andreww

The fact that you would even consider a "Lumpy old Breit" as the "watch of the year" show how much your tastes have improved over the last year or so. I'd have to agree with you based on quality and feel alone. My asian version is outstanding, and although the SFSO is not my favorite watch, the rep still gets plenty of wrist time just because its so good!

Merry Christmas!

Screw it, that pearl is as good as you will find on this model. Think yourself lucky and wear it well. This is a watch that I would definitely have TTK hand pick. The pearls can be pretty terrible.

Me likey!

Great review and very nice watch Pug! Although I prefer the Cousteau, this one is every bit as impressive. Congrats!

Mine winds smoothly. It does click, but you feel it with your fingers more than you hear it.

Just to note, The Zigmeister also lumed the insert ring at 3, 6, 9 & 12. This is how it should be, but the rep has no lume on these spots. Excellent looking watch! BTW, if you are scared off by the pricetag of the gen strap, look at the tang buckle version which is available for about $150 including buckle!

Tour? Not for a while I'm afraid. I read that Robert Plant has confirmed a European tour with some female singer. The tour is expected to continue to America next year.

Unfortunately, not a lot to get excited about in the low end market. Last years UPO Lite set the bar, with an asian movement, but virtually identical case and glass. They tried to replicate that success with the SFSO Lite, but too bad the decided to cheap out on the crystal, AR, movement holder, etc. The low end HBBs were good value I guess, but well over $200. I did think the Chopard was a nice cheap rep, but upon seeing it in person, I found the AR to look more like tinted blue glass .

As far as the Bentleys go, there have been no updates that I am aware of, only different models. The GT for example has a new bracelet and caseback. The old version is just as good, and just as accurate, its just not the current model. The Navitimers have had several generations. The old one, like mine features a 21k 7750. In some ways it is more accurate than the current model, in other ways it is not. I do not believe any of the dealers carry the old version anymore, so basically all dealers are selling the same "New" version.

These watches are carried by most dealers, and there is only one source for these particular models. Trusty is a good choice, a bit more pricey than others though.

Its the same procedure as the Navi or Omegas. Remove from one hole, pull that side out a bit, then work on the other side. Once you get the second side free, pull the bracelet straight out.

eeech. The best place for Navi straps is from our dealers. Almost a perfect replication. Also, Bob Straps (in dealer section) has a little bit higher quality Breitling strap, but it is slightly less accurate, and has no Breitling markings.

I don't know where you are or the customs situation in your country, but I would send it back. Remember, its an asian movement, and replacement parts may not be available. Get what you paid for, send it back.

Dont think anyone would have a problem with any gen Omega, but mechanical watches are prefered. Nothing wrong with quartz however!

Hey Daneel, buy what turns you on, and don't rely on other peoples tastes. Only you know what is best for you. I looked at the watches you selected, and though they are not my style, I can see that you have a liking for smaller, more subdued watches. My advice would be to be aware of the movement, and to do a little research into the genuine version. If you can live with any flaws, then you are golden :laugh:

Contact the dealer you bought it from. I saw one member's dealer agreed to send the SS bracelet free of charge.

Review updated with new info!

Thanks Pirvan, I'll update the review. I had found several caseback pics of the gen, but they all showed like the one on the website. I guess this one must be an earlier edition?

Here's the pic to save you a click :laugh:

No problem getting a 7753 in, but you will need a gen dial which will need to be ground down, as its about 1mm to big. The gen dial is needed as the date window is in a slightly different position on the 7753.

