dgruter

Isn't that part of Omega's new marketing strategy -- to make them seem rarer than they actually are? Heh. Whatever sells, I guess. I wonder if it means prices will also go up. Does anyone know if the 2220.80 model costs more than the 2531.80? (Though I suppose the co-axial movement would also affect the price.)

By the way, r11co, which continuity error in 'Casino Royale' are you referring to? I'm a big fan of the film, so I was just curious. It'd be something to look for when I watch it again.

When James is arriving to Venice on his sailing boat with Vesper. When you first see him writting his letter of resignation on the laptop, he is shown wearing the PO from the beginning of the movie. But after the shot of the letter itself, he closes the laptop and is seen wearing the SMP. I believe that is the continuity error that r11co was referring to.

In regards to the fact that maybe the face of the new Red Lettered SMP was CG'D onto the film, I really don't think. The shot I was referring to isn't really a clear or closeup shot (you can't read the letters), however when examining it you do notice reddish letters below the Omega symbol and brand name. I originally thought it could be the GMT, but the GMT redleterring is way below in the dial (below the hands). However, I have a promotional Omega mini book, with pictures of the watches used during the filming, Bio's on the Characters, etc., were in one shot of James at the poker table, you can clearly see that the new SMP dial was CG'd in (you can perfectly read the dial, when the rest of the case and watch is pretty blurry).

It hit the market about summertime of last year - before the movie was released but after principle filming had been completed, hence no close-ups of the SMP. The prop used on set was a GMT model!!

This is not entirely accurate. Although there are no direct shots of any of the watches used in the movie (ala Vanilla Sky, The Transporter, etc.), there is one shot from the Venice final sequence were you can identify (using the Bluray Hidef format) the redleterring "Seamaster" directly below the Omea Logo and Omega brand name. Probably was filmed after the redesigned SMP had been completed.

In various forums the GMT model was identified as being used as either the possible watch (due to its use of the Co-Axial Movement innovated by Omega) or a prop of the new redesigned SMP, while it was completed. The GMT model was used for early shooting (e.g. Beach sequence with Vesper, filmed in the Bahamas were principal photography begun), but was later replaced during the final shoots (for part of the Casino and Venice sequences).

Recently, both the Omega Planet Ocean and SMP "supposedly" used during filming were auctioned off or on display at an Omega event in early 2007.

Well, we area bout to find out... I just ordered a Gen dial for my UPO 45

I ordered the gen dial for my 45 MM PO (not the ultimate, but the preceding generation - with oversized omega logo). The watchsmith that does my rep work, says it fits the case, however, the pins behing the genuine logo are too short, and the internal wheel for the date was damaged (and thus the date does not change) as a result. He is currently working on the watch to fix it. But in all, the dial does fit the case.

So I suppose it will also fit the UPO, and probably won't have the problem I mentioned here considering it has a different movement.

Have you tried ofrei.com for the dial?

Yes, but on their website they only carry the dial for the 42MM, not the 45MM. I live outside the US so going to their store is out of the question. I have sent various emails inquiring about the dial but they all went unanswered. I even called them, but they asked for the Model and Case Number. I have the Model number but don't have the case number. Can anyone provide the case number for the PO 45MM (black/white)?

I agree. I don't like the 007 version at all (gen or rep)... but without the strap it makes ZERO sense.

and they SCREWED UP THE DIAL LOGO ONCE AGAIN. If they got it right for the 4th generation 42MM, why can't they fix it for the Ultimate PO. I have a gen strap that fits my 5th Generation PO 45MM (correct 22MM lugs, wrong shape and size dial logo) perfecly IMHO (only about a 1/2 MM gap between the bracelet and the case when I put it on, hardly noticeable) son I am not worried about the strap. I had delayed a purchased of the Ultimate because of the logo issue, and hoped it was going to be fixed with the 007 PO (then I was just going to swap dials). Guess I'll just have to keep on looking for a gen dial on the internet (anybody know where I can get one?) or just buy the Ultimate.

