Received My Serica 8315 GMT
Initial impressions are very positive!
On paper dimensions should make it comparable to my BB58, but I find the 8315 wears smaller both from a feel perspective and visually too. This is a very good thing. It feels more classically sized, whereas a BB58 feels bigger than even 5 digit Rolex/Tudor. Quality feels right up there with the BB58 too.
My daily is a 16710 because the GMT complication is useful for my work, and the 8315 seems to be the perfect compliment to that watch thus far. It's not derivative of the 16710 in any way, and I find the bezel even easier to read than a 24 hour bezel. It's truly a watch I want to wear on its own merit, not just as an "alternative" to the classic Rolex GMT archetype. I think that's pretty big deal.
Where the Rolex GMT is a bit "in your face" (wears bigger than the 8315, lots of shiny metal, and instantly recognizable as "that brand" for better/worse), the 8315 gives off a totally different impression. I want to say more elegant and refined, corny as that might sound. There are times where the 16710 feels a little inappropriate to wear, whereas by contrast the Serica would seem totally at home.
I have yet to put it on a nato since this tapered leather strap is so nice, and I think this strap contributes to the feel I'm describing above. The large degree of taper, the grain, and the unique edges all feel like a throwback to a different part of a bygone era. Feels more Sinatra than McQueen or Newman. I'm curious to find out if the Serica's personality shapeshifts when on a nato or more modern leather strap like some watches do.
Obsessed for far too long. Glad to finally have outlets for it