rogerthat

I agree 100% with jj69, I am done with rubber straps.

Have 2 rubber strap watches, cannot possibly add a 3rd.

If bracelet is not an available option, count me out.

Cheers,

M

I love'em both.

I am sure you will be impressed with the GT Racing.

Out of the box it is a better rep.

The caseback is not only different, but much better the quality is equal to the the Gen for the caseback on the racing,

average only quality engraving on the caseback of the regular GT.

Post some pix when you get it.

Cheers,

M

Has anyone swapped a movement in a Bentley rep.

Asian 7750 highbeat to a 25 Jewel Swiss 7750

I know the counter hand is a different size, true with all swaps of these 2 movements, but in terms of this watch is there any reason why this won't work? Any extra gears or something I don't know about?

For example I know many have switched the IWC CD, but the HBB is near impossible to make the same switch.

I would not do the work myself BTW but don't want to send the watch and parts out if it is not going to work right.

I am assuming this will fix or at least improve the existing sunken datewheel?

Thinking of swapping to an ETA Day /Date -even though font and font color would not beaccurate to Gen (ETA - black letters/numbers of course) Any thoughts about that.

Watch in question is the bentley GT.

Cheers,

M

Should have added the movements are idential, both are the newer high beat Asian 7750

I own both only noticable difference is the caseback, little AR and the bracelet.

The dials areidentical, you are just comparing different color dials against each other.

Both models are available in a few dial colors.

Both are offered in retail, more likely to see the GT Racing on retail though, as it is newer.

Regular GT

older model

Wing caseback

no AR whatso ever on crystal

bracelet is fully polished on all links

Racing version

newer model

Car Caseback

light AR - not nearly as good as gen or a double AR'd rep

bracelet is polished but has brushed links, two tone of shiny and brushed

The racing model is likely the better bet for most, but one thing to consider if you plan on sending the crystal out for a double AR coating, it is easier to have the coating done on the non-AR version, than one that already has a light coating and must be stripped.

Cheers,

M

I have an extra from a recent order from Cousins.

White dates on black background, English for ETA 7750.

Unused new condition.

Not sure if ETA font is different than what you are looking for?

PM me for more info if interested and if you are in CONUS.

Cheers,

M

dial is beautiful,

what is the MM of the dial if you don;t mind my asking.

In terms of size what other watches does it compare with.

Great photos too.

Cheers,

M

I am with you, I would buy one up in a heart beat.

Problem is the rep makers tend not to make something that never sold or never sold well on retail.

Our opinions on what would sell at none as valuable as Madison Avenue's if you know what I mean.

Same reason we have been given for not repping the HBB bracelet ; not many HBB are sold on retail with the bracelet so the rep makers do not think it would sell well. I disagree but who am I.

I think we are more likely to see a HBB bracelet within the next 6 months than a CD bracelet.

Hopefully once they make the AT bracelet, they will add a CD bracelet to the list. The size/width at lugs is different, so it will not be a simple difference. I hope I am wrong, as I would love to buy a rep bracelet for this watch. Blue rubber only gets you so far...

Cheers,

M

I agree 100% with Austin.

I just got the black version with double AR from Silix and the AR is great with the black dial!

The black is more verisitile and will of course show off the AR more.

If you are going to wear short sleeves mostly with this watch: go with the black

If you are going to wear long sleeves mostly with this wacth: go with the white

I voted in the poll for the black and ownthe black, but would consider buying the white as well, becuase I think they have a much different look.

Cheers,

M

del;

once the watch lands in the US ; the best way to track it is with the EMS number starting with EA on the usps.com

website, not UPS ; united states postal service

Before landing in US though, usps.com is useless when your watch is in China or from china to europe of course.

Cheers,

M

they both look great on the black croc strap!

the black dial version would look killer after a double AR treatment.

I have new gen black croc 24mm that I plan on selling, you might be interested would fit these perfectly and the Gen croc is much nicer than rep! My strap has tang buckle, not deployant type.

Wear them well,

M

VC Overseas here too.

Newest version from Silix, black dial. cross looks great and I prefer this date window.

Out of box, bracelet fits me too with no links removed, normally I remove 1 link onmy watches and I removed 2 tosize the SFSO.

So, I would be concerned if your wrists our over 8" for this bracelet.

Think the AR looks great.

No gap to report and all of the screws I have touched screw in and out well.

No physical imperfections anywhere it looks great. Even edges are smooth.

I did take the bracelet off and wash it, lubricate it and polish it and it looks and feels better.

