Those who know me understand that I like to have fun with analogies. Today's offering has to do with stopping by the local AD after a mediation ended early.
Before the AD, my analogy.
Back in 1968, there was a wildly popular television show named Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In. It was a barrage of short comedy bits and skits, full of irreverence and presented in a style which could only be described as anarchy. One of the skits was "Sock it to me time" As you might imagine, a bit of physical comedy, oversized boxing glove, bucket of water, pie in the face, ensued. The show was attracting all the big stars in Hollywood, even establishment actors like Jimmy Stewart and John Wayne, for quick cameos. That year was an election year, and both presidential candidates were invited on. Democratic candidate Hubert Humphrey declined, while Republican candidate Richard Nixon accepted.
Nixon had the well-earned rep of an uptight, starchy guy, and he had a bad history with television. His televised debates with John Kennedy in the 1960 election didn't go well for him, and some attribute Kennedy's narrow victory to them. But here, on Laugh-In, is a 5-second bit, Nixon looking off into the distance, then to the camera zooming in and saying in a shocked voice and manner, "Sock it to ME???" People loved it, as it showed levity nobody though possible of him. Dick Martin quipped years later that people still blame him for Nixon winning.
Anyway, I was back in a dress shirt yesterday, which I avoid if possible in the summer. I put on my beloved Headwind which fit under the cuff but not without a bit of difficulty. Oh darn, I'll wear the AP. Still, it raised the issue of what I do in about a month, when its back to dress shirts daily. My old Accutron could work, but its really a niche piece. I don't want to wear the AP every day, and I need a black dial. Oh, and as previously reported, its been an expensive summer.
I rolled into the AD at about 4:15 and we start talking and looking. I try on a 42mm three-hand SOH. Not bad, still unsure about mesh but I have a cheap mesh coming in from Bill Shane as an "experiment". Nothing's as thin as my AP, so it's thicker but might work. Still on a tight budget, though.
I start looking around in cabinets where I usually don't look. Nah, no, never liked them, silly me. Then, I come upon something which surprised me. Tried it on. Really? Not bad. Almost....GOOD?
Plank dial, applied markers, some nice polished/brushed finish, and decent bracelet. Size and fit were great. I tried on the SOH again, then the Tag again. Quality difference was livable. I didn't crunch numbers hard but should come in under $2K. But a Tag? ME????
I could get a pre-owned SMP, though I've been there and done that. I was looking hard at a Longines Legend Diver, which is why I'm testing out a mesh bracelet. For what I want, gotta have a bracelet option. Don't know what to think about this, but on the wrist I liked this--quite a bit. I have never owned a Tag, never thought I would. But I'm thinking about this one. I still have a little time and a touch more financial recoupment to make a move, but thoughts? Cyber-slaps across the face to knock me back to reality? All are welcome.
coming from a former Tag owner, they are great watches. Beat mine to hell. Still ticked on until the day I sold it a few years ago. 
