I got very lucky and picked up my palladium black box CDC at the duty free Hermes shop in the Rome airport. I can't wear it to work, so since February I've worn it about a dozen times. I have to agree about the gold, I just think its too much. I also have a palladium Medor watch with black box and that has gotten much more use, because I can wear it to work. One option might be a croc or alligator CDC, I thought about it, but I'm still so casual that I figured the black box would be fine for now. You can also check out the purse forum Hermes thread they have a bunch of pictures of people wearing the CDC in both a CDC lovers thread and a what are you wearing thread. I think the CDC is more versitle then just a punk piece when paired with certain things. I also have alot of white gold/platinum/silver jewerly so that's a consideration.
Hope this helps!