docblackrock

Suspected as much, explains the numerous conversations I've had with Angus about the Skyland dating back to last November - knew he must have been feeding the info somewhere, didn't make sense that the Twins would commission the only one. So, we have another version on the horizon - and this time the SS bracelet comes first? Sadly like Andreww says, it's too similar to my Chrono Avenger, so will likely wait for the Black Steel but you never know.....

Sorry you're saying these 12 and 3 lume dot flaws are "glaring"? Or is there something else I'm missing here? We'll know soon enough if the rep has the 44mm or correct 45mm case.

Honestly you think they'll bother improving on this one? What do you want improved in the V2? Half a lume dot added and a full one removed? They won't rep the 45mm case size, so this is about as good as it's going to get IMO. I can't see a V2 happening although will be interesting to see if feedback is taken on board when they bring out the BS variant.

They're not actually that rare here in Europe. Since passing on my mine (serial containing '13') I've seen another two for sale at less than RRP (which was a good €700 over and above the SS version). And a few on TZ and ebay. That said I had heard they released a lot more over here relatively than other LEs so that may explain the scarcity in the US? The rep will be interesting - hopefully Angus will have passed on the specs I was fortunate to procure info on, and they follow them. As for a BS Pro II, that would scream rep, as it doesn't exist for the gen

Ooops late to the party again. Andreww, you'll need the 0.9 calibre for your 192 - it will look great

Well I have many times. Doesn't [censored] me off either, just an example of each to their own tastes. Doesn't make me question my purchase. I just don't like being humoured for the sake of a sale.

So a 'closet' fan then? Some perverts would pay good money for that experience I'm sure. Especially the hyenas. Sorry but I'm with BT on this - if you like ABBA and you have a penis then you're either confused sexually, or are a nostalgic old fart. Possibly both. Interesting to see how the Swedes relate to them though - last time I was in Stockholm, was walking across Stadsholmen and there was this royal/military brass band marching about and blasting out ABBA hits. My GF loved it, I just cringed. Then there's the fact that one of the two guys owns a hotel in the south of the city which looks as kitsch and cheesy as you imagine it would - clearly proud of his "musical" fame. But then of the two women, isn't one some diplomat's wife these days embarrassed by her past, whilst the other has psychological issues and lives as a recluse in a remote forest cabin? Says it all really....

Err, thanks for the (slightly patronising if well-meaning) sales psychology there.... Massive hole in your theory is that neither were trying to seriously sell me the watch, as they knew my preference for the Mk I version and that I stated I wasn't in the market for the new version, merely curious. One of the ADs I've known for years now and is so the total antithesis of a salesman (or maybe in that sense he's the best ) you could imagine. I often stop by to say hello and just chat what's new. If he tells me this or that isn't selling, I'm 100% inclined to believe him whether that is Panerai, TAG Heuer or Patek. The other AD (in Paris) didn't know me from Adam (except what I did for a living - don't ask how or why) but was equally un-salesperson and although discretely offered me a substantial (and I mean substantial!) discount almost as a quick whisper, was clearly a subscriber to the wisdom that there is little point bullshitting a knowledgeable customer especially over what works and doesn't work, as the discerning ones will return within a week unsatisfied having made a mental note never again to listen the 'advice' of the guy who sold it to them, and take their business elsewhere. One of the things I dislike about buying anything in the US is that hard-sell culture you're alluding to, always looking to make a deal, pouncing on the customer, giving them a line, when sometimes the honest, less in-your-face approach works much better.

Nope I for one will wait for the BS which should be ready in about the same timescale as the SS Pro II bracelet hopefully. I was a whisker away from buying the gen (which is a limited edition) last year and the matt gunmetal finish (it's NOT 'black') combined with the red chapter ring and subdial hands just set it off perfectly. Much more appealing than the shiney SS version IMO. As for this rep, lots of tyre-kicking going on here methinks - looks an excellent piece and given the noticeable improvements (e.g. DW) I think it's churlish to expect perfection which as we all know doesn't exist. Also think the dial/spacing issue i down to the case - they're clearly using the same 44mm spec as the Chrono Avenger reps (old Ti and new fantasy SS), as probably not cost-effective to retool for the Skyland's 45mm case. And as for the half-textured subdials, I recall there was a lot of discussion on this on TZ particularly concerning the BS version - early numbers didn't have this feature but they brought it in mid-production. So there's no wrong or right per se. Were it not for the fact that I now have a certain gorgeous and very similar something then I'd be all over this like a rash. As it is, I'll patiently wait for the BS version and hope they get the titanium-carbon nitride process perfected.

