beanyboy

I concur. Here's what I am thinking based on what King said--a few minor improvements such as the date wheel, perhaps a better machined bezel, or (minor) "improved" 7750 movement. And a few new versions of BCEs that Breitling has issued in the last eighteen months or so. The good news is that it sounds like the model I want (the tt with white subdials and gold roman numerals, will be appearing). The downside is that the price rise, if there is one, won't justify the minor improvements. I do know for a fact that BCEs have been great sellers for both Breitling and the rep sellers, so this all makes sense to me. The dealers haven't kept the ultimates in stock, and I already own one and want another. I love the BCE, and I get more compliments on my BCE than any other rep I own, and I own sixteen of them and rotate pretty reliably.

I don't know is she meant stainless models too. But she was clear that new models Breitling models were coming out, certainly the BCE. I don't know about the Bentleys.... Good luck.

I just got a nice email from our friend King, she of the lovely "showbox", responding to my inquiry about picking up a Chronomat evolution two tone from her, as well as pasting a picture of my wishlist BCE tt with a white face, gold rimmed subdials rather than solid gold ones, and gold roman numerals...a newish model that has yet to be repped. Well, good news RWG--King says that a new generation of Chronomats is expected soon, and that I should be patient and I can get what I want! So, frankly, my experience with King has always been good. And, secondly, I think King's in the know when it comes to this kind of stuff, especially since new quality reps show up in the showbox more quickly then some of our other fine dealers. And, finally, the timing seems right...in the past it seems like the new Breitys hit around June. So cross your fingers, folks. I am one who is hoping that I get my wish, and that it doesn't cost me $350. On that score, I am less hopeful. Beany in Chicago...

You couldn't have looked that hard, because it's easy to find them. Check BOB straps--www.waccex.com

An awsome collection...we have similar taste... Congratulations on your 1,000th posting. B

Who cares anymore! This has gone on way too long!

Sounds like it's HK Tan all right. Thanks.

So I pulled the trigger and bought the Cartier Santos 100 two tone with the black leather stap, flaws and all. It's a cool watch and it will become a proud member of my collection. I know I am going to have to upgrade the stap, so I am wondering if anybody has any ideas? I figure it for a 22mm or 24mm, but I don't want to put on a honking big think Pannie strap, because I don't think it will look right. I already checked out the Cartier store on Michigan Avenue and I am unwilling to shell out $329 for the real deal. Beany appreciates any ideas for sourcing! Thanks.

Thanks for your valuable input, and I am glad I could get Golfman and Timeshare together to do a little business.

Thanks Longshot! I figured it to be 22mm, but I didn't want to purchase a band until I knew for sure. Beany

I have what I hope is a scathingly brilliant idea to turn a fairly cruddy Big Pilot rep ($60 plus shipping from Silix) into a very nice watch. Part of my plan includes changing out the brown leather strap to something really cool. (I will post pictures of the project soon). Anyway, I want to get a head start on purchasing the new strap, and I asked Angel & Jay to provide the lug width for the strap on the rep I bought. Haven't heard back yet, and may never. I am assuming it's wither a 22mm or 24mm width, but I don't want to goof this up. Can anybody help me out here. For help I am attaching a picture of the pilot rep. Thanks! Beany in Chicago

I bought a Cartier Santos tt for my wife, and she's loving it. However, it's way too big and I need to size it for her. But I can't figure out how to do it. I apologize for being a dunderhead, but the bracelet is not typical. There are little square openings in the back of the last three links on each side of the clasp, so I presume that these holes have something to do with removing links. At any rate, if anybody has done it and could give me a tip or two, I'd appreiciate it. Otherwise, we can go to the jeweler, but I hate taking reps into the ADs because they get all jiggy on you. Thanks in advance for your assistance. I have all the proper tools, I just don't want to ruin the watch. Beany in Chicago

Beautiful watch! One of my favorites of all time...It's the most non-bling bling watch available today, and the calf strap mutes it. Any replacement strap should be a genuine Breitling... Beany

It's a rep. Just go to trusty's website and buy the same one for $49.00. That's about what it's worth. Or go to Bob and get one from those guys for even less. Somebody, and let's hope it's nobody connected with this forum, is making a killing selling those rep straps as gens. And because it's not a watch, the eBay gestapo don't seem to care. BB

I would too. That's a pretty nasty dropped "R". Makes the watch look like Canal Street tin. However, if you bought the watch from Silix, for example, and it's from their cheapie group, then I would think twice. All the dials may have the same printing error.

