mars08

Got my Black Noobmariner a couple of days ago. Beautiful piece of kit. And the Euromariner is apparently prettier? Holy Cow. It's on the LIST.

I have the Silix rep. Very happy with the dial, hands, bracelet and bezel insert. Keeps good time and has a nice quality feel. (But I damaged the insert, while aligning it. Damn) It's good enough for me to consider buying another... unless a more accurate rep comes along.

Could someone please show me where I can find some pics of the GEN with engraved rehaut?

No worries. Thanks.

Hi bigpops, That's the new red Seamaster. I suspect that's the one model which some people have heard "whispers" about. Apparently there's a rep in the WORKS. So you might be lucky.

OK... now I'm wishing I'd got the euromariner instead. But whatever. I'm picking up my new noob today and will need to resize the bracelet. Do these use pins or screws? Any beginner "traps" to look out for? I've done a few SMP bracelets witrhout any problems.

Just to clarify... You are looking for the Limited Series Bond SMP {Model 2226.80} Is that correct?

I am getting a noobmariner delivered to my door for well under $US130. This is a new and popular version of a simple day/date watch. It is also supposed to be VERY close to the gen "out of the box". It's a replica of a classic, which has been done many times before. For less than $US130. It can be done.

I reckon the rep ETA SMP that JBond got from Precious Time is the same as the Silix one. Very, very nice, but weak CGs.

Unfortunately even if there IS a new SMP rep "in the works", we can't be sure it will be any more authentic than the current bunch of reps. Or as affordable. Yet SOMEONE thought it made good business sense to build a new version of a classic Rolex rep which was very accurate out-of-the-box. We got the popular Noobmariner.

Some cheaps SMP 007 reps. Take no notice of the dealer, I'm not asking anyone to buy... Yes, the He valve is wrong... but these cases are ALREADY being made.

Adding to the great list from r2d4 of gens which seem to use the same case... As mentioned earlier, it's odd that there are SMP "007" reps out there that have the CG size/shape about right. I'm sure I've seen them, but can't find a pic. Here's the gen instead. If one of these could be matched with the Silix-style dial, bezel insert, hands and bracelet... it would be more than good enough for me!

I believe P4GTR is talking about the more accurate CG's seen on some "007" cases. I share his confusion... why don't the factories make a rep that looks right? Clearly they can get it damn close when they want to! A few pics of the gen: . . . . Let's not worry about the He valve. Just use a case that does a better job of the CG!

That looks very much like the Silix rep. Same small CG. In my eyes ithis weakness is made even more frustrating because the rest of it is so well done.

"...go to PC..." Perfect Clones?

Which dealers usually keep their web sites updated?

We rely on the dealers to tell us when a new rep is available. Is there some way to get "insider" information on the latest releases? Rather than go trawling through the dealer's sites.

The crown guards let it down again. I don't understand why there are bargain SMP reps out there with much better CG, but the quality (expensive) "Bond" reps ALWAYS have it wrong. I've got two sub-$100 SMP Bonds and they do a much better job trying to get the CG size/shape right. He hands may be too short, the lume is bad, the bezel font is wrong, and the bracelet is shabby.... but the CG almost works! Even some of the GMT reps have it sorted. What can't the quality Bond's use this same case design???

Glad that was sorted so quickly. Thanks to all. Just want to confirm one thing... The "Noobmariner" name refers ONLY to the black bezel 16610 rep?

I've been spending most of my time (and money) in the Omega forum. Thinking of a change of scene. Can I please get some suggestions for the most "authentic" 21j Rolex rep currently available. Would prefer a model with date, if possible. Anyone?

I've got a 21j GMT with the two-tone bezel (misaligned, of course). Today I tried to realign the bezel insert by heating the watch (a lot), but it will not move. My guess is that the only way of getting this rep to look right is by destroying the bezel insert and fitting another. I've also read on this forum that the gen insert is NOT a good fit on the rep bezel. Does anyone know where I can source a bezel insert for a 2234.50 GMT rep? Found one on ebay, but I'd rather get the opinion of someone who has actually DONE it.

Sorry P4GTR.... But I think this thread was started with a question about the ORIGINAL 2531.80 "Bond" SMP. Not the newer Coaxial version. http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3035/232099...5f79430.jpg?v=0 If they have really changed the way the pearl is mounted, I suspect the bezel alignment could still be an issue

Speaking for myself, the movement isn't critical. From what I've read there were 2531.80 Bond SMP back in the "good old days" that had the authentic jewellery. Apparently they had the correct length hands, He valve position, correct crown guards and crown, quality bracelet and clasp, bezel font and alignment. I assume they used 21j Asian movements but some Omega geek might have to confirm that. A newer version of THAT rep would be my Holy Grail. Unfortunately super-reps of flashier models/brands are currently in fashion, so I'm not holding my breath.

I'm not an expert, but the SMP Bond just does something for me. Certainly it's not as glamorous as the newer reps, but I'm a big fan. The differences between the Silix rep and the bargain Bond (BB) Silix has has better size/shape pearl and better font on bezel insert. Silix has better quality, shape and fitting of bracelet links. Silix has more authentic positioning of text on clasp. Silix has better texture and colour on the dial. Silix has better coloured lume (the BB is greenish) Silix has more authentic blue colour on bezel insert. Silix has correct "sqared off" buttons on the clasp. BUT, like I said, the crown guards really disappoint. I got my BB from a dealer listed in the "scam list". No problem. You can get one from rolex2u.com for just over $100. The pic on the site shows how dark the "blue" is on this particular rep (although I suspect it's also a poorly lit photo). He might sell more than one SMP Bond model so look for OBVIOUS differences. You can also find a BB like mine on other web sites, but it's your money and your gamble. No doubt some of the trusted dealers might source one for you. Pity about the Kings watch though.

The Silix rep is very, very good. The hand (all three) are the correct length and proportion. Also good lume, though I can't compare it to the gen as I've never seen one in the dark Clasp and bracelet is very nice, as is the dial. Font on the bezel insert is very authentic. Don't know about the datewheel font, because I don't know what subtle errors to look for. Naturally the bezel insert is misaligned and I have NOT tried fixing it yet. And the He valve position (which doesn't bother me) The biggest flaw is the puny crown guards. It's annoying.... sooooo close otherwise. I am a HUGE Omega fan and these days I wear my SMP Chrono rep or a sub $100 SMP Bond. The "bargain" Bond, for all it's flaws, makes me happier than the more accurate Silix rep. The crown guards kills it for me.