Do you already have an existing collection, or will this be your first piece?
Do you have a style preference - bigger, smaller, louder, quieter watches etc?

Agree with fuzzy in that none of these brands are considered investments.
Watch collecting is primarily a hobby.

Definitely didn't see that coming. Wear it in good health

Tried on something different today - I'm surprised by how much I like it


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Didn't realise it's so hotstuff now.
I tried on a fiftysix yesterday (please excuse the poor lighting) and it fit much better than the Overseas.
They had an ultra-thin Overseas PC on display too and that was a real beauty.

Zenith Defy Ceramic I think is the full name.
$11k AUD before discount.


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Hopefully someday they introduce a 39mm overseas for chicken-wristed people like me

Way too dainty. Here's a side-by-side.


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The dial felt small (too much bezel maybe?) And the thickness to case diameter ratio felt off.
I suppose that's also the thing with fixed lugs - it either fits you or it doesn't, no middle ground.

RO37 for comparison, seated in the same position.


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Yes, 15450. The lug-to-lug ngam ngam fit, I think it's meant to be haha.
I really love the side profile and how flush it sits, but I guess that comes at a cost of shitty water resistance.

The rubber strap was also very soft and supple, so it didn't have the flaring issue as an Oysterflex. But for small wrists, I think the clasp might be an issue in trying to get it to sit centred.

I like what they did with the date window - subtle but effective.

I'm based in Aus, but it didn't feel like a difficult watch to get - they were quite willing to discount too.



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I have a feeling we're gonna see a server meltdown from 9-910 tomorrow

Which design you prefer? The 450 and 500 looks and feels very different, with the 450 more classic and 500 more modern.

Also one thing to note - I don't think the 450 can take a 7+inch wrist. Iirc I only removed 2 links to fit 6.5".

Dial
I prefer the 450's balanced dial. 500 just looks like a dinner plate.
I also found the 500's minute track outside of the tapisserie a very lazy effort.
And I don't like the 500's skeletonised seconds hand.

Case
450 is thinner.

Movement
500 is better. You also see more of the movement due to how they carved out the rotor. And I really like how the AP stands out on the rotor.

450 rotor displays the founding family's coat of arms, which again rolls back to my comment on the classic vibe. The cal 3120 also has a longer proven service record.

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No right or wrong - size aside, they're both different enough.

The chronos are both rm100+k - not sure exactly how much as I never looked into it.

This post has been edited by Chinoz: Apr 16 2021, 11:43 AM


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Looks like server didn't crash. Hope you got your order in!

I passed on this one - I have enough simple 3-handers already haha.

Look forward to seeing wristshots 12 months later

I salute him for doing the 10 minute buffet though, at a time when everyone is trying to be "exclusive" and playing the hard to get model.

I help you add oil.


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Quite a different personality - less pop, but a more muted, industrial look.

Only issue is that under certain lighting, the dial blends in with the hands and you can't really tell the time.
But I guess there's the iPhone for that

Double-edged sword - the bracelet gets micro-scratches just from the wind blowing at it

I'm still not too sure about the new date window, but not like my opinion matters

Tried on the Defy again today - still on the fence on this one.
Maybe if they made it 2mm smaller...


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The bottom lug is overhanging ever so slightly.

That's a real bummer. AP sub-contracts service to a 3rd party watchmaker here in Sydney. I was secretly hoping I could do a dial swap in SG sometime in the future, being a full-fledged APSC.

I was thinking at least 5-10 years down the track, when I send it in for a service. Blue hype might have died down by then, who knows.

Will check in again with you guys as a data point when the time comes