andreww

A work buddy and I took the subway uptown over the lunch to look at some high end watch shops. Lots of great stuff, but one watch caught my eye in particular. A brand new Panerai 192 Tantalium. Now I've owned the rep for a couple of years but have never seen the real thing in person. I quickly summoned the clerk and had him pull the 192 out from behind its protective glass. Wow! what a thrill it was to strap this $36,000 beauty on to my wrist. The camel colored strap matched the dark (much darker than ti btw) tantalium beautifully, and if anyone knows where I can get an accurate rep of that strap for deployant clasp, I'd appreciate it. The gen has slightly narrower subdial spacing, a wider insert, but really, the rep isn't that bad. The feel of the CG was similar, as was the feel whilst winding. The hand color is pretty similar, but the finish of the dial seemed slightly different. Anyway, it was just a thrill to actually wear the gen!

I like the black, but because I already have a black chrono avenger, I'll likely opt for the grey dial.

I really think it looks nice! Having said that, I'm more of an "authentic" kind of guy and would love to see a more authentic strap, but Omega really hasn't been on the ball when it comes designing straps for this watch. The only rubber strap listed on the site is the black/white stitch version, which I think does nothing for the watch (yours looks much better). I'd love to see a blue rubber strap, fitted to the case. Possibly the same design as the PO divers strap?

Yes, posting a picture is the easiest way to tell.

I thought the same as poopypants. Do you know how a chrono works rare1?

I think you would need an optical lens grinder. Forget it, replacing the crystal is the only answer.

Unfortunately the older I get, the more cynical I get. having spent time in the manufacturing industry at one point in my life, I know that projects are coordinated to incur as little cost as possible. In the case of the V1 Skyland, I would guess that the black steel dial and insert were manufactured at the same time as the SS version. Thus the reason why the half dot was not fixed. The timing seems about right that a certain number of SS cases and parts were simply sent for PVD coating at about the same time the SS Skyland hit the market. I am almost certain that what we saw in Josh's photo is exactly what is going to be delivered. Why was it pulled? Maybe the negative spin from us, possibly its just not ready, or maybe he's decided to put it on an Ocean Racer strap in an effort to move them. Who knows? What I find most interesting in the whole Skyland saga is this; For months Josh had been bragging about his 1 to 1 Skyland that he had purchased a gen for. Obviously, this would be a "cartel only" watch, correct? So, Josh released the V1 first, and we all assumed that it was the results of Josh's 1 to 1 project. But, the version II is released by PT (supposedly a cartel member), and Josh quickly posts that watch as well. Which watch is actually Josh's? Again, we would assume that Josh's watch would be for the cartel only, so why is Silix unloading the V1 for $200, significantly less than Josh? If the V1 was Josh's project, this really doesn't make much sense. It makes more sense that the V2, which is still only available from cartel dealers, is in fact Josh's project. Now, privately, people in high places have told me both sides of the story, so I'm still as confused as I ever was. What do you think?

@Jake , I don't know where you get the idea that the photos posted on Josh's site were some sort of prototype. The pics were posted in his "New Products" section, along with about 10 other pieces. As usual it was accompanied by no specs, and a price marker of $888,888. Nothing unusual there. Why were all the other descriptions updated as usual, yet this one disappeared completely? Let me tell you, this isn't a common occurrence.

The second hand is actually constructed of two parts, the hand itself, and the tube which is riveted on. When the chrono hand doesn't reset properly it usually means that the rivet is not tight enough and as avitt pointed out, you need to epoxy the underside of the hand. Have you removed the hand? You probably have just assumed that the hand is spinning on the post, but are likely mistaken. I don't think you'd want to epoxy the hand on to the movement as you would never be able to remove it without messing up the post.

Not really sure what you're getting at? The V1 Skyland was apparently Josh's commissioned project. Why wouldn't he have a say in what it looks like?

LOL, I said it "rarely" left my watchbox! I really do enjoy wearing it on those special occasions though. As Lani said, the black one can be worn on almost any occasion, with a suit, or in shorts, but the Pumpkin really is a casual watch that looks great with a faded pair of jeans while you sit in a patio bar sipping a Guiness Bottom line is both watches are "must haves"!

Went to Josh's site to check if he had posted a price or specs on this one and it appears that the Black Steel has been removed Possibly he read our comments and has decided to make some improvements?

I think the problem would be that they would be producing a datewheel specific to that one watch. Not enough volume to merit the expense. They have produced a decent 6-9-12 datewheel, but that can be used in many Breitling models such as the Skyland, Avenger, Evo, etc. I don't think the demand for Navi's is that high right now. If they were to produce an Ultimate Navi, with an accurate sliderule, AR, and correctly shaped caseback, the demand may warrant the added expense, but I don't see that happening. IMO, the current Navi has been in production since 2004, and is likely due for a makeover soon. When that happens, we will probably see a more accurate rep.

Buy what YOU like. I have both the watches you mention, and initially I liked the Pumpkin. Now, about a year and a half later, I wear the black one a lot and the pumpkin rarely leaves the watchbox.

Look at their selection of Breits These are all pics of gens. Stay away.

Hey, happy birthday mate!

BTW, the pearl on that model is the weakest part. I modded mine with a custom built pearl that looks much better IMO Original Modded

You should read this before you proceed... http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?showto...=Chrono+Avenger

Will not fit the Skyland.

My Ti Chrono Avenger

Here's the link http://www.pc-80108.com/0066b-p-4916.html

Nope, there are no new Chrono Avengers unfortunately.

Does anybody have definite confirmation that the HBB factory will be producing a black steel version?

Thanks for sharing Dave. I'm shaking my head at how good these reps are getting.

According to Carlsbad Rolex the screws are press fit and for decoration only. Hopefully Josh will send you a few extras.