lanikai

Thank you, .. could you post us a pic of your genuine (rehaut markings) for verification.. I will edit as such.. Cheers Lani

Black Steel, Thursday

A short synopsis of our 24 hour fun..... before I go to sleep.. I send Andrew .. a rough draft .. wake up @12 am Hawaii time (-10gmt) get a reply .. go to the coffee shop @ 6:30 am scan replies and process the thought's of what to do next,.. so we can expedite quickly when the rep arrives in Hawaii .. so yes you are correct in saying we did this round the clock for a little over a week.. the end results takes 10 minutes to read.. the prep took much longer.. there were over 80 macro shots taken.. saving some for later it would be faster doing this solo.. "But" IMO we made a great team !.. and there were, and are... checks and balances .. that was important as the review was not biased,... and gave different dimensions to the over all "feel" for the rep. DBR's info was invaluable as it came from the researcher himself.. and not a second or third party.. and since DBR had years of science for his proffesional carreer .. who better than to script it.. I felt it would be better served and it certainly was that .. that was a BIG KEY to the review.. !! the metal .. and as the pics show (pics were taken after DBR's writting) the checks worked perfectly and Dave123.. nothing like the real deal and the owner to say yeh or nay.... to the rep in comparison,.. his testamony was not conjecture.. And we had fun in the process.. and there is nothing as rewarding as accomplishing a project as a "Team" .. give yourselves a 'Job Well done' and savoir the work.. So in a few Day's we will be ready for the "Black Steel" Review.. Part Duece @Theo... Looking forward to your wrist shots side ~ side with a genuine.. that will be worth waiting for .. wow, we dodged a bullet with the strap sizing

First .. thank you .. ALL my wrist measures 7" to 7.5" depending... the forearm is different

IMO rating a rep .. is very subjective.. everyone has their idiocincricies ... things they jus cannot tolerate.. and a lot has to do IMO again with geography .. ie. living in New York .. there are many genuines walking around. ergo the rep needs to be spot on.. in Hawaii.. well.. you can get away with flaws.. so in answer to a rather simple questions.. it's really a personal choice.. all I will say is.. it's not 1:1 but close.. all we can do is alert the dealers to pass on to the makers... but it's good to "learn" .. I'll post a question in the proper section and get some pics up.. it's as easy as opening the case.. @Raymond.. thanks man.. .. good to see U .. ma mannnn

Simply put.. I have a lot to be thankful for on the Day of Thanks~Giving.. I wish you and yours a very ..SAFE..And Joyful Blessed Day!! Now eat and drink up and stay off da roads Happy Thanksgiving RWG !! Thank you for being here! Aloha~Cheers Lani

