49 Discussions and CommentsMember since June 14, 2008Emerald,
Australia
I have had to re-evaluate my Yacht Club purchase due to my wife's desire for an outdoor spa, with gazebo, must keep our ladies happy ;)
This still finds me wishing to purchase something for my fiftieth and I am considering the Portifinos with a mesh band. I suppose it is a personal decision, though I find myself undecided. I like the plain face of the gold watch though when it comes to the stainless steel versions (what I can afford) I am left thinking that I am missing out if I do not purchase one with a chronograph complication.
122 Discussions and CommentsMember since July 20, 2012
Paul,
I've got the Automatic with the bracelet and just love it. It keeps amazing time.
However, when I bought it I was a bit worried that it wouldn't be sporty enough for jeans and a t-shirt. From my biased opinion, I think it still works with casual attire (nice for the gazebo) and other people have commented to me that it works.
The Chrono is more sporty but can certainly go with a nice suit, and of course will also look good in the gazebo.
My personal tastes are go with simple.
Size may also be something to consider.
Have fun with the decision of choosing. Either way, you'll be buying a really nice watch.
3,725 Discussions and CommentsMember since March 28, 2001
50 is a special number, certainly when it comes to age. By that time you have accomplished something, your place in life is safe, when you had some luck at your side. Yet, you are not old yet. I found it an age to celebrate and decided to buy my first rose golden watch. It should be visible that it was gold, like the traditional wedding rings. My father did the same, actually my mother gave a golden watch to him.
Of course there are several ways to celebrate, and a special watch is a good one. For this occasion, I rather would go for a plain looking precious metal edition than a chronograph, even if the former is a bit more expensive. Part of it is, that you will hardly ever use the chronograph function, though it is fun when you do, and you will want one at a certain point in time. But that precious metal will show you your accomplishment every time you look at the watch.
Good luck in deciding!
Kind regards, Paul
What you do may not be so important, but it is very important that you do it well. (my variation of a saying by Gandhi)
49 Discussions and CommentsMember since June 14, 2008Emerald,
Australia
Hello Paul and Todd, thank you for your reply.
I am at odds. I keep spoiling my wife and blowing my budget for my fiftieth birthday, dead line 5th of January. Originally I had the Pilots gold IW371713 chronograph on my short list after stumbling upon it at an AD of which we have three in Melbourne Australia. My wife liked this watch though thought it maybe too pretentious. I was after a gold watch for my fiftieth and something that reminded me of my airforce days. After walking away from this one, the IW500113 Portuguese gold automatic looked appealing at another AD, though the price was hard to validate, $27k here in Australia.
I walked away from this also, then an IW510104 gold Porofino 8 day manual wind movement took my fancy. Though this lacked an easily readable date complication which was something that I desired very much. Though after reading a site on the net, it suggested not to worry about a date field. The hallmarks of an elegant men's dress watch should be 40mm in diameter, precious metal, plain, slim to fit easily under a shirt sleeve and with roman numerals. At the moment I am unable to afford this watch though was thinking of setting up a savings plan (put the fishing boat off for awhile) to purchase it latter in 2013 or 2014. A belated birthday present.
On an earlier post, March 2012 I think, it was recommended that I should steer clear of leather bracelets due to the Australian hot summers and sweaty wrists. I took this onboard and thought I could possibly get away with a leather band for evening wear when taking my wife out for dinner or romantic city adventures, our wedding anniversary or similar. I was also desirous of a watch for day to day wear to and from work, radio and computer club meetings, country and seaside cafes from time to time. I think it is more polite to turn the wrist instead of pulling a mobile phone out to check the time.
This is why I am considering the stainless steel Portifinos. Stainless steel for day to day wear, stainless steel bracelet and a leather gold watch for the weekends (eventually).
Having said all that, what do you think, Todd and Paul? I believe that you suggested that I should keep it plain. I was thinking of having fun and timing pubs and cafes how long it took to get a drink on the table. We had an excellent venue locally where we could sit down and have a half pint of beer on the table in under a minute. Sadly they have changed hands and we now no longer go there. Though it was suggested that this novelty will soon pass.
If you or anybody else has time I would appreciate your advice once more. Just to confirm would be nice. Still struggling with the desire for a chronograph movement. Possibly, less is more.
