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By-Tor

Diamond Member
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Everything posted by By-Tor

  1. You're welcome all. It was a lot of fun to photoshoot a gold watch for a change. Neil's pictures of his TT Omega DeVille inspired me, and I think these turned out quite well.
  2. First I have to say one thing: Breitling Navitimer two-tone isn't excatly my "usual style". This is my "PoM Award watch" and I wanted this model for unselfish reasons (believe it or not). Personally, I prefer the standard stainless steel but since I (and many others) have already reviewed the stainless Navitimers to death I chose the TT model. Even though there's a big and constant demand there haven't been too many reviews of the gold reps. So why not write one? This doesn't mean I don't like gold watches, even my 2 first replicas were Rolex TT Subs. Far from it, I absolutely adore many TT models, including this Navitimer. I just feel I'm a bit too young to comfortably wear gold. Gold doesn't generally go well with bulky and masculine sports models, but I don't feel Navitimer falls into this category: With only 30 meters of water resistance and highly polished bracelet Navitimer isn't exactly a hardcore "sports chronograph". So gold, in my opinion, goes really well with it. It's extremely beautiful and dressy, without being too "flashy" and vulgar. As a replica the TT Navitimer is excellent. The center plated gold links look authentic to my eye. But then I'm not a jeweler, and I have no idea how the rep would "survive" under close inspection. I can only say that this watch has far superior feel compared to the two-tone Submariners I have owned, probably due the "solid" middle links and overall heavy weight of the watch and the bracelet. Of course I can't make any technical statements... or say anything about the longevity of the gold plating. I can only say that I've never heard anyone complaining about the plating fading off of the bezel. And even if the bracelet starts to fade... we all know how well Navitimer goes with a leather strap. The two-tone model is even available on a leather strap as a default. I also feel this watch goes best with suits and white sleeves. So it's not exactly a watch to use with the casual sports clothes that I usually wear. Unlike the old 12-9-6 two-tone version, the Tricompax model SHOULD have silver subdial hands (which are correct on the rep). This particular model is available with blue and black dials (with or without big Arabic dial numerals). Picture of the genuine blue version: I owned and reviewed the old rep version of the Navitimer "Serie Speciale Fighter's Edition". You can also find the explanation of the "slide rule" from that writeup. Instead of the natural 12-9-6 subdial layout my watch uses the "Tricompax" arrangement, which is used on the modern Navitimers. The old version was already excellent replica, but the new batch of Navitimers have better and improved subdials. This new watch has also improved luminosity on the hands, and of course the new high-beat movement. Other than that the "base watch" seems to be exactly the same. But why would they even change something that was already very well made? Andreww has explained this model in detail in our Breitling Guide, so I don't bother going there once again. Everything that Andrew says applies to this rep as well. The rep of TT Navitimer is also available in the 12-9-6 version, which is an excellent option if you're planning to swap the movement to Swiss Valjoux at some point. But as mentioned before that watch should have black subdial hands (they're silver on the rep). Personally, I couldn't care less. But I felt this fact would be important for some... and thus worth mentioning here. My only minor complaint is the bracelet size. I have almost 8' wrist and it's very tight on me, with all links intact and the micro adjustment set to maximum. Actually I prefer my watches tight but this is a bit too much. It's wearable but a bit uncomfortable. So if you have big wrists I suggest you ask for an extra link from your dealer. The fliplock clasp is the same as on the stainless steel models. It's highly polished and collects scratches very easily. Conclusion: The replica is excellent, and this is probably the most beautiful watch I have owned. Personally, I'm not really looking to impress anyone with my watches, but if that's what you're after (and want to look like million dollars) I can't think of a better rep. The two-tone Navitimer is extremely impressive, and almost ridiculously beautiful. I can recommend this rep for everyone who are looking forward to add a two-tone watch into their collections. But keep in mind: the genuine retails at $7000, so it might also be a bit "over the top" for some. My biggest thanks goes once again to the legendary ***Eddie Lee*** and the RWG Admin team. Thanks also to my mate Pugwash for his "delivery help".
