Slartibartfast

Narikaa has a very nice gold Omega DeVille. Very dressy. Got to be worth a look.

My fav. A 5508 sub from Silix. A cheapie version that has had much tinkering.

One word Pix.........WOW!

Thanks Pix, for a great review. This has been an education!

Hey, thanks BT! Glad you chaps like the review!

I have had a love of retro style watches for some time now. I have a couple of oldie rollie reps that I love, and have had great fun modding. Well that love of things retro has finally lead me here, to the TAG Monaco (I some how knew it would). It seems fitting that I should post this today, as Lewis Hamilton has raced to victory for Britain in the Monaco F1 Grand Prix. Go Lewis! I will start this review off by apologizing in advance to the purists out there. This is a review of the cheaper end of the market. Yes you guessed it.... QUARTZ! (I can hear your screams from here). Well if you are still reading then let me introduce you to the genuine article also known as the 'McQueen'. Steve McQueen wore this watch (though known just as Heuer then) in the 1971 action film Le Mans. TAG Heuer use his image currently in advertising the modern version of this watch. Anyway, enough about the king of cool, and back to the review. For those of you who can't guess (or are hard of seeing) the gen pics are on the left . I bought this version from Tony over on CQout. Very prompt service, as always from this off board dealer. The watch is very sturdily put together, and feels substantial on the wrist. It weighs in at 180g. It has a thick cushion shaped mineral glass, which feels bullet proof. The dial is a beautiful steel blue, with silver brushed sub-dials. When the light catches the dial, it is reflected by the sunray finish, and looks stunning (picture does no justice to this effect). So how does it compare to an original. To be honest, poorly. However, although the flaws are obvious, the overall impression is (I think) passable, bearing in mind the price tag. OK the original has running seconds at three etc. etc. This has been well documented by others on this board, and is the reason that they will never buy a rep version of this model. I suppose that I can understand this, as I would never contemplate buying the Asian 21J automatic version, as I simply could not bear having non-functioning sub-dials. Inside, the movement is probably a Miyota OS21 (though I haven't opened the case back yet). From side on, the case appears thick and chunky. This is an aspect of this model I love. On the reverse of the case, the engraving is not so good. There is little depth to the logo and text. But as this side is never on show, I can live with that. Case back is secured to the case with 4 screws, as per the original (though the placement is wrong). My version comes on a SS bracelet; the original also can come on a croc strap. I am very impressed with the bracelet. It is heavy, and articulates well. It has an alternating finish across its width of brushed steel and polished links, just as the gen. The deployant clasp is the butterfly type, rather than the single sided version found on the gen. Very comfy to wear. I must admit I prefer the look of the watch on the croc strap. I have a Hirsch strap on order and am looking forward to transforming the character of the watch when it arrives. I would highly recommend this rep to anyone who is looking for a perfectly wearable good value for money rep. OK it does represent the bottom end of the market, but there are some of us out there, me included, who are happy to own a few watches that are simply a bit of fun. How much, did I hear you ask? Well for

You cannot beat he 5508 from silix. Cheap and easy to mod. Have a look here 5508 modded at my humble attempt. have a go yourself....... it's fun! Slarti

Go for it Sir-Lancelot! Good Luck!

Wow....... you're right. I'm outta here!

After some time tinkering with my 1655, I may have come to a point now when I can just relax and enjoy it for a while. I think it may be time now to treat it to some wrist time, instead of it seeing the inside of the parts box. To sum up, I have had a go at 'proper' luming, using Noctilumina. It has taken several attemps using this compound to get anywhere near acceptable results, but I am quite happy with it at this time. I hope to have another go sometime in the future, and improve the overall appearance. The lume after exposing the watch to 10 minutes of sunlight is quite stunning. The glow is startling! Hope you enjoy these latest pics.

I bought a 2006 version fom PT. Lovely watch. So nice to wear in fact that you can easily forgive it its flaws. UPO I don't think so. Great wearable keeper....YES!

OK tmg, you win!

Giving my latest acquisition an airing this Saturday. Just love this Monaco!

Great job szvwj! You have a steady hand. Keep practicing and have fun with it!

Fabulous result Stephane! I love it when these Frankens become so much more than the sum of their parts. Don't suppose it's up for sale?

Gordon Ramsay............sorry, but just don't get it!

OMG! Where do I get one?

Congrats on your TOG, and enjoy! Postie brought me a little something today too, I feel your joy!

I think my search is going well, thanks Freddy. I have no inflated expectations of what I will receive when the postman calls. But I am seldom disapointed with what drops through the letterbox. So, thanks, my search is going well overall. @b16a2 However, there is still no decent rep of the Breitling Aerospace....... BUGGER!

Calibre 36 from silix Can't wait for it to arrive!!! Been only a week so far though. Still a way to go yet, haven't even got my tracking number! BTW your pics are stunning. Congrats!

A shameless BUMP for this great thread. Couldn't agree more Pix, what a great VFM rep. I have enjoyed your post so much... have ordered one for myself! My first 'non-round' rep. Can't wait!

Forget the psychological entertainment.... if i come into your 'practice' and flash my MBW (not that I have one) do I get a discount?

I'm in structural engineering. Have been for some 29 years now. It's not getting any easier..... I thought it would have by now! I also have the 'pleasure' of being the IT manager as a secondary task, and have now perfected the phrase "have you turned it off and on again".

There are posts on how to strip a sub down. Edge did a guide here Edge's guide You need to pop off the bezel and take out the insert. Glue the new one in.

Wow! Thanks MAHLER. I'll grab my Dylan Dog mag, and give this a go.