My only issue with the screws is they likley need some Locite ; as I noticed 1 is starting to creep out a little and I don't want to lose any. It will be a pain to locite all the screws though. Each link has screws, unlike many bracelets where screws are only on some of the links.

Personally I thought the bracelet was going to be shinier than it actually is, IMO would look better/more expensive shinier/more polished but imagine as is is accurate to the Gen.

Overall impression:

great rep and very comfortable watch due to flat fitting on wrist. AR that this has is a MUST on the black dial.

Sometimes from certain angles/lighting, etc... it looks like a $10K watch, but my only negative would be that from some other angles, it can look plain or even "cheap" ; not sure why I feel that way and not becuase it is a rep,I think I would think the same of the Gen.

The dial detail is fantastic, don't getmewrong, just thatyou don't see this detail if you are too far away.

I do appreciate all replies.

As jdavis states I can wind the watch manually when I unscrew the crownitis in thw winding position and I have to pull out 1 click for the date.

When pushing back down however I cannot get to this winding position, at least not without turning the crown as well as pushing down.

From the time setting position, if I push in hard I get to thedate setting position, from this position if I just push and don't turn;

it doesn't move and will spring back at this point.

anyone think lubrication would do anything?

Cheers,

M

Thanks all for the replies:

dachshund: I do think the stems are too short, but as corgi mentioned it is a strange concidence though that I would have the same exact problem on 2 totally different brand new watches though.

I tried the tip from FxrAndy, but it still does not work for me, I cannot get to the 2nd click location unless I start pushing and screwing at the same time with enough force and this then also changes the date before it gets me down far enough to not move the date any longer?

Currently I only have the SFSO in front of me, and I think the problem is more pronounced on the SFSO, maybe his tip will work on the VC Overseas.

below is a more detailed explanation of the issue.

There does not seem to be a well functioning winding click position for the stem or enough room on the stem to get to this.

For example:

If I pull it all the out, it will allow me to set the time.

If I push in 1 click, it will allow me to set the date

Above is all perfect.

However, I then should be able to push in 1 more click and then wind the movement and/or screw in the screw down crown.

BUT, on both watches it will not push in another click and I must screw down while in date position, therefore I end up changing the date a couple of days ahead when I am trying to screw down the crown?

Every heard of this issue? Any suggestions? I was thinking of applying some lubricant carefully to the stem with a Q-Tip?

When I unscrew the watch I can then wind it without going it to the date click, but not on the way in only on the way out.

If the winding stem is too short what are my options, how easy a fix for a watch repair type guy?

I really don't to go the return route on these watches.

This is such a bummer, becuase both of these watches are cosmetically PERFECT!

Maybe it is me, I am not always the brightest bulb.

Cheers,

M

My recommendation go to a watch AD:

does not need to have your brand, but try on a 44 or close MM watch and see what you think.

personally, I think it will work for you ; but you are likely approaching the size limit at 44-45 MM with your wrist size.

Breitling has many this size and AD's are pretty easy to find - even big mall jewerly stores have them

www.breitling.com has a dealer listing. Think an EVO, SFSO, GT Bentley would be similar in size to what you are considering.

Omega Planet Ocean(largest version) is another option readily available to try on ; sold in some Macy's and many jewerly stores.

A watch definitely can be too big, for example the 55mm U-Boat

many on this board have expressed the BR 46MM square watch is too big for many who bought it to wear.

Cheers,

M

Hopefully I am just an idiot and someone can help me with this issue.

Just opened up a new package from Silix/Jay ; inside are 2 beauties:

Breitling SFSO (Blue Dial / ETA Swiss Version)

VC Overseas (Black Dial / ETA)

Cosmetically they are both perfect, I was very happy with the VC Overseas, as I had heard of gap issues, rough edges, bracelet screw issues.

Been playing with it for a couple of hours and have no problems with the little screws, haven't stripped one yet...

Edges are not rough, no gap on bracelt, everything flawless, AR is great and very noticable.

Caution for the VC: bracelet will not fit very large wrists.

At first I removed 1 link becuase I thought I would have to, went fine, but then that was too tight and put the removed link back so I needed no adjustment from supplied.

Not sure how large my wrists are, but for point of comparison, I removed 2 links from the SFSO bracelet - which I thought was quite large.

If you have larger wrists than me, the VC Overseas bracelet may be too small for you!!!

Ok, now finally to my issue.

When I set the time everything is fine, when I set the date everything is fine.

When I try to push down and screw in the crown ; the crown screws down but changes the date on me.