Hosted by ~ Lanikai Breitling Pro ~ Andreww General Counsel ~ DBR Dave123 Hello, and Welcome to the first (hopefully of many) Comprehensive ~ Reviews, done in collaboration with multiple authors, Of course one could do these reviews "Solo"... but in an effort to give you, the members the best of all Worlds, and views,.. needless to say "experts" in their respective Fav Brands, and perhaps more in depth analysis .. I present to you the Co~Authored Review of the Breitling Black Steel Skyland .. Our Authors include .. Andrew, for his passion and expertise in the Breitling line of watches.... Andrew has spent countless hours writing up "Top Shelf" reviews to bring you the best information possible. you can find his reviews "pinned" in the Breitling section of the RWG. DBR .. for his insight into the Black Steel .. so those who do not know what it actually is can now have that knowledge .. it did take a little persuading .. as one of many Veterans on the RWG, doc is always willing to share his knowledge (which is plentiful) to the rest of the board. And, Yours truly .. I am concerned in presenting the most informative review that "we" can assemble .. so to harness the best "team" I have asked these members to participate with me in the BLACK STEEL review..needless to say .. it has been a blast to coordinate such valued members to present to you all this "Team Effort" With Sincere Aloha ~ Lani So, to start off the long awaited Black Steel replication Andrew has "Honours" with the introduction ~ We hope you enjoy our presentation and it helps you to decide on the Breitling Black Steel as another addition to your collection Introduction by ~ Andrew Thanks Lan, it’s always an honor to be chosen as the leadoff hitter! 2008 saw the end of an era for Breitling, the end of the much loved Chrono Avenger. The demise of the titanium cased, little brother of the massive Super Avenger normally would have caused an uproar among Breitling enthusiasts, but the quick release of it’s replacement, the Skyland, soon quashed any rumblings. To commemorate it’s release Breitling introduced a limited edition of 2000 pieces called the Skyland Blacksteel. The Blacksteel features a blackened case, achieved not by a PVD coating, but by a carbon nitride process that darkens the steel with a much more durable finish than PVD. The summer of 2008 saw the release of the much anticipated Skyland Rep. Members excitement was somewhat subdued however due to an odd looking half lume dot at 3:00 and an incorrectly lumed triangle marker at 12:00. In a matter of days we were stunned by the release of the V2 Skyland, an obviously superior version. Immediately the question was raised “Will there be a Black Steel version?”. Fast forward about five months. After numerous delays, the release of the disappointing PVD’d V1, and a slew of prototype photos, the V2 Black Steel is finally available for purchase. Because the SS version was such a high quality rep, the success of the Black Steel will be determined by two things in my opinion, the quality of the lime application, and more importantly, the quality of the titanium carbon nitride blackening process. This application is a first for our reps, as is the ability to request a unique limited edition number, so without further ado, lets take a closer look at the V2 Skyland Blacksteel. Many of us purchase watches... for the aesthetics ~, and the Breitling Black Steel surely attests to that thought,.. but what is "Black Steel?" to answer this I have contacted DBR as he did inquiries (with Breitling) into the properties (out of professional work habits) ... so we are fortunate to have DBR take part in this Review.. and clarify what "Black Steel" is in relationship to the Breitling Skyland Black Steel Timepiece. What is "Black Steel?" By ~ DBR Breitling "BlackSteel" I'm no expert in the area of PVD (physical vapour deposition), except for the basics applied to watch cases for aesthetic effect – that it is characterised by a thin-layered coating is applied to the substrate (base metal in this case), which depending on the coating's composition (many types usually the added elements are carbon, boron, silicon etc.) gives a dark effect to the metal, anywhere from jet black to sandy grey, matte or shiny. The 'Black Steel" process Breitling used is similar in concept and appearance to your standard PVD but with some noticeable differences. Firstly, the makeup is specifically a titanium-carbon-nitride layer, often referred to in layman's terms as diamond-like carbon (or DLC). This seems to be the preferred method for 'PVD' coatings these days as it confers slightly more durable properties than previously. It is suggested (I'm no chemist) that the coating 'impregnates' the metal substrate's outer surface during the process, which sounds dubious but would certainly account for the properties we see with it. In theory, it's a very simple and relatively inexpensive process. However, in practice, it's a huge PIA to get exactly right, getting the coating to 'take' and the colour exactly uniform. In fact, I have it on *cough* extremely good authority that Breitling had huge problems with the coating and their internal QC rejected many Black Steel cases at first, causing production to be very sluggish, barely releasing more than 50 of the planned 2000 in the first run. Appearance-wise, as most of you know, it's less 'black' than the standard PVD. On the gen Black Steel, we're talking a gorgeous shade of gunmetal here, definitely matte in appearance. However, the shade depends on the light you're viewing it in, and does vary in appearance. One other thing to note with the appearance of the gen, is that is prone to fingerprints, or fingerprint oil most probably. Not a big deal and easily wiped off, but worth mentioning that's all. As for the durability of the coating itself, well the mythical scratch-proof is just that……mythical. Rather think of it as scratch-resistant, and since the coating does in fact appear to extend beyond a mere external coating, you won't get that