Any word or idea on how is the quality of rubber strap? I'm sure lots of u.PO owner are waiting to buy the rubber strap once this Casino Royale Bond watch is release

Well, but does anyone actually know when it's coming out, if at all??? I personally don't like the special edition, but if they correct the dial logo design (omega logo sans feet), it would be the only PO to get. I don't care if they screw something else, I'll just swap dials with the Ultimate, and I 'll have a perfect PO to go with my genuine strap.

ofrei sells the OEM omega dials. you may want to call them for the 45.5mm dial. the gen uses a 2892 bases "omega 2500" movement which is modified with a slow beat rate and a coaxial escapement. i believe the dial feet for a 2836 and a 2892 should match up so it should drop right in as the hands should work too. here is a shot of the movement in my gen.

and the dial

I have sent several emails to Ofrei inquiring about the 45.5 MM genuine dial, and have yet to receive a response. I heard something about Bob Frei being very suspitious as of late not responding to email inquiries. I also tried calling Ofrei, but they asked me for the case number of watch (which I don't have). Does anybody have the case number for the 45.5 MM Black/White PO and has anybody actually gotten his/her hands on genuine dial for the 45.5 and fitted to same to the Ultimate PO?

Will be wearing my PO on genuine rubber strap on the beach (along with my Grigio Perla swimtrunks and Persol shades ).

).

Yup! Having seen it in the metal a few times now I have to agree that the dial pattern isn't nearly as glaring as the intial publicity shots made it look. From even a short distance all you notice is the slightly paler appearence of the dial because the normal wave pattern is missing, and the '007' on the second hand isn't immediately apparent either (unlike the CR SE PO which screams it at you in day-glo orange).

My thoughts exactly. However, some slight glaring does occur under certain lighthing conditions, which I have been unable to confirm with the genuine. I actually wanted the new SMP regular (red lettering Omega), but since I was told that reps woudn't be coming out until the start of this year (late January-February), I took a chance on this one (had to have my Bond Casino Royale collection fix).

Also, please note that this rep is the model sold by Paul (although I sourced from another dealer), with the better caseback (almost perfect - correct gun 007 logo, not a rehash of the 40 years edition, serial number, but does not have the other markings), dial and logo (the logo has very slight feet , undistinguashable). The only issues I can identify is that there is a gap between the date window and the 3 o'clock marker, which shouldn't be there (and is not present in some of the other reps), the bracelet comes with screws instead of pins and to short crown guards (as in other SMP's). I initially took it to the AD for resizing of the bracelet, and the technician was initially fooled by it, until he saw the bracelet and the SCREEWWWSSS. Afterwards, he was blown away by it.

All in all, for those looking to update your SMP to the Co-Axial Bond, this is a pretty decent rep. I also recommend the SMP Professional GMT.

I will make a new attempt at photography, and hope to be posting new picks soon.

Chrono PO

No pic yet since it just arived today but I will be wearing it for a few days straight I suspect.

Here what I have on at the moment. Sorry for the crapy picks. The much maligned SMP Bond 2006 (spiral dial)

Will be wearing the PO on genuine rubber strap on the weekend.

Finally here are some picks of my 2 Omega's. First is my Omega PO (the generation just before the Ultimate, with right size lugholes but wrong shape and size dial symbol. Bought a few days before the Ultimate came out. I am actually waiting for the new rumored Ultimate Casino Royale PO which supposedly will use the right shape logo). I have it with a genuine PO Strap, which cost me US$165 on ebay, and fits almost perfectly (about a 1/2 mm gap can bee seen between the case when I wear it, which is hardly visible at all). I used to have the Asian 45MM with rubber strap, and please note that you cannot compare the quality between them. If the new rumored 22MM strap is of the same quality, I don't hink it's worth it. The genuine strap has a different shape at the endlinks and the wholes are also different as well as the buckle.

The other watch is the much maligned SMP James Bond (spiral edition). I believe it's a pretty decent rep, and the spiral as you will note is not as shyny as some suggest. Only in certain lighting will it shine. But I have seen the genuine, and its pretty accurate, save for the date window size (its smaller in the rep) and crown guards. I would put in the same category as the CN subs of a couple of years ago (accuracy wise)

This is my first attempt at posting picks, so please forgive the very low quality.

Jay has confirmed that it will be coated with AR on either sides of the sapphire crystal... :thumbsupsmileyanim: ... But since I do not own the Big Bang, I cannot comment on whether the coating will be similar to it...

The addition of double coated AR will certainly inhance the reps accuracy, but I hope they don't screwed up again using the wrong shape logo. However, since the Ultimate Edition has that same problem without the double AR, I would definitely buy this one instead of the latest ultimate version. Does anybody know when it will come out?

Does anyone know or have a list of the case number's that correspond to our reps (e.g. Planet Ocean 45.5MM - case number _____; Omega GMT Blue James Bond - case number ___________). Unfortunately, Ofrei lists its replacement crystals by case number and not model number.