Same exact problem on both watches, what am I doing wrong?

Sometimes 1 day moves, sometimes 2 ; sometimes 1 1/2 which is the worst of course.

Cheers,

M

They were sold as a limited edition, all gens were sold with both the yellow and black rubber straps at no added charge.

Therefore, you could order yellow or black strap and be accurate to the gen.

Cheers,

M

The Zigmeister,

AMAZING Job

Can you please PM me an idea on cost assuming you are taking jobs for this watch? I did read you are not accepting new watches until 1/08, but I still curious as to the cost.

I assume a day/date wheel change is a good combined mod you could offer at the same time on this watch?

PM me a cost for that as well if you can, assume I would send the watch and a gen ETA day/date wheel.

I tried to PM you,but it bounced back...

Thanks,

M

My vote would be for the 2006 version, but the 2007 is growing on me.

Colors at first seemed too sporty.

WBK is selling a $100 version of the 2007 which is tempting, just to see how I would react to the brighter colored 2007.

Pretty sure I would prefer the dressier blue with white of the 2007.

I would prefer even more the availability of a bracelet!!!

Cheers,

M

For those that own either the 2006 or 2007 model:

Has anyone relumed or had this watch relumed?

Know any modder offeringthis service for the CD?

Assuming no to above, are you happy with the existing lume?, I guess the bezel lume is what I am primarily interested in, the existing lume on the dial markers and hands seems to be quite good for a rep.

Cheers,

M

I am not sure either exactly how to use it...

Believe you read it in conjuction with the chrono running.

It is a variable tachometer, which enables one to measure average speed regardless of the time elapsed, the distance covered or the speed reached.

-M

Is it true that all croc rep straps for Breitling state Erin veritable on backside, where Gen croc straps from Breitling say

Croco veritable.

I guess I know the answer to my 2nd question, just want to seeif it is possible to still be a rep strapif it states Croco veritable.

Cheers,

M

Comparison betwen 2 Rep models and some Gen knowledge mixed in, but NO PICTURES.

I owe both, with the same white dial.

Both are correct and different watches sold on retail.

I have handled both gens as well. Both are still made by Breitling, it has been stated before the new model replaced the old, that is inaccurate.

Hope this is helpful even without an pictures.

For those who don't know the GT is the 44.8 MM version of the larger Bentley.

Many small wrists are not going to look good with the 48 or 49 MM other Bentley models.

Both are excellent reps with A7750 movements, sapphire crystal, etc...

Weight between Gen and Rep seems exact or at least indestinguishable as is the size measures of the face/bezel, etc...

These reps have a very quality feel and can easily pass for Gens, to anyone but the most informed.

Dial printing is very detailed and spot on, bracelet has gen feel after a little oil and same quicks, like difficult to remove clasp.

2006 Model:

This is the GT model from Breitling.

Came with quoted "light AR" from dealer, but in fact is sold without any AR at all.

I sent my crystal off to Cheiftang and now have a true double AR coat on this.

Caseback has accurate wings and special edition engraved

Case and Bracelet is shiny on all links, as is Gen.

2007 Model:

This is the GT Racing Model (Dealers call this brushed version, but true name should be GT Racing)

Also listed as having 'light AR" and guess what it does! This version does come with AR, however it is not as good as the AR coat on Cheiftangs run or the HBB or Steelfish. It likely is a one sided AR coat.

Caseback has the Bentley GT car engraved/embossed on the caseback, same as Gen.

Side of case and Bracelet has outer portion brushed and middle 3 links shiny, I believe same as Gen.

Differences between Models:

other than those stated above, there are no differences they are the exact watch.

Same as Gen/Retail too, other than listed above the Gens are exact on these 2 models.

Quality Differences between Reps:

2007 caseback is amazing! 2006 version looks good but engraving should be deeper and cleaner to pass off as Gen. plus Swilzerland issue that has been pointed out previously.

2007 model with car looks exactly like Gen. Maybe the best or close to the best engraved rep caseback I have seen.

2007 bracelet has slightly better engravings, same as EVO / Steelfish newest version.

The 2006 version engravings on the bracelet were not quite as good, but not bad.

DateFont: strangley enough on the 2007 they darkened and thickened the date ever so slightly compared to 2006, but they did not make the same change to the date?

Crown: the 2007 version has a slightly larger B logo on the crown, which is as Gen, but very hard to notice either way.

The dials, hands, lume, size, pushers, etc.. are all identical between the 2 models.

