I felt similarly. I bought a Mission to Uranus a year ago, wore it once and gave it to my daughter. It was the fairly rubbish quartz movement with awkward hand alignment issues that did it for me. The Velcro strap is also unpleasant. I have a 3861 Speedy anyway, so no real loss. Until I saw a BP/Swatch on the wrist, I’d convinced myself that I’d be similarly disappointed but it won me over. Putting aside the cost (which is relative depending on your means), the original FF does have lots of history and kudos. I think these Swatch FFs are respectful homages to that. Seikos are fine but don’t last in my collection very long - I’ve sold a few and gifted others. They don’t fit a use case for me and I’m not excited by the brand. Same for Hamilton, Longines, Timex and Bulova (mentioned elsewhere in the comments). Each to their own, of course.

Yes, fair enough. The store in Miami Beach had every version except the latest black one. I could only buy one unit that day. Maybe I just got lucky, but there weren’t people queuing out the door for them. Re. Online availability - understood, but the decision to have them available only in stores is an attempt to ensure a degree of exclusivity and excitement into the buying experience. Would I have posted about this pick-up if I’d ordered it online? Maybe. Would I haven’t had as much engagement when posting about it here? Probably not.

I’ve owned and modded plenty of Seiko 5s. I’ve even modded a SNZH55 to look like a FF - it cost a great deal more to put together than a Blancpain/Swatch. Honestly, the quality of the Seiko 5 is comparable IMO. One is stainless steel and one is ‘bioceramic’. The movements are both largely plastic. You get what you pay for. You might spend $25 having a local watch maker regulate a NH35, but if anything more serious goes wrong, it’s cheaper to buy a new one and throw the old one out.

I’ve never aspired to own a Hamilton or Longines. More what I could afford at the time. I’ve certainly aspired to own a Fifty Fathoms but settled on an Omega Seamaster 300. This new acquisition is very much the beater I’ll wear when I’m travelling to new cities where I’m slightly nervous about wearing my Explorer, Reverso or whatever.

Agree.

Agree

Had this exact watch, didn’t wear it, sold it and have never regretted it. You can’t be emotionally attached to every watch in your collection.