.....i think many references have a cycle to them as tastes and fashions change. I think right now, the 3970 represents astonishing value for a perpetual calendar chronograph. In years to come, people will look back and find it remarkable that prices softened as they have.
I think Mark has been spot-on in identifying the fact that we like what we have become "used to" and as fashions and trends change, sometimes we need to recognise that what we have become "used to" no longer sits with where trends and fashion tastes have moved. Mark has been very insightful at highlighting this issue.....
.....and I agree with him. Mostly. Where I disagree, perhaps, is with respect to watches that have transcended time and fashion. Some watches have a genuine timelessness to them that makes them endure. The Porsche 911 has it. The Rolex Submariner has it. It is a factor X that has taken something beyond the normal cycle. I am not saying the 5970 has it.....
....but to be a cult classic, it will need to have it.