Flaws of both watches are:

Date/Day font is a bright Red and should be a Dark Red. If you know PMS colors or want to google them, this is a difference between 485 on the Rep and 187 on the Gens. The Gen color is not Black as some say and sometimes appears in certain gen photos, it is a dark red. This is also a flaw on all Bentley models to my knowledge. Flying B Gen does have Black datefont.

Breitling's official catalog images are brighter red than the actual watches, which is likely the reason the rep factory messed this up, not sure why they have not been able to correct it though.

OPINION OF FLAW: personally this is the biggest flaw, a watch fan would never know the correct shade but a Breitling AD would in theory spot this right away.

White Rehault is larger on rep than on gen, more noticable on zoomed photos than in real life, but still a flaw that is true of all Bentley models.

OPINION OF FLAW: not a big deal, I have the White dial and it makes this size difference very difficult to spot.

This may be a bigger deal on the Blue, Black, Red or Green ; but on the White no big deal.

AR is discussed above. Both Gens have 2 sided AR coating.

OPINION OF FLAW: worth fixing by getting the crsytal coated with the help of Cheiftang or others on this and other forums that are offering AR runs. Gen Breitlings are known for their strong AR and a rep without can be easy to spot.

The darker the dial the more obvious AR or lack thereof will be, so again the White dial will hide this more than others. On my white dials, the one with double sided AR (courtesy of Cheiftang) the dial looks crisper as a result of the AR and the reflection coming off the watch is a deeper, richer blue than the other watch which only has the single AR, but you do have to look very close to see the differences.

Overall minor flaw to have only single sided AR on White Dial, could be major flaw on other dials.

Side inner bezel botton does not function (same as on all Bentley reps)

OPINION OF FLAW: Opinions on this vary. Personally I don't care and consider this minor, here's why.

There is a side button, when depressed and the bezel is moved at the same time the inner dial bezel should rotate along with the outer dial bezel. It does not do anything on the Rep.

Sounds bad, but almost no one knows what it is supposed to do or what the button is for, most assume it is some sort of HEV valve and if someone asked me on my watch, that is surely what I would say.

I does not look like it should function on the rep or gen, so that fact that it doesn't is no big deal.

You would have to be very familair with the Gen to know how to use this feature.

Gens cost about $7K, so you don't run into Gen owners often that want to test out your inner bezel feature!

Recessed Date: gen with swiss movement does have a less recessed date.

Fault on all Bentley models and for the most part fault with any A7750 rep.

OPINION OF FLAW: for us rep collectors, this is obviously so I am biased, not sure how those unfamiliar with reps would view the recessed date, likely they would never notice.

Lume on dial is weak on the rep, but not much stronger on the Gen. Could be improved by having rep relumed, but given the lack of lume on this Gen, it is likely not worth the effort.

OPINION OF FLAW: no big deal, not worth the extra expense unless you are a perfectionist

Lume color on hands is a little too green on Rep, not very noticable though. Some pictures of Gen look white, but in person the hand lume does have a green hint to them on the Gens, just not quite as green as the gen.

Lume on rep hands is close to gen, not bad, but not great and again the Gen is not known for having much lume to speak of anyway,

OPINION OF FLAW: no big deal, again if you are a profectionist you can have this changed with a relume color too. Also Worth Noting: If you are a perfectionist, by the Gen.

Overall great watches with just a few flaws and an overall great quality build and gen feel.

In my opinion easily passes for Gen by your average Joe and casual watch fans.

One note of caution: the entire Bentley line is offered in Reps of some terrible quality levels.

Walking around Canal Street or Times Square in NYC and you will see many, I also see many people wearing these bad reps. This hurts the overall impression when seeing this watch, as there are definitely more reps than gens. Hopefully the Bentley watches don't become the next Rolex, where everyone assumes fake/rep first. Of course the reps offered by our dealers are not what I am referring to, I am talking about the sub $100 reps, and there are plenty of those for Bentleys.

Size: if the 44.8 size is still too bog. There is also a Bentley Mark VI model that has a similar look and only 42 MM. Has seconds at 3 but I am not sure if it will ever be repped, hour markers are made from Mother of Pearl which is unique.

Last thought I swear: all of the cheapo reps I have seen for the Bentley line are the larger sizes like the 30's chrono not the smaller GT.

Cheers,

M

Any small watchsmith (non AD) should be able to resize the Breitling bracelet in 15 minutes or less, and I can't imagine they would charge more than $10.

No big worry.

Cheers,

M

Angus of Puretime sold me screws with the screwdriver.

Not sure if that is the cheapest option, but at least it's an option.

Cheers,

M