dreaded shiny base metal shining through black coating as with standard PVD. But it will still scratch given the opportunity, so be warned. And so, to the long-awaited rep version………over to Lani and Andreww. Lani Writes: Thank you !! DBR ... so the DLC is prone to the oils in ones hands.. ergo, vulnerable to fingerprints .. it is the "DLC" coating .. and is "scratch resistant and not scratch "proof" Interestingly Breitling had difficulties with the coating .. so it may be safe to say the genuines vary in consistency (?) so I wonder if all the genuines are identical in appearance .. there may be some differences in appearance although "matte" is the rule and not the exception .. Andrew Writes: DBR, your comments about Breitling consistency issues with DLC add to what has been worrying me about this rep for some time. If you consider a piece of wood, PVD would be akin to paint, DLC would be more like stain. Its easy to cover the wood to with paint and get a consistent color. Stain, however, shows every inconsistency in the wood and is more susceptible to poor application. My concern is that with a lack of quality control, we will see blotchy, uneven application of DLC on this rep. Now for some measurements The Genuine............................Replication Specifications Model: Avenger Skyland Black Steel Production Years: 2008 Movement: Breitling 13 ........................................A7750 ~ 28k Power Reserve: 42 Hours ......................................not known Water Resistance: 300m .......................................not immediately Bezel: Unidirectional .......................................same Crown: Screw-Locked .......................................same Crystal: Sapphire .......................................Double AR.. as Genuine Diameter: 45mm .......................................47mm from the 9 to CG Thickness: 17.4mm .........................................17.9 Weight: 144.3g ..........................................5.9 oz. Bracelet: Divers .........................................Breitling divers Lug Width: 22mm .........................................22 mm Watch Winder Direction: Clockwise Reference Numbers: m13380 ...................................same m13380 Complications Chronograph, Date ..................................................same The Black Steel Replication ~ Box provided by Stardblast Now to the "Meat and Potatos" The Movement The genuine Breitling "Caliber 13" is none other than the Swiss Valjoux ~ 28k .. I guess the euphamism of "Caliber 13" sounds more impressive. The replication uses the Asian 7750 ~ 28k.. the Valjoux's copy.. there are many different opinions regarding this movement.. but for those who never have read Ziggy's summary and detailed disection of this movement.. you should do so before asking about it......Here For those that are new to the RWG.. Ziggy is our Begging and End to all Horological questions and answers.. so read !! the Zigmiester is also an artist .. look at all the fantastic lumes that are shown upon completion.. In a simple short phrase.. the A7750 movement is a very durable movement.. once it has been serviced properly.. as it rarely comes serviced properly from the factory.. all the A 7750 movements that I have had serviced by Ziggy has been running spot on .. but you should still read Ziggy's section .. you will be 100 % more informed than you are now.. We are lucky that Breitling has not gone to "In House" movements as the replication of the Blacksteel Rep. uses a copy of the movement that is in the genuine.. ergo .. better representation of the DW .. etc. Recent Skyland reps have been experiencing problems with the movement stopping.. I have had both /skylands stop .. but after a little adjusting of the regulator it has been fine.. I cannot explain the technical reason.. so this is something I will have to take pics of and post for an answer. Andrew's comments I have to agree with you Lan, I've had nothing but success with all my 7750 watches. Although I'm sure the A7750 in the Blacksteel V2 will for the most part be trouble free, I can't help but feel disappointed that the manufacturer didn't use the newest version with the fine adjustment regulator. Also, it would have been nice to include a decorated rotor, especially considering the high cost on this piece. Its a solid stock motor with no upgrades. The V1 looks nicer under the hood IMO Lani~ RED FLAG !!! My movement stopped upon use today.. the same with my 2 skylands.. again ,.. I am no authority on movements..but it seems the regulating arms.. is stoppong the balance wheel.. now this may be problematic on the newer A7750's.. I do not know but 3 out of 3 is not a coincedence .. I moved the 2 arms apart and the movement started up again.. before it stopped it was running very slow.. now this happened on all my skylands.. but after seperating the 2 arms and adjusting the top arm (sorry for my ignorance in part names) .. they have been running almost spot on.. I need to post pics of my explanation in the proper area.. but I don't know if anyone could answer this proffesionally without taking a look or taking the movement apart.. to diagnose a problem.. takes more than theory even from the pro's.. Ziggy commented as a doctor would on problems such as this.. " I would have to take a look at it".. But before you get frustrated .. if your movement slows or stops .. mine had to do with the regulating arms.. it's been running fine since.. Dial Andrew ~ The dial on the Skyland Blacksteel looks very good. No surprise, given the quality of the stainless steel version's dials. Of course we still have the sloppy lume application (not a huge deal IMO) but if that bothers you its nothing that a proper relume wouldn't fix. The bevel on the edge of the raised white numbers is slightly more pronounced than on the gen, and this causes the 1, 7 and 11 lume dots to become slightly crowded. The date window looks very accurate even though it looks to be ever so slightly wider than the gen. The date font is perfect once again (its