I recently purchased an Omega GMT Blue (James Bond) from one of our respected dealers. The watch is great and very accurate. However, I was out partying all night, and in the morning noticed that the crystal has a pretty bad and deep scratch on it, and do not recall how it came to be. The watch is supposed to come with scratch resistant saffire, so I don't know how this could have happened. I do know that direct hits to the glass can shatter it, but I though that these crystals don't scratch. I am thinking of contacting the dealer and discuss this with him.

However, does anybody know if I can switch my damaged crystal for a genuine (sold by Ofrei). If so what is the case number for the Omega GMT Blue (James Bond).

Did you find a gen rubber strap anywhere other than an AD who wants $300?

i mean, HK tan can build a better than gen orange gator for 120ish

I've decided i'm getting a bob orange gator strap (the only one that will work is the breitling deployant model which tapers from 22-18, got my fingers crossed that that won't suck) i might also get an orange nylon from acetimer - only 16 bucks and 6mm thick.

i think an orange carbon fiber would be awesome, i could only find a 24mm one though

re: mods - i'd get maybe the AR done, but hands, dial, not worth it IMO

I got the rubber strap on ebay for US$162.50. The strap does fit the new PO 45.5 reps (don`t know about the ultimate edition because I bought mine a 1 week before it came out. I am kind of kicking myself, although the previous 6th generation is still incredible).

The only issue with the fit of the strap is that there is a less than 1mm gap with the case once you put the watch on. Which you really can`t see given the new shape bezel (just like the genuine). I am trying to post some picks, but haven`t been able to. Will keep trying.

In regards to mods, I think that although the AR coating is important, dial and hands are much more likely to be identified as reps, than not having a strong enough AR coating on the crystal. Once again I ask, anybody know where one can get a genuine dial for the 45.5 MM PO? I`ve asked like 10 times and never had an answer.

Looks like Santa might be bringing me a 45mm PO after all...!

Let's hope that the rep 22MM strap is better quality than the 20MM used in the Asian PO 45MM. The currently available strap feels like plastic almost, has the wrong size indentations and wrong shape holes for the buckle. It also does not have the Planet Ocean markings inside.

I recently got a genuine 22MM rubber strap, and it fits the new 45.5MM/22MM PO perfectly. Really gives the rep a different look. I hope to get the Ultimate Edition PO Black 45.5MM, and will have an almost perfect PO rep. Thou it is a shame that they didn't use the right omega logo shape (the size issue has been corrected but the shape is still wrong. The genuine PO uses an omega logo on the dial without "hooks"), like the one in the 4th Generation 42.5.

I know this little detail is really insignificant, and the chances on being called out on it are almost non-existent; however, to the watch or rep enthusiast as us, it is a little detail that we can identify. I do think however, that this is as good as it wil get. The quality of any subsequent PO 45.5 generation will probably come down, as seen with the SMP.

In any case, for all of us looking for a almost perfect rep, I do think that the Ultimate PO 45.5MM is as good a starting point for mods as any. Just fit a genuine dial (still waiting for someone to tell me were I can source one. Ofrei doesn't seem to have the dial for the 45.5MM), genuine hands, AR crystal and bezel insert, and you will have a rep that can visually fool anyone (of course you will have spent almost US$1000 in the process - don't know if its worth it, maybe it is).

bump, any of the dealers get a word about the red lettered seamaster yet?

Well just got this weekend in the mail my correct lug size PO 45MM to go with the genuine rubber strap I got through ebay at a respectable US$167.50 (they usually go for US$300.00). I was kind of worry that it wouldn't fit properly (to much space between the case and strap and was told by a dealer that the case would need drilling), but when I got to my watchsmith, I was pleasently suprised it fit almost perfectly (the space between the strap and case is negligible - less than 1 MM), and have been wearing it all weekend. I don't think I'll be taking it off anytime soon. I'll try to post some picks soon.

I also have the Asian version PO 45MM, and now that I have the new version fitted with the gen strap, the new version is easily more accurate (better crown, hour markers, hands, case back,etc.). Feels as a whole as a bigger and sturdier watch, and the whole issue with the logo size on the dial isn't that bad, although next to the genuine, would certainly pop out.

Next course of action is to source the genuine dial and hope it fits the rep case. Anyone know if it can be sourced through Ofrei or any other place? I wouldn't mind paying an extra US$200 for the ultimate/perfect PO (that would result in a US$600-700 almost perfect rep of a US$3K watch, which I think is a bargain).