  3. That's why it costs $109. You can't get fully working chronos (a 7750 or Venus-based watch) for that price.
  4. RWG POST OF THE MONTH AWARD SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER I feel like a spoiled bastard. I got two absolutely marvellous reps for free, because I won the Sep/Oct "Post of the Month" award with my Breitling Guide. Actually that guide was a team work, and wouldn't have been nearly as good without the forum friends that helped me. I want to believe that I won the award also for my previous work. The prize was donated by the famous Eddie Lee. It was a PAM 212 Swiss, a gorgeous piece. But there was a small problem: I have made a deal with the Devil that I will never, ever wear a PAM... and I'm almost completely ignorant about the brand (and the models). I have to apologize to all PAM fans. I respect the brand and the fans (this community wouldn't be the same without PAMs) but I couldn't possibly make a good review (or at least something that would benefit the community) of a watch that I'm not passionate about. I'm sure a lot of people feel the same way about Rolex, Omega or Breitling. Then I started to think that I would sound like an ungrateful ass if I even dared to mention this. I tried to be as polite as possible, and would humbly accept the prize and do my best with the PAM review. During my PM transaction with Eddie I never said that I don't want the PAM, I just mumbled some general nonsense. We all know Eddie is a player, so he immediately understood the "problem"... and was able to read "between the lines". He offered to give me a Breitling and another watch. He also offered his ex-wife, but I had to refuse. I didn't even understand at first that he offered to give me not only a watch, but TWO watches!!! I've had terrible experiences with the local customs with all shipments coming from Asia. Because of this I had to ask a friend to receive the watches in another EU country... and then forward them to me. I have lots of great friends here to whom I trust 100%, but I chose Pugwash. It was just a "gut feeling", and since he stated that he never had any problems with the French customs I requested him to take this "mission". He accepted. Needless to say all went without any kind problems, very professionally... and I owe him one. About the watches... we all know how good the Omega SMP chrono is but I can't get over how beautiful the TT Navitimer is. I'm really excited about these reps and can't wait to photoshoot them properly. Sorry for the dreadful wrist shots. Took them quickly. I'll go to meet a friend in another city for the weekend... but I hope I can squeeze the reviews out next week and shoot some nice "studio shots" of these two gorgeous watches. I dunno if Puggy managed to take some pics of these before he sent them out. If you did, go ahead and post them mate!!! Actually I'm humbled and speechless of all this generosity... and I think getting these two amazing reps are just too much. But I accept them anyway. My biggest thanks to ***Eddie Lee***, Pugwash and RWG Admin Team for all this generosity. Also big thanks to all who helped me with the Breitling Guide. I hope the next two reviews will be my best yet.
  5. Indeed. But the MBW case has a "quality feel" that pictures don't quite capture. It "feels" right to everyone who have handled a genuine vintage Oyster. Still, the $300 price difference isn't justified by no means... except if you want a vintage Oyster MBW is the only real option. Nooby is an excellent replica though... perhaps the best "value for money" rep ever. I changed the pearl which made a dramatic difference. Gen crown and tube would be excellent additions too.
  6. That can be arranged. Send 'em over.
  7. http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?act=At...ost&id=3703 PS: You need Adobe Acrobat reader installed.
  8. In that case Tanfoglio and Bill deserve a life sentence.
  9. Yeah right. I also believe in the Tooth Fairy.
  10. Yeah, saw some pics of them at WUS or TZ. The only difference is the seconds hand and caseback, eh? Not worth the extra price, imho. Not to say black PO isn't amazing watch, but as a special edition model the old Seamaster 007 was much cooler.
  11. Another lost soul to collective psychosis. I'm the last man standing...
  12. This is the model I'm going to get. The color doesn't matter as long as it's black. Actually I probably want the TT version as well (if it comes available). Mmmm...
  13. Got my gorgeous Snowflake Tudor back from my friend Tommy (Palpatine). He serviced it (the watch was running slow). So far so good... What are you wearing today?
  14. We haven't seen new models from Rolex, either. Or at least any real improvements. Best rep models of GMT Master and Daytona are 1.5 years old. And still no decent replica of the modern SeaDweller and vintage GMT. Instead of Cartier and Chopard I'd rather see brands like Zenith and Ebel repped properly. And more TAG models (Autavia, Aquaracer 2000, Carrera, Aquagraph, Link Calibre 31, etc.) The Link Chrono has been a bestseller so I don't see any reason to ignore TAG.
  15. Best news in a long time. Chronomat Evolution is my favourite Breitling. Let's hope it's replicated well, it's a great looker. SS black is my favourite but the two-tone version isn't too bad, either:
  16. Yeah... when the hell freezes over. Seriously, SMP is probably the last rep I'd ever sell. Good luck though.
  17. r11co, I'm surprised you don't consider the TAG, since I recall you also own the gents' Link model. Very nice ladies' rep (see the review) Got one for my babe (not too bling, imho):
  18. Yeah... I reposted some stuff there and tried to take part in some threads (just for the old times' sake) but it's just complete non-watch related crap over there. I decided not to bother anymore. I miss Demsey though. He's one of the coolest guys in the community. I have absolutely no idea why he doesn't want to register in this place... perhaps he doesn't like someone here? I'm usually totally clueless about the "forum politics" and such... could someone enlighten me?
  19. You have to realize that there are 2 different variations of the Link Automatic chronograph. They're almost like 2 different models. The 9' subdial is larger on the "polished bezel" version. Genuine: The "brushed bezel" version have them in same size. http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/m...y_1918_77264568
  20. No need to apologize... you're absolutely right. The newbies can't possibly know all the facts... it's actually the dealer's fault if he/she still advertises it as "Lemania". It's very misleading and it causes a lot of confusion. Seagull / Venus is very good movement though.
  21. http://www.replicacollector.com/members/in...showtopic=21298 PS: For the umpteenth time: The movement is NOT "Lemania". It has absolutely NOTHING to do with Lemania. It's a Seagull / Venus copy movement.
  22. It's almost unbelieveable how big the Breitling model line is. PS: The reference pics indeed prove that the new two-tone Navitimer HAS silver subdial hands... and NOT black. So contrary to the popular belief the rep is spot on. http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/m...y_1921_10716851
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