printed in black but should apparently be gray, but you would really have to look hard to the that). The dial markings appear to be spot on as well. The hands look pretty good, the lume spot on the chrono second hand seems to be slightly larger than the gen and the color seems to be a little bit more on the orange side than the others (comments Lan?). Thankfully the manufacturer has fixed the red collars on the subdial hands that we saw on the prototype (they are now silver as they should be), but these hands seem to be ever so slightly wider than on the gen. The "half lined" subdials look to have been reproduced perfectly and look splendid! Lani~ That is why I asked Andrew aboard !.. his attention to detail goes without saying.. to verify what A stated.. it is the metal around the lume spot on the chrono second hand that is a fraction more than the genuine .. making it appear that the lume dot is larger, and yes the colour has a bit too much orange in the red an easy fix with some red artist paint(and a steady hand like Ziggy..send it to Ziggy ) .. copy the date font.... the "tuxedo" engravings on the subdials are very well pronounced.. as the genuine.. remember the lume dot @3 is smaller as is the genuine.. the markings on the rehaut look pretty accurate .. again the colour is a small fraction off true red.. But all of these are very hard to spot unless you macro the image like we are doing... so it is not a great concern (to me anyway) The Rehaut Lani~ the markings on the rehaut look a fraction thinner on the rep..and the genuine has a 'dot" under the numerals.. the rep has a "dash" again not noticable unless you view the macro .. or you have Superman vision.. edit add:.. I stand corrected.. the markers below the numerals on the rehaut are in fact dash's on the genuine.. jus fatter smaller and thicker.. the rep dash is a bit longer and thinner.. Note: I will be making most of the small item comments.. for the simple fact that I have the rep in hand .. and it would not be fair to A to ask him to comment as the lighting plays a big part of the dimensions of the pushers.. bezel etc. .. but if he does comment I will edit and add them to the review.. Bezel Lani~ 120 clicks .. very well machined .. smooth rotation .. other than that we need to take a closer look.. Lani~ Ever so slight variance .. again.. only with the macro can you really tell.. The Pearl Lani~ I cannot tell the difference.. the genuine pearls outer ring is a shade darker than the bezel.. as is the rep. Andrew~ The pearl is very acceptable IMO, however I do think the pearl crystal is slightly larger than the one on the genuine. Lani~ I abstained from any comment on this as I cannot tell if it's the lightning ... the angle, it seems the genuine Lumious material is more recessed ... making the pexi cover look thicker.. CG ..Crown..and Pushers Lani~ any difference is solely due to the lighting.. the pushers sleeves are snug and tight around the pushers.. although in the pic it appears there is a space.. that is due to the different lighting than the genuine.. I cannot tell any variance.. Case Back Lani~ Bravo !!.. the Case Back is exellent.. all the engavings an numbers are spot on, individual numbers...... except for me ending up with 101.. sounds like and is the usual rep number.. oh well.. Andrew~ I really like the idea of being able to request a personalized number. I just wonder how successfully this will be carried out though? Lan, did you request a number prior to ordering? Lani~ all I can remember was it was late (for me) and every number I wanted (numerology wise) .. was not available .. so I jus typed in the first one that was.. ma bad.. oh well.. agree though A.. the rest of the numbers are "Cool".. Buckle and strap.. RED FLAG Genuine The strap was made half a mm to wide.. at first I was afraid it was the buckle as my HK Tan strap.. ( Theo too) was ordered.. but it is the strap.. easy fix .. btw this is a newer version of the divers.. stiffer thicker than previous.. view the red area where you have to push in the rubber .. just fine sand paper to the edge.. and after sanding, wipe the sanded area with acetone to dissolve the rough look of the sand paper.. if you decide to just use this one.. will there be a updated strap ?? The new divers strap is on the bottom.. thicker and more rigid.. IMO I like the previous strap.. it is very comfortable.. Now what you have all been waiting "patiently" (LOL) for.. DLC Coat We'll let the pics speak for themselves.. in different lighting.. Pau ! Lani~ As you can see.. diffferent lighting .. different shades of colour.. from gun metal to black.. Andrew~ I would not question the watch's authenticity because of the coating, as it looks no different than any pics of a gen that I have seen. Having said that, under certain lighting conditions, the V1 PVD looks accurate as well. I have asked Dave123 to comment .. he has recently purchased a genuine Avenger Blacksteel.. so for comparison.. here's Dave. Dave~ "Looking at the color and texture of the blacksteel used on the replica,it looks exact to my gen watch,especially looking at the side angle shot showing the pushers and crown,the finish of the crown and pushers are spot on and the kind of 'paint brush' looking strokes to the other areas of the side of the case are again,exact to my genuine watch,i was really surprised by that as i was expected a solid finish in the replica,i wasn't expecting that 'brush stroke' finish that the gen has,i'm amazed that they were able to copy that for the replica,i would say that the same method the gen used,must have been used on this replica version,surprising frankly. All the red font on the dial looks again exact to my genuine,the contrast against the black looks dead on,a very accurate watch,i must say"...... Thank you Dave... That concludes our first team review.. thanks for viewing.. special thanks to Andreww... the Breitling section is a winner because of your efforts.. DBR.. our General Counselieri (sic) and to all of you for making RWG.. !! AlohaCheers Lani..

