Thoughts on a Decent Moonwatch opportunity close to home. (Finally!)

Greetings Moonwatch aficionados and enablers,

This 6 month affair I’ve had ferreting out a pre-loved Moonwatch or FOIS (from my 2254 experience, I know sapphire crystals seem to suit my periodic hamfistedness) has driven both me and my patient wife more than a little bonkers. I love both watches equally and since I can afford just one at this time I am willing to let fate make the decision. The Speedmaster sickness is bananas. In my case, OCD really means Omega Compulsive Disorder. From reading OF posts on my iPad late into the night...dekeing away from tasks to hopefully find the ‘one’....reading Robert-Jan Broer’s articles over and over...and over....following up on leads...missing out...starting again...sound familiar to anyone? It’s f*cking madness, I tell you. I can’t say I wasn’t warned. Repeatedly.

Compounding the issue is being located in Canada - the attendant duties, taxes and such make purchase very expensive either at an AD/OB or when you hit the border coming home from a US mailbox. BSing the border folks is a crapshoot I’m not willing to risk. I like travelling to the USA with my Nexus status intact. I know from a bought-then-returned-as-malfunctioning new Speedy purchase in the fall the border peeps appreciate honesty with a better exchange rate; get caught and your ass is happily taken to the cleaners, as is your clearance going forward. But I digress.

I finally found this 3570.50 closer to home here on the Coast. I prefer a 3570, actually. I’m not yet in the vintage Speedy mindset (‘just wait’, I’m told), and given the price +/- $3K US with no taxes etc., it seems fair. I prefer this older set to the newer ‘needs an SUV’ suitcase full kit, which I experienced briefly, as mentioned above. A few minor scratches, desk diving bracelet marks, a servicing polish, but nothing too glaring etc. Serial number checks out (I know the shop he purchased it from ). No movement shots, unfortunately. I spoke to the owner and he seems like a nice enough fellow who insists the watch hasn’t been worn that much. We have all heard that before, I know, yet it appears pretty clean (some weird light flaring on the lugs look like scratches - not the case, I’m told). I don’t suspect he’s monkeyed with the innards but that’s the risk I’d have to take.

As always, Lads (and Lassies, I know there’s a few!!), I appreciate your expertise and observations as my search - and addiction - continues unabated.

Michael

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Taxes...

Indeed. $600US. The world monetary standard but not the one I use daily. That’s the better part of $900 Canadian. Plus $500 at the border. That’s a $1400 added cost. Simply cannot do it.

I was waiting for someone to say that. Believe it or not, I'm one of the weird few who likes Luminova. Sacrilege!

Update: Arrived just now. It's even more beautiful up close and personal. Absolutely mint.

Thank you, Sir. You’ve been top of mind throughout this journey. Well, you and your extraordinary manna-from-heaven barn find experience (still brings a smile when I think about it). I’m really pleased with this one. A huge investment for me, yet as you well know, the reward is priceless!!

Thank you so much! I’m grateful to be welcomed by you, and pleased beyond measure to finally join this esteemed and historic timeline.