Gosh, it's always a hard question.
I think I would have to go with my 3572.50 with the Italian dial mod. Still the iconic moonwatch, but with a display back to enjoy the gorgeous movement and with just a little customization.
If it wasn't for the way that my Titanium Planet Ocean 8500 and 9300 wears vs a SS version, my POLMLE would be the only 3-hand Planet Ocean I'd consider. So if Ti is out of the equation then the SS Planet Ocean 8500/8900 and 9300/9900 are out too, leaving only the Planet Ocean 2500 (including POLMLE).
However, I realize that I simply could not do the "only one Omega" option. I have to have a Speedmaster Pro of some sort, my POLMLE, my blue Ti Planet Ocean 9300, and my 3rd Gen Speedmaster X-33. That is 4 at the least, and 6 if you add back my Ti Planet Ocean 8500 and Grey Side of the Moon.
I hear you. I often wonder why I was so quick to sell my LMLEPO, and when I see them on here, it still smarts a bit, but I didn't see the beauty of it on my wrist as much as I do when the pics on here are taken just right. Don't think I'd ever find one as untouched as the one I sold was either, so I do think about it still. The versatility of the 2500 when it comes to straps is superb too. The 8500 works with some, but NATO wise, it can be a bit top heavy whereas the 2500 works with pretty much everything. You sold the other LMLE you originally intended to keep for your son didn't you, he didn't want it?
I had two Planet Ocean LMLE and traded #1356, unworn and still in stickers, for a second GSOTM that would have been my son’s someday (college graduation next year). I still have one that I’ve worn for several years, just serviced last summer, that will be one of the last I’d part with.
It turns out that he likes the Speedy Pro Moonwatch more, for the history and manual wind and no date, so that he can set it and wind only when he wants to wear it. So, I traded the GSOTM and my BLNR towards a 2019 Pepsi GMT II, and bought my son a birth year 3572.50 that I’ll service next February before giving it to him for graduation.
You're a good Dad! I may track another one down one of these years, but it is a major gripe when you sell an unworn LMLEPO for less than half what it's probably fetching now and then look to replace it. Have they ever done a run that small for any other model do we know? You tend to see the 7 and 8000 runs for their other Ltd Eds, but never as low as the 1948 of that model.
I think my X-33 Solar Impulse LE had 1924 made.
Personally I would avoid the novelties and stick to classic designs. I'd say a classic and dependable Speedy Pro Moonwatch or the SM300mc for a touch of class with modern advances.