Well talking of Jakub I think we're going to see the ultimate Slevin franken very soon

Bracelet detracts from the watch IMO - fairly chunky multilink 'chainmail' style doesn't befit the sleek styling, trying too hard to be a cross between the old 'rice-grain' Monaco bracelet and the new Breitling Blackbird bracelet - just awful. Even the two AD's (2 different countries) I've spoken too about the gen say they agree and of the ones they've sold (and the gen is a good seller), 90% have been on rubber.

Well mine will be here within the week so I'll let you know. Tazzman's had it a little while so any QC issues should have manifest already. I hope anyway. Italiano's experience isn't unusual, but is by no means model-specific. Anything with an asian 7750 is always a bit of a crapshoot, probably more so those with extra gear mods like big dates etc. But will post updates here when I get it and a month later after some wear and tear.

R, you know my needs and wants - I'm onboard if the ship is sailing

:drool:

Having a set of paints doesn't make you Rembrandt.

I actually had the gen Black Steel on my wrist last Christmas - on approval and I was *this* close to pulling the trigger, but a combination of an iffy/unlucky serial no. and a distinc lack of discount (thus taking a loss on resale) meant I walked away at the last minute. I've since satisfied myself with an old factory Ti Chrono Avenger franken (you name it, she has it), but the lure of a Black Steel rep may prove too much to resist. Must chase Angus again re. that coating spec, hopefully it's being acted upon.

Lani, 'scuse me if I'm being a bit dense here this evening (long long day) but just to clarify.... You are proposing a group buy for replacement sapphire crystals at 20 rupees a pop. Yes? You are offering your services with the soldering iron to remove the cyclops and forward onto Chief for AR coating? Yes? Two further questions then.... 1. What (if any) is the additional cost of the AR coat? (one for you Chief?). 2. And will you be offering a service to stick that AR'd sucker back onto the crystal?

FECK, A RIGHT BOLLIX HERE ALRIGHT! Ah, I like you already Seriously though welcome, come on in, leave your wallet, sanity and meaningful relationship at the door

Molto grazie Lani, due per favore. Like kidneys and eyeballs, nature decreed that two is always better than one What are we looking at to get these AR'd Chief?

Some other suggestions (personally I'm not a fan of La Ramblas - bit too cheesy and full of drunken English tourists). Check out El Born district - around Barceloneta metro (perfect stop after a hard day at the beach) and same area as the Picasso museum mentioned above (which is disappointing IMO - the Juan Miro Foundation out in Montjuic is better) - very up and coming, interesting shopping (if Ola likes shoes, your plastic will melt) and the many many bars and cafes, not your usual tourist tat, authentic and above all, fun. Oh in terms of culture, aside from the tourist hordes at La Sagrada Familia, you should really check out the 'other' (and better IMO) cathedral, right in the heart of the Bari Gotic - they have these weird geese living in this oasis in the middle of the cathedral cloisters, bizarre but fascinating. Last time I was there previously (with my GF) we stayed round the corner in a gorgeous little 'secret' square, Plaza St Felip Neri, worth a stop

Yep, must be at least 3 or 4 Panerai stockists along that stretch, including one with the most gorgeous blue-dialled desk display barometer Recommend Omm on the PDG (further up on opposite side to La Pedrera) for a late night drink or four

Just missed me, was there all last week! Damn, such a shame would have been great to meet..... ....the famous Ola, but errr... *cough* you too of course

Well I spoke to Angus this week about this - he has no update on the SS but asked me again about the Black Steel. So happily I reiterated the exact specs for the process used in the gen (it's a PVD-type titanium-carbon nitride-based process, not an 'epidermal' coating, actually goes deeper into the metal). Not that difficult or expensive to reproduce either I'm told and gives a very nice gunmetal effect, not at all 'black' like the PVD we're used to seeing.