaking to me today (maybe the fact covered in the protective wrapping so couldn't use and the plain strap). The 200m Aquaracer Professional still sings to me, apart from 'that bracelet' PCL & no micro is a no for me. The 300m Aquaracer is lovely, & I even enjoy the internal cyclops. Only downside is the size, borderline on L2L for me (oh I wish is was 41/40 mm).
Quick stop to CH to look at Nomos
realised 36mm to small for me and the long lugs create a case to strap gap that is huuuuuuge, 38mm better but still a gap, enough to bug me, shame as I brand I really want to like & own.
Goldsmiths next to enquiry about the Tudor fabric strap for my BB58, also looked at Oris, come away feeling meh, quality just didn't feel there.
Omega next and the Speedy, finally a chance to use one without the protective wrapping, my oh my, came away feeling this is now the front runner. Only downside 50m WR (+25% extra according to RJB on Fratello) enough for bath time with the little one and occasional swimming - I don't know, also doesn't look as cool as the Monaco (but did feel a bit more premium).
Lastly M&W and this was only to see how a 36mm OP felt, not much a fan of the games Rolex play, but more curious on how the wear, must admit 36mm OP much nicer fit than the Nomos Club 36mm (damn that oyster case), black OP nice, sales assistant then mentioned the Explorer 1 also - now I must add one watch I could never see the fuss about, not a fan of the partial numerals (missing 12 bugs me), but I was blown away by it, size, fit, looks, pictures make it appear smaller but on wrist very nice. Now this has become a 3 horse race, with 2 slowly pulling away from 1.
Now my local AD has both the Monaco and Speedy and Aquaracer 200m in for me to spend some time with next week, will make a difference having them all in the same place to view.
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