morlock

Due this beauty has been previously reviewed (the ETA version) and extensively discussed, I just want to share some photos of my SMP 300M. I really like the most the black version over the blue one, I know I am touching a sensitive spot due the blue version loyalist legion is bigger, but this is just a matter of personal preference. This is a 21j version from Andrew, with some obvious flaws, like: 1.- He valve a little lower 2.- The lume in marker is too greenish, but in its defense, I read somewhere that the older gen were greener than the actual 3.- Pearl is not bad, but it's not right neither. I've seen worst. Anyway, the flaws are not that big, and other than an expert, I don't think someone is going to notice them at the street. I hope you enjoy them. And the family gathering photo...... everybody cheers.....

That is going to be nice, but let me tell you, the quality on the strap on this rep is awesome. dluddy, that is going to be a dream comes true, but I guess it will be the first US$ 10,000 rep out there.

I know, I know, b16a2 already did a great job review this watch, but in this case I am showing you a total different rep of the same gen. The idea of writing this came some weeks ago, when I posted here a thread asking your opinion regarding if I should vintalize or not my new IWC Minute Reapert due its vntage look. Short story, I did not vintalized it but I receive a lot of comment about this rep version. So here we are. The Gen Introduced in 1995, the IWC Portuguese Minute Repeater combines the size of the Portuguese Anniversary Series (42mm) with the minute repeating system which originated in the Grand Complication. Gen Specifications: Movement: Manual wound IWC Calibre 95290 - 18K bph - 54 j Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds and of course, Minute Repeater Case: Limited edition of 100 watches in platinum, 250 in 18 ct. white gold and 250 in 18 ct. rose gold Dial Color: White Watch Bracelet: crocodile leather strap, logo buckle Crystal: Sapphire Caseback: Sapphire caseback Case Dimensions: 43.0 mm x 12.3 mm The Rep The watch from this picture came from Andrew, it's a 21J entry version of this amazing watch, so I am not planning to go deep in the difference with the gen because mostly are obvious, or at least for us in RG. As I always comment, it's just not fare to look for a ultimate rep when the gen cost tens of thousands. So why I get this wacth if it's not an accurated rep. Well, it's easy, this rep is really beatyful, has vintage spirit and to be honest how many people on your day to day life know about the existance of the gen IWC Portuguese Minute Repeater. And of course, it just cost US$ 98. I think this rep is based on the original IWC MR of 1995, instead of the more common rep based on the current model. In this watch, the dimensions do not do justice, it measures 39 mm without crown and slide button, but it feels as a much bigger watch due this parts on each side, on the wrist it looks and feels as 41-42 mm watch. One of the strongest attractive is the dial, it scream vintage, it is off white with very light yellow tint, which give the vintage tone. Numbers, marker and logo are black, in the right place and, to my eyes, with the right font. Even the 5 min marker are little bigger than the rest as in the gen. The crystal is a slightly domed glass. Small seconds subdial is located at 9 o'clock depressed and decorated with concentric circle. The case is polished SS, with a light brushed finish on the side, the bezel has an inward curve design. Very well done, a really nice mix of texture and lines. It is a three-piece case sealed just below the waist. The case design and construction is very close to the gen. The crown is well proportioned but it has the small fish on it, which is a trademark of the IWC's dive models, or at least for those watch with a good water resistance. In the gen the crown don't even have a logo, it's totally polish on the tip. On the left side, just as the gen, it has a slide button to engaged the MR mechanism, of course in the rep is a fixed slide. The case back in other hand is a bad news or a good news, based on your point of view. Bad new first, the gen has a sapphire back to show the gorgeous movt. Then the good news, due we just receive a plain Asian 21j installed on the rep, it's a good idea to cover it with highly polish solid case back, which I prefer. On the case back is engraved the words REPETITION MINUTES, these are the same words in the gen case back. Also there is a serial number, two logos that I could not identify and the No. 187/250, meaning it's the watch number 187 out of a batch of 250 (the number of white gold gen build, nice touch from the factories). The strap was a nice surprize, we are use to receive a hard poor quality strap on the entry rep. Well this was not the case, the strap is top quality, soft and even smell as quality leather. As I mentioned, the movt in the rep is the old and faithful Asian 21j. So there is not too much to talk about it, we all know it and we have our fare amount of experience with it. I just could mention that it was modified by the factories to move the central second hand, to a subdial at 9 o'clock, due I was not able to remove the bezel I could not commend on this mod. Rep Specifications: Movement: Automatic Asian 21j Functions: Hours, Minutes and Small Seconds at 9 o'clock Case: Stainless Steel Dial Color: Off-White Dial with black Arabic Numerals Watch Bracelet: leather strap, logo buckle Crystal: domed glass Caseback: Solid engraved case back Case Dimensions: 43.0 mm with crown & slide / 39.0 mm w/o crown & slide x 10.0 mm Conclusion Well for the money you get a classic design very well performed, excellent fit and finish. The polished and brushed surface have gen quality (not IWC level but could match some entry and mid gen), and of course my favorite part, the dial, it's a beauty. If you are looking for a classic dress watch with a vintage design on a budget, the IWC Minute Repeater is a strong option.