122 Discussions and CommentsMember since July 20, 2012
Paul,
Given that the gold only comes with the leather strap, it sounds like it might become uncomfortable in hot weather. I've never been to Australia, but I imagine it can get awfully humid, making the leather feel a bit sticky. I'm currently living in Vietnam, and I had to switch from leather for the bracelet because of the heat and moisture. That said, I look forward to switching back soon as the temperature in Northern Vietnam is decreasing.
It sounds like you desire the Chrono, so you should go with that. I think getting the one you're not crazy about is a mistake. The stainless steel Chrono is a beautiful watch. The size (diameter and height) are good too. Just out of curiosity - are you thinking of the black or white face?
926 Discussions and CommentsMember since Jan. 8, 2011
Paul,
I'm compelled to throw in my two cents. I think when you originally posted, I responded so I'll echo my thoughts once more.
If I remember correctly and as you stated again in this post, you would like to consider a gold watch. The 3717 gold pilot was a strong consideration then and I can tell still on your mind now and for good reason.
I've tried on this watch. While it looks fantastic in a photo, it's beyond amazing in the metal as you know. I have the 3717 in SS and while I'm not a "gold guy" per se, if I were picking a gold watch that 3717/gold would be absolutely a perfect choice. As far as a Chrono goes, some may say "how often will you use it" and that may be the case for you. I really don't use it all that much. However, there is something special in the way a Chrono looks, the pushers, the sub-dials, the seconds counter hand, just the whole aesthetic design of a Chrono shouts "sporty" and on a pilot model it's a natural look.
I say, trust your heart and gut feelings. You liked it when you first saw it and you still want it today...You know you want it ! With it's great size (42mm) it will be desirable even when the market for larger diameters turns to gradual downsizing and that iconic design will always be in vogue. Not only IMHO does the 3717 have the best Pilot dial layout, but in a gold variation it transforms into something very very special.
49 Discussions and CommentsMember since June 14, 2008Emerald,
Australia
Hello Andy, Dave and Todd. Thank you once more for your replies. In answer Todd I am considering the black face on the Portofino.
Andy, I can see why people have collections. To wear a gold 3717 in our country town of less than seven thousand maybe too much for the locals and its rural setting. Though to wear on a night out into the city may just be the ticket. Once the spa is installed I will know how much money is left over in my savings account and which way my heart sings. They are all very nice watches, how does one choose, let alone stop at one?
Dave, I am not sure about the day complication. Though if I wore it every day to wind it up it should not something I should be concerned about. There has been the occasion and not that odd, coming off night duties or the extended holiday I have not known what day it is. This could be quite useful feature.
Thank you for your valued time and comments. I think our son may have quite an inheritance, plus the watch I will purchase for him on his graduation from university. I will visit our capital city (Melbourne)once more and try to shorten my dream list.
It was 38C here the other day. Expecting mid 40s come February.
This still finds me wishing to purchase something for my fiftieth and I am considering the Portifinos with a mesh band. I suppose it is a personal decision, though I find myself undecided. I like the plain face of the gold watch though when it comes to the stainless steel versions (what I can afford) I am left thinking that I am missing out if I do not purchase one with a chronograph complication.
What does the group think? Open to opinions.
Kind regards,
Paul
I've got the Automatic with the bracelet and just love it. It keeps amazing time.
However, when I bought it I was a bit worried that it wouldn't be sporty enough for jeans and a t-shirt. From my biased opinion, I think it still works with casual attire (nice for the gazebo) and other people have commented to me that it works.
The Chrono is more sporty but can certainly go with a nice suit, and of course will also look good in the gazebo.
My personal tastes are go with simple.
Size may also be something to consider.
Have fun with the decision of choosing. Either way, you'll be buying a really nice watch.
Todd
Of course there are several ways to celebrate, and a special watch is a good one. For this occasion, I rather would go for a plain looking precious metal edition than a chronograph, even if the former is a bit more expensive. Part of it is, that you will hardly ever use the chronograph function, though it is fun when you do, and you will want one at a certain point in time. But that precious metal will show you your accomplishment every time you look at the watch.
Good luck in deciding!
Kind regards,
Paul
What you do may not be so important, but it is very important that you do it well. (my variation of a saying by Gandhi)
I am at odds. I keep spoiling my wife and blowing my budget for my fiftieth birthday, dead line 5th of January. Originally I had the Pilots gold IW371713 chronograph on my short list after stumbling upon it at an AD of which we have three in Melbourne Australia. My wife liked this watch though thought it maybe too pretentious. I was after a gold watch for my fiftieth and something that reminded me of my airforce days. After walking away from this one, the IW500113 Portuguese gold automatic looked appealing at another AD, though the price was hard to validate, $27k here in Australia.
