Gresch- I'm a little late to the thread, but here's my .02. I have been down the same road you are going with the watch thing. About 10 years ago, I bought a Tag, stainless/gold combo. Like you I wear the same watch every day, and after about 4 years clothing friction wore the gold plate from all the high spots on the bezel. I went to stainless- bought a Rolex Explorer II. After 6 years it still looks great.

Re: status symbols: I bought the Rolex as a present for myself- I had a great business year. I chose the Explorer II because it doesn't look like a traditional Rolex watch- most people buy a Datejust or Submariner- easily identifiable as a Rolex with just a glance. I wear it every day, and have not had a problem with it. It is the only piece of jewelry I wear. Not everyone buys nice things as status symbols.

Another you might consider is a Tag Monaco- unique look you don't see every day.

Hope this helps!

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Dave

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