That one is my fault. I always clean the watch before the pics, but I always forget to check if they are really clean. The dust was in the outside . As always, I noticed that after I took the pictures and saved them, and I am too lazy to do all over again.

Good choice, the black dial highlight the window for the chrono. And if you like Formula 1, it was the one used by Lewis Hamilton in last year Singapore GP.

Takashi, good review. Thanks You know guys, I am NOT a TAG fan, but you are not helping me holding my none-supported dislike to TAG. Great watch, great pictures, you are breaking my resistance.

Good luck. Black or white face ?

I want to show one of my favorite dressing watch and provide some information about it. It is not a full review due it is not fare to compare a $ 150 rep with a $ 30,000 gen, anyway I will point out the main difference (mostly obvious). Vacheron Constantin Toledo 1952 (GEN) Vacheron Constantin re intruduce this design at the the Salon International de Haute Horlogerie Geneva 2003, the Toledo is inspired from a timepiece dating from 1952. Gen Specifications: Reference: 47300/000G-9064, 47300/000J-9065, 47300/000P-9067 Case dimension: 35.7 mm w/o crown, 41 mm & height 12.7 mm Caliber: 1125, selfwinding, 36 jewels, 28,800 vph Power reserve: > 40 hours Indications: Hours, minutes, seconds, day, date, month, moon phases Case: 950 platinum or 18K gold in yellow or white Dial: Slate-colored or silver-toned, vertically engine-turned at center, applied Arabic numerals and hour markers, circular date calendar with Arabic numerals Water resistance: 30 m Strap: Night-blue, brown or black alligator leather, with VC buckle Vacheron Constantin Toledo 1952 (REP) I got this over a year ago from a dealer that is on the scam site list so I am not going to post name here, maybe I was lucky. The watch becomes one of my favorite because for work I wear suit mostly of the time, and this piece is perfect for that matter. It is not too big, not too small, it's 36 mm width but It looks bigger on the wrist. Also it's hard to be call out because 95% of the population ignore the VC brand, and a smaller group knowns about a US$ 30K Toledo. The dial is really nice, the guilloche has the same design as the gen, not that crisp but really well done. The general layout of the dials is close to the gen, the main difference are 24hr / day-night indicator at 6 in rep instead of small sec. / moon-phase in gen. The 24hr. indicator is not really useful because it's too small without any numbers, but it keeps the balance in the dial. Also the day and month windows are closer than the gen. The month and day windows are located at 12, and fully functional, of course it need a manual correction on month with fewer than 31 days. The day is indicated by a blue hand and the numbers are in a silver inner circle. My only complain is that it kind of hard to read the time in quick glance, because in the center it has 4 hands for hours, minutes, seconds and date, and the first 3 are almost identical. Of course, not sapphire crystal, but it has a nice dommed crystal that follow the case design. Logo in crown, and it has 3 pusher in the same position as the gen to quick set day, date and month. The band is leather with crocodile design, not top quality but acceptable, it has a good feel and look, and it uses a simple buckle with the VC design. The movt is the reliable (at least on my case) Asian 21J with decorated rotor (glued), which could been seen by the round exhibition back case. And the inscription in the back in the lower right site said 1957 instead of 1952. The gen has a solid caseback. Rep Specifications: Case dimension: 36 mm w/o crown, 43 mm & height 13 mm Movt: Asian 21J, selfwinding Power reserve: > 24 hours Indications: Hours, minutes, seconds, day, date, month, day/night, 24hr. Case: Stain Steel Dial: white, vertically engine-turned at center, applied Arabic numerals and hour markers, circular date calendar with Arabic numerals Water resistance: none I guess, anyway who swing with suit & tie. Strap: black leather w/ alligator design, buckle Conclusion Nice design, elegant, reliable (after 12 months) and cheap. Inspire in the gen, not a 1:1, but I saved $ 29,850.

