Although I’d tend to favour sapphire, acrylic looks great on some watches, and can give a “warmer” more vintage vibe. That’s why I chose acrylic for my Speedy, and why I’d have loved it if Christopher Ward offered it as a choice for their C65 Sandhurst.

Great story. Great friend. Oh, and VC all the way!

Haven’t put it on for a couple of weeks - but you may have just inspired me!

Of all the many moonphase watches I’ve loved over the years, the JLC ultrathin moonphase is the absolute pinnacle! The platonic ideal of a moonphase watch.

No watch is perfect! The longer you’ve been at this hobby the more you need to manage your expectations. There are flaws that you need to get over and then there are flaws that are deal breakers. It’s just a case of having the wisdom to know the difference.

For me, the IWC Pilot Mark series is a perfect example. I’ve loved the series for 20 years starting with the Mark XV. Forward wind 10 years and I was hunting for a new watch, and immediately thought of the Mark series, but alas the only option (new) was the Mark XVII. It’s flaws were many and I knew it was a dud. So I waited. It took another 10 years, but with the launch of the Mark XX, I finally felt the series was back on track, and it was time to pull the trigger. It’s now my most worn watch. But have no doubt, it’s not perfect:

- it’s too big: 38mm would be sooo much better;

- the font for the numerals are clumsy, mirroring those introduced with the Mark XVII;

- and although I like the legibility of the sword hands, they’re Flieger through and though and should be dirty dozen sticks.

But these flaws I can (and have) come to terms with. Would I trade it in if IWC were to remedy all these issues: probably not! In correcting these flaws, they’re sure to introduce new ones, maybe even another triple date display… yuck! I’m fine with the flaws on mine.

The VC gets my vote. Great splash of colour and genuine class. I can see the appeal of a Pepsi GMT II, but have always preferred the aesthetic of the Explorer II as it’s more true to the tool watch origins both watches share.

Wow! That’s a fabulous pair of watches. Long been a fan of the Radiormir case - just wish they still made a black sandwich dial. That 1921 is grail territory. Tried on a few times - and feels like nothing else.