I will try to post some picks later today, it will be a first for me, so I hope I don't have that much of a problem.

I've been waiting for a parts order from Ofrei since April, and the PO dial is one of the things holding it up.

So Ofrei does have the dial for the PO 45MM. How did you order it (by phone, internet? Do you have the item number or the link to it? If its available for order, I woundn't mind dropping a few hundred dollars for it. With the current case, the original rubber strap, and the dial, you can have an almost perfect PO 45.5MM. Would just need the original bezel which is also another US$200. The current bezel in the reps are pretty good (save for the pearl, which really doesn't bother so much). One can always dream.

Nice pics

Several picks of the watch have already been posted. Here is the link to official Omega were you'll see some picks. The redl lettering really gives the watch a more modern and luxurious feel to the traditional Blue Seamaster (IMO) .

websiteOmega official website

Does anyone know when we can expect the first batch of the new Seamaster 2006/2007 model. The one with the "seamaster" red lettering.

Hope its soon, or I'll have to go for the new James Bond (spiral dial). I need to get my Bond fix now that Casino Royale is almost upon us (waiting for my PO 45.5 MM with correct lug size to fit the gen strap I got on ebay. I hope I won't have to drill - I know there is the Omega logo size issue, but I won't know if it really bothers me until I see it first hand. I also have the Asian 21J version, so maybe I gan swap dials).

In that sense, of all offerred reps of the new James Bond, only the one from WO Mart has the "almost" correct case-back (007 gun logo), al others it seems they have used the previous Bond 40 anniversary watch and just swaped the dial. However, is it worth the risk?

Finally, anyone know if Ofrei can source the gen dial for the 45.5 MM (I can only find the one for the 42.5MM at their website, and since it has been established that the gen dial fit the reps - at least the 42.5, maybe the 45.5 dial can fit our reps - if so, we could almost have a perfect rep of the PO)

Can't Paul just measure it and get back to you ??

Does anyone know were I can get a correct size crown for the Omega 45MM PO. The one which comes with the rep is too small?.

I also saw it on opening day, and think its better than the second, and not quite as good as the first. All 3 movies are very different in visual, narrative and action style.

The first (which I believe is the best), has a very good and surprising plot, as well as 1 great action sequence (the train and helicopter sequence at the end) and a great and classic suspenseful one (the CIA robbery). I think it has the best balance of pure action and narrative. Although, I do believe that it lacks a better character development.

The second is a purely visual orgy, from the opening cliff sequence, the slow-mo fights and hair shots (John Woo anyone). In terms of story and plot its the worst of all. You can only enjoy it on a visual basis, if you try to look at it from a plot and narrative point of view you will be inmediately dissapointed.

I believe the third also manages a pretty good plot/narrative and action counterbalance. It has great action sequences (the bridge assault, the helicopter chase trough the wind farm, and the Shangai robbery), as well as a better character development than the first and second (you actually learn a little about Ethan Hunt and his life). The plot is certainly better than the second, although kind of derivative compared to the first (once again Ethan must go disavow in order to steal something and give it to the bad guy). Phillip Seymour Hoffman is a good villain, although I believe he was underutilize. There should have been more scenes pitting him against Tom Cruise (the opening scene is renching, although if you know the franchise its a good guess you have figured it out).

Unfortunately, the movie will suffer box-office wise (reviews have been pretty good) from Tom Cruise's overexposure, and the hate and backlash that he has produced given his conduct during the last year. I honestly don't care what he does with his life, or say or believe (green little men). I think he is a great actor (underappreciated by the critics - see 4th of JUly, A Few Good Man, Jerry Magwire, Magnolia, Last Samurai, Collateral), and is one of the most charismatic actors of his generation (screenwise).

good to know......thanx

I was recently realigning the bezel in my Rolex LV Sub replica and lost a part. Now the bezel no longer clicks. It just rotates.

I found the part, but its not a spring mechanism, its a two millimeter metal ring with 2 spikes protunding out from the middle.

I tried to but it back in place, but now the bezel is very difficult to turn and the clicking noise is now very harsh and almost raspy.

Any input or help would be appreciated.

Does any.one know where to get the rubber straps for the Omega PO 45MM. I've heard that the ones in Ofrei are for older Seamaster models, and that the PO one's are thicker.

Any information is appreciated.

You can get the rubber strap for about $100-$150.

Where can you get the rubber straps for the PO? The ones in Ofrei are supposed to be older models for the Seamaster. The PO ones are supposed to be thicker. Thats what I heard.