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Old 13 August 2020, 04:20 AM   #1
TheVTCGuy
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I decided on my grail, and 3235 vs 3285

BAS!!!! BAS!!! And anyone else who is smart on watch movement....

First, I want to give a HUGE shout out to the people at OC Watch Guy in Huntington Beach CA. Weird story (how many of my stories are NOT?) but I was trying to decide on what my grail watch would be. Of course it had to be PM, but did I want the DayDate? The BLRO? What? Due to my financial limitations this is nothing but a pipe dream of course, but you have to dream right? Anyway, I saw on his website that Patrick, owner of OC Watches, had a meteorite BLRO for sale. Now, I prefer a white face dial, and that was the closes I could come on an AG GMT, so I thought it would work for me, BUT, I have never even SEEN one in person. I contacted Patrick and explaining that in no way was I a customer, at least not until I won the lottery, or sold part of my liver, but would it be possible for me to stop by and see the meteorite in person, even try it on? He was as gracious as can be, and generously extended an invitation.

His employee, Steve, was as nice as possible and I actually got to hold, and wear, the BLRO meteorite. Now HERE, is where things got interesting... Honestly, it just did not sing to me. Don’t get me wrong, it is an absolutely STUNNING watch, but not the “I HAVE TO HAVE IT” feeling I was expecting, that dial just did not sit right with me. For those of you that have it, or are getting it, this is in no way a criticism, but for ME, the hands seem to get lost in the dial.

So, I decided on the model, the All White Gold GMT, but the Meteorite is a no go. OK, no problem the blue dial looks nice, or one of the older model Black dials. I normally prefer a white, but with the Mercedes hands of the GMT the black DOES work for me. So, that’s it. My new grail is an all White Gold GMT

Question: The new(er) blue dials, have the new(er) 3285 while the ones from a couple years ago (black face) have the 3235. I know both are fantastic movements, but is there such a difference I would HAVE to have the 85?

Your thoughts and opinions are welcome
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Old 13 August 2020, 04:24 AM   #2
WatchNutcase
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That meteorite dial looks incredible. Why does your grail need to be PM?
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Old 13 August 2020, 04:26 AM   #3
TheVTCGuy
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WatchNutcase View Post
That meteorite dial looks incredible. Why does your grail need to be PM?
That’s a great question Matt, I think it’s because (to me anyway) a PM watch is the ultimate. I have owned SS and TT my whole life, but never the complete All-Gold or Platinum watch. If I am dreaming, mine as well dream big.
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Old 13 August 2020, 04:28 AM   #4
brandrea
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Hi Paul ... it’s not just you. I had a chance to try this reference on at a Basel release party and I agree, the hands get lost in the dial (at least for me).

That’s said, I much prefer the black dial to the blue WG blro. To me the markers seem to pop more for some reason on the black, and it keeps with the classic original to a degree YMMV.

About the only difference is the power reserve and that wouldn’t be enough to push me toward one or the other.

I’ll end by saying congratulations in advance, I hope you get it sooner thank you hope
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Old 13 August 2020, 04:36 AM   #5
SearChart
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The older GMT never had the 3235 because that is the movement with only a date feature, not GMT.. All newer ones have the 3285 and the older ones the 3186, both are fine movements and you cannot go wrong here.
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Old 13 August 2020, 04:38 AM   #6
TheVTCGuy
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Quote:
Originally Posted by brandrea View Post
Hi Paul ... it’s not just you. I had a chance to try this reference on at a Basel release party and I agree, the hands get lost in the dial (at least for me).

That’s said, I much prefer the black dial to the blue WG blro. To me the markers seem to pop more for some reason on the black, and it keeps with the classic original to a degree YMMV.

About the only difference is the power reserve and that wouldn’t be enough to push me toward one or the other.

I’ll end by saying congratulations in advance, I hope you get it sooner thank you hope

Thanks Brian Miracles do happen, maybe someday before I leave this Earth i will be posting an all gold GMT Incoming!
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Old 13 August 2020, 04:40 AM   #7
TheVTCGuy
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SearChart View Post
The older GMT never had the 3235 because that is the movement with only a date feature, not GMT.. All newer ones have the 3285 and the older ones the 3186, both are fine movements and you cannot go wrong here.
I am such a Dorklehead! Thank you for clarifying Bas, I MEANT the 3186, the older style GMT movement. Please substitute 3186 instead of 3235 in my Original Post.

I swear, I should join Dorklehead’s anonymous
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Old 13 August 2020, 04:50 AM   #8
GST15
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Love the white gold version. Was offered it last week by my AD last week, but could't quite justify the $38,250 at the moment.
Great choice, best of luck!
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Old 13 August 2020, 07:37 AM   #9
campfire
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Thanks for the story Paul. Totally agree. Patrick and his team are awesome.

Looking forward to the pics! All the best.
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Old 13 August 2020, 07:39 AM   #10
challer
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The GMT is much better with a white dial and meteorite is the closest you will get. Most readable.
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Old 13 August 2020, 09:38 AM   #11
peterpl
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I think the WG GMT with the blue face will suite you if your after legibility.

Plus the blue dial is special as well. You dont see any of them around either.
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