Breitling Blackbird The Newest Breitling Super Rep? For Breitling, the name Blackbird traditionally refers to a special series designed on the basis of the Chronomat, (a special edition with black dial and brushed case) of the brand’s flagship model. Original Blackbird, based on the Chronomat The new Blackbird is an original chronograph distinguished by the strength of its design. It radiates a personality all of its own within the Breitling wrist instrument collection. At the crossroads between aesthetics and technical complexity, the lines of its case are highlighted by the contrast between satin-brushed upper surfaces and polished sides. As its name implies, the Blackbird chronograph is fitted with a black dial only, a color that contributes to its readability that is further enhanced by large hands and oversized luminescent hour-markers. Black bird’s legibility goes well beyond reading off the time. The calendar at 12 o’clock is composed of two separate indicators, one for tens and the other for units. This ‘large window’ calendar is driven by Breitling Calibre 44, chronometer-certified by the COSC. What is even more astounding than the fact that the rep manufacturers have managed to produce such an decent replica of the Blackbird, is that they did it so quickly. In fact, our dealers had the rep available before I had even seen it in my local Breitling AD. But, is the Blackbird a “Super Rep”? The term seems to get thrown around quite freely these days, so lets take a good look at the Blackbird and decide for ourselves! The Movement The genuine Blackbird uses Breitling’s Caliber 44 movement. The Caliber 44 is based on an ETA 2892, and is modified with a date module. The movement in the replica Blackbird is a modified Asian 7750 beating at 28k, with the seconds subdial at the 3:00 position. Before you walk away in fear, with visions of the nightmarish 7750 with seconds at the 6:00, read on. The Zigmeister has taken apart one of these new movements, and I’m happy to report that the extra gears that are used to transfer the seconds to the 3:00 positions, are installed correctly, using jewel caps to reduce friction. The Zigmeister is giving this movement a thumbs-up (once serviced, as this version like all Asian 7750s, comes without lubrication from the factory). So, how is the subdial spacing affected by the use of the 7750 in lieu of the 2892? Lets wait until we look at the dial to tackle that question. The modded 7750 does function identically to the 2892 with seconds at 3:00, 30 minute totalizer at 9:00, and a 12 hour totalizer at 6:00. A large date module has been added with separate windows for each digit. However, the 7750 may look and act like a 2892, but unlike other “Super Reps” the movement, dial and hands are not likely to be compatible with genuine parts. The Dial When rep makers use a different chronograph movement in a watch, one always worries that the subdial spacing will be different. Luckily, with the Blackbird, subdial spacing seems to be very close, if not identical to the genuine. The dial on this one is pretty close all around. The hour markers seem to be slightly thinner than the gen, and the subdial numbers seem slightly smaller on the rep. The most notable flaw is that the date window is slightly wider on the replica. The post that divides the window is also noticeably wider on the rep. Notice the size of the date windows and the width of the divider post The digits on the subdials are slightly smaller than on the gen The hands all appear to be proper lengths, and are accurately reproduced. Like most reps, the date digits do not seem to be centered in the date window as well as they are on the gen, and the individual digits seem slightly further apart. Though not perfect, this dial is just as accurate as those on other “Ultimate” watches. The Case The casing on the Blackbird is similar in shape to that of the Chronomat Evolution, but the top side is brushed in a similar manner to the Steelfish. The rep is listed at 42.5 mm whilst the gen shows at 43.7 mm. Case thickness is about 17 mm on both. The Bezel is brushed, and the markings seem both accurate and very crisp. The pearl on this one is not perfect, but not bad either. From what I have seen it is also the heart of the biggest QC flaw on this watch. Several of the Rep Blackbirds that I have seen had the pearls positioned noticeably closer to the right side of the rider tab. You may want to ask your dealer to be on the lookout for this flaw when ordering. Notice how the rep pearl is positioned off center The crown is similar in appearance to the Evo, and the pushers appear to be accurate and properly positioned. The bezel is decorated with the signature Breitling “B” on the outer edge, next to the 12:00 rider tab As good as the case is on the front side, the caseback is a letdown however. The genuine watch features a simple brushed caseback, with the words “Breitling Blackbird” embossed in polished letters. For some reason the rep makers have decided to do pretty much the opposite, a polished caseback with recessed lettering. The word “Blackbird” is also in a rectangular shaped box. Correct model number is, and serial number are also included. Unfortunately the caseback isn't even close **EDIT Thanks to member "pirvan" who found this image of a genuine caseback that is the same as the rep. Not sure if this is an early version or what the current version is, but its great news that the rep caseback is, or was at some point accurate! The Crystal It seems that one of the key features that members are looking for in watch these days is anti-reflective coating. The Blackbird does not disappoint, and comes equipped with deep blue, double sided AR. The sapphire crystals on Breitlings are some of the most beautiful around because they are shaped on the inside as well as the outside, removing any visual distortion when viewed from even the most extreme angle. Double coating with AR really makes the glass disappear. However, there have been varied reports about rep AR and its durability. AR is not scratch resistant, and is prone to smudges and fingerprints. Double sided AR is a hallmark on any Breitling Conclusions The name “Super Rep” gets tossed around quite freely these days, and IMO very few of the Super Reps are really worthy of the moniker. In this case I feel that the Blackbird, although a very good rep, falls short of Super Rep status. Because of non-compatibility with genuine parts or movement, poor quality control on the pearl placement, and the horribly inaccurate caseback (SEE EDIT), the Blackbird has just too many flaws. Having said that, it is still a very impressive piece, and from the front, the “tells” are hard to find. Until now the Blackbird has also only been available on leather. I have heard rumblings however that it is now available on a stainless steel bracelet at a cost approaching $500 (unconfirmed). Coming soon! Sneak peek at the rep SS bracelet Thanks to all the members that have contributed images to this review. I am sorry that I have lost track of who shot what, but PM me if I’ve used one of your pics and I’ll add a credit for you.

Inspired by italiano's new genuine BCA, Im starting the weekend with this...

BTW, you just inspired me to change watches!

Not me