Samurai, to my eyes. the disk moves smooth considering the movt and the mod to convert from hand to disc sec, and moving it to 3 o'clock position. As I mentioned in the review, I ordered it for a friend and I no longer have the piece with me, but I am going to ask my friend to capture the sec disk on video, if I get it, i'll post it.

ok, I take the Black Combo....then women will come by her self... tmeister, nice job

Toad, thanks, I always have enjoyed your reviews.

That's a great idea, and they don't even need to pay me money, just send the right doses of watches every month..... That's the problem with addiction, you are open to sell your soul for it.

F*ZZ, that's correct, the picture are not updated, but does the watch. And yes it's pricey, as I mentioned in the review I got it for a friend (I am not at TH), but it's wroth it, due it's well constructed, the disk mod and presence.

Toad, your review is really great, I have read it at least a dozen of times, and every time I enjoy it. You made me put this beauty in my wish list, unfortunately, you know those list trend to have a long wait period. Thanks

F*ZZ, I got the one on the review from Andrew at Trusty Time, I highly recommend him: http://www.tt88time.com/index.php?main_pag...roducts_id=2990 He has several other version on this same model with deferents dial color, band and PVD. Enjoy the hunting.

You know, I really like this watch and this pricey new version is driving me crazy. Andrew has the same model at US$ 468 http://www.tt88time.com/index.php?main_pag...roducts_id=3830 But also have a previous version for US$ 348 http://www.tt88time.com/index.php?main_pag...roducts_id=3420 As far as I could find out the differences are: 1.- Titanium crown and pushers like the gen 2.- Date Wheel is as gen 3.- Individual serial numbers Also the new version state 39 mm diameter versus 44 mm in the "cheaper" one. I don't know if this is a typo error or not, but 44 is closer to the gen as I know. So, I think US$ 120 is way too much for those sightless improvements, considering 2 out of 3 are on the back so nobody is going to notice other than you. Don't you think so ? The IWC purist are not going to like this comment, but I considering to order the PVD model ( http://www.tt88time.com/index.php?main_pag...roducts_id=2594 ) for just US$ 268. Why ? It has the right price for a A7750 watch, it's kind a 85% close to the gen and you get a free 10 o'clock pusher to play with it. Seriously, I don't think nobody is going to call out on this rep, due the gen is quite rare and the rep is really nice.

chrgod, be my guest, post link. Thank for the offer.

I think I have done less that 10 post in RWG, and I feel as home. Due to the 7750 factory alterations, the sunken date and the thicker case are really small flaws that we have to live with. To solve them, the factories will need to do an extensive modification to the movt, just like TAG did to launch the gen, and IMHO the factories have done a great job already with this rep. I am glad you have been enjoying the review.

Thanks to all you guys....

Thanks everybody for your comments. By-Tor, I am agree with you, those large 45 mm watch are way too big, of course it is just a matter of personal preference. That and that my 6.5 wrist could not handle anything bigger that 42-43 mm. Thanks again.

By-Tor, thanks...