Ask for Sharon.. in the parts dept. she is really cool... set up your account using any name you like.. no one will ask for any documents.. jus need to give them a charge card to keep on file when you order.. as freddy I order quite a bit from them.. parts and tools .. without any problem what so ever Sharon usually answers the parts line now.. and she can hook you up with an account.. should take a few minutes.. make sure when your ordering you have the proper parts number.. you will have a difficult time if you try and order by the "name of the timepiece" .. the parts or tool number they have listed is all important.. good luck R

I'll save Thursday for the day of Thanksgiving but for Wednesday.. cannot show it all yet.. Blacksteel

hey man .. you live in the Bahamas .. life is good ... care free.. and the women must be fine.. no stress there .. island living is such that.. what's a day or two..

OK.. give me a few secs.. The colour varies with the lighting.. well, you said to give you a peek.. ya think we do all this work so no one will view the finished product? .. so with less light the metal will obviously appear darker in colour.. cool

Black steel has landed... it is late afternoon here so the full review will probably be posted tomorrow.. some eye cand in the mean time ?? Going into my studio (spare room.. ) to start on the macros..

another beauty V !!

Still looking Super~lative Freddy, awesome pics ALL!!.. For Tuesday Tag ~

Label/Receipt Number: EBxxx xxx xxxC N Detailed Results: Inbound Out of Customs, November 24, 2008, 5:17 am Inbound Out of Customs, November 24, 2008, 5:17 am Inbound Out of Customs, November 24, 2008, 5:17 am Inbound Into Customs Inbound Into Customs Inbound Into Customs Inbound International Arrival, November 22, 2008, 11:42 am, ISC LOS ANGELES CA (USPS) Origin Post is Preparing Shipment Foreign International Dispatch, November 21, 2008, 1:12 am, GUANGZHOU EMS, CHINA PEOPLES REP Foreign Acceptance, November 20, 2008, 8:36 pm Well, things are really slow these day's, it should be in Hawaii by now.. but it'll probably sit in the sorting center and not be delivered to my business center until early evening or tomorrow morning.. regardless I am hunkered down for the day and will get it after the gym tomorrow.. don't ask my why so much redundency in the USPS tracking.. someone kept scanning the parcel I guess.. the weekend delay's it by one day.. W,.. you are going to be very surprised by the review .. so stay tuned.. all the mysteries are going to be emphatically answered !! @DBR.. I will email U once I have the review up and running.. you may want to take a look at this one S.. soon Theo !! A very different Review indeed !!!