I walked away from this also, then an IW510104 gold Porofino 8 day manual wind movement took my fancy. Though this lacked an easily readable date complication which was something that I desired very much. Though after reading a site on the net, it suggested not to worry about a date field. The hallmarks of an elegant men's dress watch should be 40mm in diameter, precious metal, plain, slim to fit easily under a shirt sleeve and with roman numerals. At the moment I am unable to afford this watch though was thinking of setting up a savings plan (put the fishing boat off for awhile) to purchase it latter in 2013 or 2014. A belated birthday present.
On an earlier post, March 2012 I think, it was recommended that I should steer clear of leather bracelets due to the Australian hot summers and sweaty wrists. I took this onboard and thought I could possibly get away with a leather band for evening wear when taking my wife out for dinner or romantic city adventures, our wedding anniversary or similar. I was also desirous of a watch for day to day wear to and from work, radio and computer club meetings, country and seaside cafes from time to time. I think it is more polite to turn the wrist instead of pulling a mobile phone out to check the time.
This is why I am considering the stainless steel Portifinos. Stainless steel for day to day wear, stainless steel bracelet and a leather gold watch for the weekends (eventually).
Having said all that, what do you think, Todd and Paul? I believe that you suggested that I should keep it plain. I was thinking of having fun and timing pubs and cafes how long it took to get a drink on the table. We had an excellent venue locally where we could sit down and have a half pint of beer on the table in under a minute. Sadly they have changed hands and we now no longer go there. Though it was suggested that this novelty will soon pass.
If you or anybody else has time I would appreciate your advice once more. Just to confirm would be nice. Still struggling with the desire for a chronograph movement. Possibly, less is more.
Kind regards,
Paul
Given that the gold only comes with the leather strap, it sounds like it might become uncomfortable in hot weather. I've never been to Australia, but I imagine it can get awfully humid, making the leather feel a bit sticky. I'm currently living in Vietnam, and I had to switch from leather for the bracelet because of the heat and moisture. That said, I look forward to switching back soon as the temperature in Northern Vietnam is decreasing.
It sounds like you desire the Chrono, so you should go with that. I think getting the one you're not crazy about is a mistake. The stainless steel Chrono is a beautiful watch. The size (diameter and height) are good too. Just out of curiosity - are you thinking of the black or white face?
Regards,
Todd
Regards
Dave
I'm compelled to throw in my two cents. I think when you originally posted, I responded so I'll echo my thoughts once more.
If I remember correctly and as you stated again in this post, you would like to consider a gold watch. The 3717 gold pilot was a strong consideration then and I can tell still on your mind now and for good reason.
I've tried on this watch. While it looks fantastic in a photo, it's beyond amazing in the metal as you know. I have the 3717 in SS and while I'm not a "gold guy" per se, if I were picking a gold watch that 3717/gold would be absolutely a perfect choice. As far as a Chrono goes, some may say "how often will you use it" and that may be the case for you. I really don't use it all that much. However, there is something special in the way a Chrono looks, the pushers, the sub-dials, the seconds counter hand, just the whole aesthetic design of a Chrono shouts "sporty" and on a pilot model it's a natural look.
I say, trust your heart and gut feelings. You liked it when you first saw it and you still want it today...You know you want it ! With it's great size (42mm) it will be desirable even when the market for larger diameters turns to gradual downsizing and that iconic design will always be in vogue. Not only IMHO does the 3717 have the best Pilot dial layout, but in a gold variation it transforms into something very very special.
That's my two cents and a few pennies more...
Let us know what "50" brings,
Andy
Andy, I can see why people have collections. To wear a gold 3717 in our country town of less than seven thousand maybe too much for the locals and its rural setting. Though to wear on a night out into the city may just be the ticket. Once the spa is installed I will know how much money is left over in my savings account and which way my heart sings. They are all very nice watches, how does one choose, let alone stop at one?
Dave, I am not sure about the day complication. Though if I wore it every day to wind it up it should not something I should be concerned about. There has been the occasion and not that odd, coming off night duties or the extended holiday I have not known what day it is. This could be quite useful feature.
Thank you for your valued time and comments. I think our son may have quite an inheritance, plus the watch I will purchase for him on his graduation from university. I will visit our capital city (Melbourne)once more and try to shorten my dream list.
It was 38C here the other day. Expecting mid 40s come February.
Kind regards,
Paul