This week I received my new Breitling Colt II Automatic from Trusty Time, and I want to share some pics and comments about it. I hope you enjoy it. I think the Colt II has not been much covered maybe because it is an entry level and no so popular model among the Breitling purist due its reduced size compared with Breitling's standards, 44 or more. But in my case the Colt II was the perfect choice, I was looking for a sport sturdy watch, simple dial and has to fit in my 6.7" wrist (in the 40-42 range). I always like the Breitling watches, but mostly of them are 44 or more, I even tried a SFSO in an AD and It looks huge on my wrist, so I was reluctant to order one. I never had a Colt II gen on my hands (my AD does not have this model available), then my comparison is based just on pictures from the web. Please keep in mind that it is a US$ 98 watch and I really like it, so I am going just to point out the difference. The Real Thing Specifications: Movement: Breitling Calibre 17 Self-winding automatic mechanical movement (28.800 vph, 25 jewels, 42 hours power reserve). Case: Stainless steel with 41.10 mm diameter and 12.40 mm thickness. Calendar: Dial aperture at 3 Water-Resistant: 500 meter / 1650 ft. Bezel: Unidirectional Crown: Screw-locked Caseback: Screwed-in. Crystal: Sapphire with double AR My New Rep Specifications: Movement: Asian copy ETA 2813. Case: Stainless steel with 41 mm diameter and 15 mm thickness. Calendar: Dial aperture at 3 Water-Resistant: non tested Bezel: Unidirectional Crown: Screw-locked Caseback: Screwed-in. Crystal: Synthetic crystal no AR As I mentioned I got it from Andrew (Trusty Time) for US$ 98, which is a bargain considering the construction quality. Dealing with Andrew is a pleasure, great communication and prompt responses to my mails, faster than 24 hrs. In this transaction I received a couple of answer from his Blackberry, and based on my estimated, one of his mail was sent at 3:30 AM (China) on Saturday, I pictured him seating in a bar or a disco typing the mail :munch: . Once I paid it, I received in just 6 days. According with the spec. (gen & rep) is 41 mm width, which it is true without crown and crown guards, but trust me this is not a reduce Breitling or a girlie model (no offense intended), this feels big, also the 15 mm height help to increase the wrist presence . Including the crown and CG, it measures 48 mm. The overall construction is very good and solid, it is brushed SS with some polished details like the crown and a fixed ring around the crystal. I think the lastest model gen is polished, but I prefer it brushed. Very good fit and finish, without any disturbing gaps. The signed crown has the correct pattern, but the logo is smaller than the gen. Before I ordered it, I did my homework I looked for some information in the forums. The main complain that I found it was about the dial. But IMHO the dial is gorgeous, the dial is white, not milk white, it is light off white like the gen, it has a very light concentric circles patterns and a deeper pattern in the hour makers zone. The marker are polished batons with lume dots, and a triangle at 12, the numbers (3 to 24) and wording are in the right place and looks the right font. The date window is located at 3 enhanced with a black line around it, like the gen. The numbers in the DW are well centered, but I could not confirm if is the correct font, usually it is not, but let this to the experts. Regarding the lume, you could find 4 lume levels in on watch: Good in hands:) , average in hour markers:undecided: , horrible poor in pearl and no lume at 12 o'clock triangle:mad: . I don't think it makes any sense to send it for re-lume due the watch's cost, so