Monday will be my Ziggied 1665

The "Corporate Sponsors" will have their say.. not publicly .. as they have lobbyist.. and millions upon millions at stake.. the time table and "students" out of class is bogus and just semantics... man, now I am torn for the simple reason that the games from week to week are so exciting because of the BCS .. of course the playoff would be the only way to determine a true .. pure Champion.. hmmmm

Arguments to support the playoffs.. facts to support..

Well, I have always been a supporter of a "Playoff" for what is now a "Mythical NCAA Champion" (Number 1 at the end of the Bowl Series .. for those that are not aware) I have enjoyed the NCAA games sometimes much more than the NFL.. the tradition.. the announcers .. the student body all make for the "spirit" of the game.. But this season especially has me thinking .. because every week there has been a match up that is in and of itself like "The Championship" (as far as what's at stake and the hype).. because everything hinges on this or that game.. Maybe it's been a year of fantastic down to the wire football both in the College level and the NFL also. and any College BCS Series School President,.. Chancellor.. who says "It's not about the Money" .. is truly talking through both sides of his throat. .. because it is very much about the money.. and I have always been against a "computer" deciding .. especially with sports.. and for those of you who are unaware certain conferences are guaranteed a bowl Series berth.. and like Hawaii last year .. there is 1 'at large bid' .. depending on a host of prerequisites.. The Money is not as big for a team like Hawaii.. compared to the BCS Schools.. which equates to Millions.. making it a very unbalanced scale for recruiting etc. etc. ... Then again this is what sports is all about at times.. David taking on Goliath and returning Victorious..as has happened time and time again.. anyway.. this is the rules for the BCS The Bowl Championship Series (BCS) is a selection system designed to give the top two teams in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) an opportunity to compete in a "national championship game". This championship is intended as a surrogate for a playoff system since the NCAA does not formally determine a champion in this category.[1] The BCS relies on a combination of polls and computer selection methods to determine relative team rankings, and to narrow the field to two teams to play in the BCS National Championship Game held after the other college bowl games. The winner of this game is crowned the BCS national champion, and is guaranteed at least a share of the national championship. The system also selects matchups for the other prestigious BCS bowl games. The ten teams selected include the conference champion from each of the six BCS conferences plus four others ("at-large" selections). The BCS was created by formal agreement among six conferences, and has evolved to allow other conferences to participate to a lesser degree. It is not formally recognized by the NCAA as a collegiate championship. It has been in place since the 1998 season, but a number of controversial selections have spurred changes in the system that continue into the present. Prior to the 2006 season eight teams competed in four BCS Bowls. The BCS replaced the Bowl Alliance (in place from 1995

What's interesting is that everything that was done (even today) is centered around the Cigar industry .. Hupmann the original name for the Family that started the H. Upmann Brand of cigars were bankers and history notes that a banker started putting bands on cigars to advertise their bank .. then later the Menendez family took control of the brand and started the Montecristo line.. I jus wonder who bankrolled the funds for these.. interesting to find out..

Wow,.. I was going to get out of this thread.. until I read your disdain on the making of this particular watch.. good for you Pho.. !! I applaud you Sir !! Thank you for "standing up for the PRINCIPLE" It's just plain wrong.. nuff said

The colours come very close to the Montecristo Box Colours .. and the "cigar band design" is evident.. you went to Cuba ?? I hate you... Please tell me you visited the factories and got to see what they call ... "the Treasury !!" thanks Pho for sharing .. do you have any pics to post of your Holiday.. like ..Al Capones Hotel.... the original ,genuine .."Tropicana"

Heritage Chrono for Friday Warming up the Breitlings for the arrival of the Black Steel ~ Skyland for Saturday Great to see Ubi on the board ..Really missed seeing those Ultimate Frankens !! OH, missed you to Ma Mannn !!

Sorry to hear of your set back Freddy.. but think of it as jus that .. this is jus so the end reward will be that much more rewarding.. it's the road we travel no ?? things will look better tomorrow..

. . . . . this is gotta be a spot on review.. . . . ... piece a cake babe.. . . . . please no mis spelling.. please no sim spelilng