I much prefer the 023. In my opinion the design is more cohesive and I personally favor the retro crown treatment and the metal bezel. The 001 is nice but I don't quite understand the concept of a diver with a GMT function.
I wouldn't buy a watch because others are familiar with it. I often purchase watches that others don't have. In fact, I tend to chase unique or less popular watches, not to be different but because my tastes seem to be different. My recommendation is to buy the watch you want. However, if it is unusual or unknown do your research so you don't get burnt. There are gems out there, but there are also turds.
Of course Steve McQueen's Monaco. Steve McQueen was my idol when I was a teen and early adult. When I finally got my hands on a 68 Mustang Fastback as a senior in high school I couldn't wait to change it's color to dark highland green. My mustang wasn't a 390 like Bullit's but my 302 was good enough for me.
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