if the lume bother you, use the watch only at daylight. On some post the Colt's dial was criticized for the wrong rehault, which compared with the gen photos its color is correct but it is too deep, me guess is that the rep rehault is 1 or 1.5 mm deeper than gen. But I think you need a side by side comparo to find that out, and the rep dial's overall look is not damage for this. In the rehault the numbers are print in black with the right font. If we just focus about the dial and forget about the rehault, it is very close to the gen. Here I have a question for the experts, the numbers in the rehault are 10 - 20 - 30... all the way up to 100 at 12 o'clock position, so what is the propose of this numbers ? The gen has the same numbers. The bezel generated me a mix of opinions. It is very nice, with deep engraved numbers and markers, correct font, perfectly aligned, average pearl (at real life distance it looks nice), unidirectional, laud clicks and smooth operation. It is brushed SS with polished head screws. Then which are the shortcomings ? Well it is kind of funny, but the bezel has 90 positions (or click), not 60, not 120. I really don't know why the factory does this, because it align perfect to the 5 min. markers, which it is important due between the crystal and the bezel, there is a polished SS fixed ring with 5 min slots. Also in the pros side, at 15-30-45-60 position the bezel has a small protruding markers that will protect the crystal, just like the SFSO bezel. The caseback is well constructed, looks nice, good engravement, no misspelling and correct font. But it has several error if you compare with the gen: .- Incorrect Model number. It has # E13360, which correspond with an All Titanium, Caliber 13, COSC, Ti Chrono Avenger. The correct model number must be A17380 .- Wrong Wording 1st Line. Rep: CHRONOGRAPHE CERTIFIE CHRONOMETRE. Gen: CHRONOMETRE OFFICIELLMENT CERTIFIE .- Wrong Wording 2st Line. Rep: MANUFACTURE EN SUISSE ETANCHE 500 M. Gen: MANUFACTURE EN SUISSE ETANCHE 300 M. This one is a stupid error because in the dial they correctly printed 500 m. They don't need a gen to replicated this, just need to look at their own dial to find out the correct deep. This could be considered a mayor flaw , but all are located at the back and you have to take it out of your wrist to be notice. Anyway those flaws were not a surprize to me because I saw them in the pictures at the dealer web site. GEN REP The crystal is not sapphire neither has AR. On the bright side, the crystal is well made, no tint and no milky look seen in angle. I choose the white dial to cut some of the glare, and it really pays out, in normal conditions you could not notice the crystal (well, almost). Like the gen, the bracelet is brushed SS, Professional II type, solid links and easy to adjust with standard pins and 4 position fine adjustments at the clasp. Speaking about the clasp, it has deep engravements, flip lock single fold, no dive extension. As part of the mix of brushed and polished surface on this watch, the clasp is totally polished, it looks nice, no flaws, but I am not sure if this is a good idea, the clasp is a magnet for small scratches and been polished the scratches will more noticeable. Anyway brush the clasp is easy do-it-yourself mod. Finally the movt is the Asian copy of the ETA 2813, but as could see at the picture, it looks as the usual Asian 21j, I am not an expert. Any way, I think both movt have the same quality and reliability. Conclusion The Colt II Automatic replica has too many flaws to be consider a real contender. IMHO it is a great watch, due the mayor flaws are in the case back, and I am getting a solid sport wacth for a low price.

