Congrats Matt! There's something about about that 'XVIII' on the dial that looks better than a 'XX' imo. I too have been doing the one watch per year quota, and like you I recently picked up an IWC Pilot for 2024 😎

Amazing watch!! Congrats 🚀

Would you consider taking a trip to Tokyo? I’ve been to Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan and I’d say Japan was the best in terms of greys and new esp. for Seikos, Citizens and Orients which can be had relatively cheaper. Retail chains like Yodabashi and Bic Camera was a treat for JDMs. Nakano Broadway in Tokyo for grey market shops selling Swiss watches. Unfortunately my time there was limited but would definitely visit again just to nerd out on watches and beyond!

How did you know I was hinting at Omega??😜 My experience in this was actually with the SMPc where in 2018 I bought a blue dial brand new on bracelet for below $5k which eventually left my collection. Then when the green dial came out I was so sure that I'd be buying it...until I saw the MSRP. I just can't justify paying an extra ~30% for the same exact watch. Funny thing is the grey market in Asia hasn't reflected it and still gives a more fair value.

Definitely go pre-owned and grey providing that it's below retail. The past three watches I've bought were pre-owned/grey and one thing to note about the grey market today especially from my experience in Singapore and Japan is it's such a great experience and service. When I was in Singapore a few years back I was at a grey dealer and ended up being there for longer than intended from talking to a fellow watch nerd who just happened to be browsing the shop too.

I feel like I'm slowly getting priced out of this hobby. Watches from all the brands I enjoy including Tudor have seen a ridiculous amount of inflation that sometimes it's almost criminal! It has really put me off from buying from boutiques and ADs no matter what drinks, freebies, merch and experience they're offering nowadays. I've since gone the grey and pre-owned route and have never looked back. It's a bonus that most of the watches I'm usually interested in tank in value on the secondary market 😎

Hi it’s CA7047-86E. I think it’s nicknamed the “Record Label”