Okay, its nearly the weekend and I need to close the book on the selection for me and make a decision.
Overall, its really tricky as you've all suggested pieces that I would broadly be comfortable wearing and would fit in with my likes and current collection. Let me give a brief rundown on my thoughts;-
@iain - you nearly nailed it and made it game over with your first suggestion of the Zenith Pilot Chrono. I had a similar styled three hander by Ingersoll a few years ago which was useful to scratch the itch for that style. As a normal 'grail' piece it would be on the list but, with no disrespect I think I am able to go better for 'the lottery watch'. Sorry.
The IWC monopusher is just not really there for me and I'd prefer to stick with my CW C9 Me 109 SPC.
@AVO - Both the UNs are good watches but there's too much going on for me with the Annual Calender etc.
@stefs - WOW the AP Flying Tourbillon has got to be an exclusive piece. Nearly, Paul. I just find it all a bit too fussy though and whilst it no doubt has a price tag that befits a lottery win, its the one piece in the selection that I feel that I would be uncomfortable in wearing. Nice try though.
@StrappedUp - as with Steve's suggestions of the UNs, I'm sorry Ryan, but there's too much going on with the Annual Calender etc.
@nbg - That has to be the pinnacle of IWC's Big Pilot range, Neil, and that's what spoils it. To me a Pilot watch has the be clean and uncluttered.
@wis - A close shave with the Codebreaker, Bjorn and these day (I believe) a sought after Bremont. Coincidently, this evening, I've arranged to go on a visit to Bletchley Park at the end of the month.
@Soporsche - Oh dear, Stephen, an iconic brand but they both fall in the "Oh no" category. I think their design are both a bit on the wacky / unconventional front.
. . . which brings me back and around to . .
@nbg - Neil and the
Chopard Alpine Eagle XL Chronograph. Well, what can I say. I've read up on the three hand version of the Alpine Eagle several times (and I don't read many watch reviews, strangely enough) as I find the dial totally fascinating. That Chopard have brought the Eagle dial into a Chronograph but kept the simplicity / clarity of a classic Pilot Chrono is marvellous.
Reading through the Fratello review the conclusion sums things up nicely and my interpretation of it is that it offers a slightly left-field alternative to the likes of the Nautilus and Royal Oak.
Its a winner for me and thus I need to be handing over the baton to Neil.
Guy