Hey Tanya, I also live in the Stalinist six horse town known as Chicago! And, yes, I understand completely what you are saying about Obama. I used to play basketball with him at the East Bank Club and he's very nice. But I wouldn't vote for him for President. Chicago, sadly, is heading straight into the crapper, and Richie Daley and Todd Stroger, and all their hack cronies, are directly responsible. It's too bad, but what can you do? MOVE! I am going to move to the wine country north of San Francisco after I retire...I am getting out of Chicago. So then I can be over-taxed in California!

I think you can't go wrong with a slim cut navy suit, which you can dress up with a tie and white shirt, or down with an open collar in cobalt blue or whatever. However, if your other suit is already black, you might want to go with a light grey or khaki suit. That way you have some contrast. I would check out H&M...it has several inexpensive but decent suits, khaki, light grey, navy, etc. Also, check out the latest edition of GQ, which has an article about the best suits under $300. I know a shi*load about men's clothes, and I can say with all confidence that an inexpensive but well-fitting suit is great. Just don't wear cheap shoes or cheap shirts and ties. Also, stick with muted colors like black white grey or navy. Don't think you're styling when you wear that neon orange tie..cus you ain't. Cary Grant always wore only solid black or silver ties with his either gray, navy or khaki suits, and think how good he looked. Check out North by Northwest, in which the Grantster wears a banker's grey three button suit (Brooks Brothers) with a white plain point collar shirt and solid silver-grey tie. Hope the foregoing helps you out.

Sorry. I had no idea that this string was Verbotten! Please don't send the Gestapo after me....

I don't think it's so bad, Victoria. In fact, except for a few entries, it's a pretty lucid discussion of the current state of Ameican politics, or at least the contest to see who becomes the next Democratic presidential nominee.

Wow. That was some rant Archibald. I especially love the "Huckebee was the political anitchrist" line. But I think too much of what you write and believe is wishful thinking rather than fact. Hillary Clinton is ahead in the polls in PA, and it looks like "late deciders" are breaking her way, which, according to the Gallup Organization, could lead to a 10 or 12 point victory for her. So I doubt her candidacy is over after tomorrow. The old battle axe is in it to stay, and she's taking it all the way to Denver for a Democratic Battle Royale that will make World Federation Wrestling look timid. By focusing on the supposed disarray of the GOP, you do disservice to your party, which is in the middle of its biggest rift since 1972. The rift can only lead to defeat, perhaps a crushing one, as it did in 1972, when the most hated and despised man in American politics since Aaron Burr (Richard Nixon), mopped up the floor with a supposed "lefty" (George McGovern). The entire and only reason why the Democrats have superdelegates is to avoid a repitition of this drubbing. How you know that Obama is "deeply moderate" is puzzling. Have you met him? Even if you have it would not be indicative of how his administration will govern. I have met him, twice, and I have no idea! His record in the Illinois and national Senate betray a very different political sensibility--one which the GOP will use against him to toss him around like a ragdoll. As they did George McGovern. So my guess is that the Democratic Battle Royale may lead to another interesting twist--a third candidate "dark horse" who comes in from the wings and unifies the party. CLinton and Obama will have to salve their wounds--Clinton can go back to the Senate and Obama can be the next viable Democratic POTUS candidate in 2012 or 2016. Maybe it'll be Al Gore, maybe it'll be John Edwards. Who knows? But that implausible occurence seems more likely every day the cage match continues.

I couldn't agree more! My first gen Breitling was from its factory store in Switzerland, and now I understand why it looked like new...I am so inspired by this video that I have decided to purchase another Bentley (probably from Ruby) for my Breitling collection. I don't know what it is about Breltling watches that so fascinates me...? Beany

Well, we're waiting....

Beautiful watch! Which dealer may I ask?

Obama may likely be the first "black" POTUS, but not in 2008. Just doesn't seem right to me. He needs to get some depth to his message, because I for one don't see anything meaningful in his "audacity of hope" message. I am not even sure what it means! I listened to his stump speech once and have never seen somebody get more applause for saying a bunch of empty, meaningless jargony Oprah catchphrases. Obama has a lot of talent, no doubt, but he needs a decade or so of experience in the Senate (or Illinois governor, etc.) to put some meat on his bones so to speak. He's only 45, so he's got plenty of time... Sadly, McCain in the next POTUS...the GOP keeps the white house, as they have for about 80% of the last 150 years...

You do have good taste assasi9! The picture you uploaded is the exact same watch I saw in the Tourneau store. This is the watch I want too. I can only hope that somebody in China will get around to repping this model with the 7750 movement. This watch, with the roman numerals, is the mother of all tt sport watches.... B