Resistor

Yep, 42mm Noob.

Lovely day in Ohio.

The Blackbird has always been one of my favorite chronos but I've never grown fond of the blacksteel versions. I think it's because Breitling never went all the way and PVD'd the bracelets. Seems like a half measure to offer only rubber straps for these special editions. Seeing these Blackbird pics makes me want to get my brushed version fixed and running again.

The type and intensity of the charging light play a big part in how bright and how long the lume will glow. Charging lume in bright sunlight is going to make it glow much brighter than a lamp or flashlight. The type, amount and consistency of the lume applied to watch parts also impacts performance. If lume material is applied lightly or unevenly, the glow will be weak and splotchy. Generally, more luminescent material results in stronger, longer lasting glow. Many reps suffer from this but some gens do as well.

These videos are hilarious. They were created by SFA437 over at RG. He has others, if you can find them (the original hosting site no longer has them).

Andrew has a reputation for excellent communication prior to the sale, not so much afterwards - especially if the watch has problems. If you receive a good watch, you're in good shape...if you need support, better try to find an independent watch smith.

Good thing you didn't return the watch to China. You'd likely spend $50 in return postage, spend six months without your watch, and finally receive it in worse condition than before.

http://www.replica-watch.info/vb/showthread.php?t=172074

Don't run the movement while the loose screw is floating around in the case! Something is likely to get damaged.

The CrPO bracelet fits and is much better quality than the LMPO, if you can find one. Screw links and the simple engraved clasp. The rep rubber is also very good - even softer than my gen Omega rubber:

I have heard that as well. Bought mine from sead last November. I think reaching out to a dealer for verification will be the only way to know. Picked up my current CrPO through a WTB ad, since I heard the first batch was gone.

Maybe I should get a job at the customs agency. Seems like a great way to build a collection of free reps. /s

There are reps with quartz (battery powered) chrono movements and also mechanical handwind chronos. Most Breitling chrono reps are 7750, 7753, or quartz.

I ordered the black rubber with deployant for my PO from Trusty Time for $85. It is a fantastic rep strap and is actually softer and more comfortable than my gen Omega rubber. In this instance, I would prefer the rep rubber over a cheap aftermarket strap.

That orange PO looks terrible. Between those two, I'd pick the CrPO. Keep in mind that you're comparing the old 2500-series PO (the orange) with the current generation 8500-series PO (black bezel). There are quite a few differences between the two generations of PO, in addition to the differences between rep versions. The 8500 PO's are thicker, heavier, have different dials, clasps, and ceramic bezel inserts (obviously). You'll want to first decide which type of PO you want then choose the best rep version. I am partial to the 42mm Noob factory CrPO with black bezel and silver markers - they are outstanding watches and reps. This is my second CrPO: BTW: there are multiple dial and bezel color combinations available for both generations of PO. In addition, there are 45mm and 42mm case sizes. I prefer the 42mm version for my 7.5" wrist. The two most popular PO reps currently are the 42mm LMPO (limited edition gen based on the 2500 watch) and the CrPO (ceramic bezel 8500 model).

The 42mm CrPO is a bit thick and heavy, when compared to the older 2500 PO range, but it's not over the top. BTW danza, I sent you an email but it's still in my outbox until I get out of this mobile roaming area!

I am actually an engineer for a coating/plating shop which performs anodizing. Can you post a picture of what you're trying to achieve? Keep in mind that small, one-off jobs may cost in the $150 range.

I sometimes soak bracelets in WD40 over night. This does a great job of dissolving the gunk between the links and pins (of even a new bracelet) and lubricates it fairly well. The only downside is the need to rinse the bracelet extremely well to remove the WD40 smell. Works great if you don't have an ultrasonic cleaner.

Crown guards on your watch look good danza.

Mclarendude built this one on a 007 base watch. Not the best crown guards or He valve location, but it makes for a quite convincing and very economical franken. I picked this up from him for around the cost of a new rep: Gen dial, bezel+insert, hands, datewheel, and crown+tube (not yet installed). I would recommend not going overboard on the costs sunk into your franken, as a decent gen SMP can be found for a little over a grand.

Welcome home! Gorgeous Berner you have there. Great dogs.

Man, it takes a truly hardcore Apple fan to name their kid iLucas.

Thanks for the update. Thinking about his family right now. I hope his boy is coping as best he can.

I would never make fun of quartz watches. In fact, the older I get, the more I appreciate their durability and reliability. It's nice being able to pick one up and not reset it or worry about servicing.

It won't be a Noob watch, therefore will likely be of lower quality. The BP and KW PO's are probably nice but the noob is in another league.