To be totally honest, I am not a TH fan, I just own a cheap Quartz rep Monaco and, as many of us, still waiting for truth decent copy. The Grand Carrera from this post, I just received from Andrew because I ordered for a friend who ask me for it. As usual, when I receive a new watch I check the overall conditions, movt, dial, functions, etc., you know to be sure all is right, and no damage occur during the shipping. Well, while I was doing so I realize this is a top quality rep, very faithful to the gen. So I look for info in the internet, an article in a back issue of IW magazine and in the TH web side. I even went to a nearby AD to see the real thing in person, you know the filing, a close encounter. After all this I came to one conclusion, apart from IMHO small issue this is awesome rep, high quality construction and really hard to point out as a rep. The Gen The key design element is the use of rotating disks instead of the traditional hands on the chrono subdials. The dial of the Caliber 17 RS is equipped with two rotating systems with Cotes de Geneve treatments: seconds at 3 o'clock; chronograph minute at 9 o'clock. The dials feature a hand-applied TAG Heuer logo and curved faceted markers. Oversized screw-in crown and push-button clasps, water resistant to 100 meters. The watch has sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective treatment on front and a double window sapphire crystal case back. Gen Specifications: Movement: Automatic TAGHeuer Calibre 17 RS COSC Functions: Hours, Minutes, Small Rotating Seconds at 3, Chronograph Center Sweep Seconds, Small Rotating Chronograph Minutes at 9, Date at 6 Case: Stainless Steel Crown: Screw-down, Stainless Steel, Fluted, with TH Logo. Screw-in and chronograph push-buttons Dial Color: Black with Circular Guilloche Watch Bracelet: Stainless Steel, Deployant - Hidden Folding Push-button, TH Logo Crystal: Sapphire - Double AR Caseback: Scratch-resistant sapphire caseback with Steel decorated bridge, secured with 6 screws Case Dimensions: 43.0 mm x 14.85 mm Bezel: Fixed Stainless Steel - Tachymetre Water Resistance: 100m / 330ft The Rep The first impression out of the box is great. Good fit and finish, very heavy, looks according with its 43 mm diameter and very thick with 17.5 mm, almost 3 mm bigger than the gen I guess due the second at 3 displacement. But due the case size, this increased thickness does not ruin the watch's balance. The dial IMO is an exact copy of the gen, correct font and placement. Polish hour marker and applied logo, same size as gen. The dial is black with concentric circular guilloche, the color and tone are on spot with the gen. Rotating disk at 3 for running seconds and at 9 for the chrono minutes counter. The Cotes de Geneve treatment applied to the disk window is really well done. The rep has a sapphire crystal with a light double AR. The lume is good but only applied on the hour and minute hands, no lume at hour markers but I think the gen does not have either. And here comes, apart of the 3 mm in thickness, the other flaw, recessed date wheel. I put it side by side with my Tricompax Navitimer (which suffers from the same issue) and the Grand Carrera date wheel looks deeper than the Navi, maybe it is a visual effect due the silver window applied on the dial. Anyway to be honest, this is not a mayor issue and unless you go to an AD or you have watch experts among your friends, nobody is going to notice this. By the way, the number on the date wheel are well aligned, I mention this because it is hard to notice in my pictures due angles. The SS case has a mix of polished and brushed surface very well performed, front and side is brushed and between this 2 surface is a polished line lung to lung. It perfectly mimic the gen. The bezel is fixed with tachymeter, also keeping with the mixed finish motif, it is brushed on front and polished on the side. For me the best surprise was in the watch back, I read and saw picture with the wrong Caliber 16 engraced in the rotor, even the picture at Andrew's site said 16. Well, guess what, this issue is solved, the Caliber 17 in perfectly engraved at the rotor. Also it is not an standard rotor with some glue in plate, it is a custom rotor with the exact shape of the gen and Cotes de Geneve decoration. I think this improvement is very import due the case back has 2 sapphire windows, so the rotor is very prominent. The caseback is secured by 6 screw like the gen, with the correct wording engraved, including a serial number. It has a nice screw-in crown (2 turn to lock it) with TH logo and the right threat. Also a nice touch are the chrono pushers, which are screw-in too, like the Rolex Daytona. On my eyes, the pusher are a little riser than the gen, but less than 0.5 mm. The bracelet is SS and exact copy of the gen with alternated polished and brushed link, even it includes two half size links for fine adjustment. As the gen, it uses pin for the links, so it's going to be easy to adjust. The clasp is very well done, side push buttons to open, with TH logo applied. In the claps deployant arms, the TAG Heur motif and the part number is print, nice detail. Finally, the movt is the well know A7750 with the running seconds at 3 and 30 minutes totalizer at 9. This re arrangement of the counters on the A7750 cause the issues of tickness and recessed date wheel. Rep Specifications: Movement: Asia 7750 Valjoux, with regulator Functions: Hours, Minutes, Small Rotating Seconds at 3, Chronograph Center Sweep Seconds, Small Rotating Chronograph Minutes at 9, Date at 6 Case: Stainless Steel Crown: Screw-down, Stainless Steel, Fluted, with TH Logo. Screw-in and chronograph push-buttons Dial Color: Black with Circular Guilloche Watch Bracelet: Stainless Steel, Deployant - Hidden Folding Push-button, TH Logo Crystal: Sapphire - Light Double AR Caseback: Scratch-resistant sapphire caseback with Steel decorated bridge, secured with 6 screws Case Dimensions: 43.0 mm x 17.5 mm Bezel: Fixed Stainless Steel - Tachymetre Water Resistance: Non tested Conclusion Being a non TH fan, I must admit the Grand Carrera is a great piece, I am not an expert to call out for the Ultimate or Best title, but the flaws just come out in the millimeter range. To be what I think is the first generation of a recent model, it is very well performed.

I just ordered an Omega Day-Date, I did form Ruby. In her site the description for the Datora says Asia 7750 Valjoux and for the Omega Asia 7751 Valjoux. Ruby is a trusted dealer, so I think her description are accurate. I don't want to start an argue, but based on this it looks like Anton is right about the movt. Due mostly of the problem with the Datora are QC, maybe it is a good solution to order it from a trusted dealer. I know it doesn't represent a warranty, it is a good start, because the Datora is a really good looking watch.

Anton Point taken.. Thanks. Good to know this, I have the Omega in transit, the Datora will have to wait.