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The minute I reply to this it will disappear, so thanks for capturing it for posterity.....

I've ordered PAW a new DG2813 movement, and I've bought a set of hand removal/replacement tools. Now it's a race against time for them to arrive before I jet off to Italy. It would be nice to have him/her beating again, but if not it'll just have to be 17:17 all day.....

Co-incides with worldwide launch of the movie on DVD, so plenty publicity at the moment. Rushed on to the market unfinished, which makes me wonder why the pictures have been pulled. I still think it is a stinky, cynical rep that misses the point (ie. the strap).

Lost in translation?!?!

Look what little lump I have here... '....Never Dies' Sadly untrue, but if I get the opportunity I may attempt a movement swap and get PAW ticking again.

Not any more he doesn't! Check this out.

Fair enough. I've just noticed that the edition number on the caseback is not the one we were expecting from the dealer we were lliasing with anyway, so there's a fair chance we'll see something better from elsewhere very soon. The dial is still wrong because the dial is unchanged from the uPO - there are no detail changes between the genuine standard PO and the CR Special Edition so there was no need for the rep makers to re-tool. All this rep amounts to is a uPO with two parts changed. WRT these special editions, I can see the point of owning a genuine one as a collectors piece (I'd love a 40th Anniversary SMP, but never to wear), but reps of these just don't float my boat. I've said that countless times before. This release is a non-event for me as I was counting on the strap appearing at the same time. As a rep this watch is utterly pointless for countless reasons.

Fishy. Something smells real bad here. One dealer gets all our intelligence WRT this watch and then another one launches a rep of it on the market. A pretty pointless rep at that. No rubber strap - what is that all about?!! Edit: The pictures have been pulled from the site ad page (although still available in the directory).

No. They are Swinese.

That is a distinct possibility. There are also photographs of genuine TAG Link chronos in circulation that are missing the 'automatic' designation printed on the dial. Before anyone suggests that this is because there are quartz models - the Link Chrono is not and never was available with a quartz movement. Another product 'update' perhaps? TAG are certainly one of the fastest moving manufacturers in terms of making changes to their models - certainly more frequently than Omega, Rolex etc. Also, did it occur to anyone that the change was made in response to the rep appearing in order to achieve some sort of distinction?! Wouldn't be the first time that has happened.....

That does look smart. I've always been of the opinion though that, apart from the slightly undersized date window, the dial was one of the strongest features of the best ETA2824 SMP rep - strong wave pattern and excellent lume. The later dials were a disappointment with the oversized depth printing, incorrect 'Professional Chronometer' font for the model (actually the font used on the black one) and then latterly the total deletion of the 3'oclock marker. It disappoints me sometimes the way rep quality often deteriorates when a model sells well - no incentive to improve.

The best tool to use is the type with the adjustable plate to set the pin-hole height accurately, and the threaded pin-drift. Using pin punches and hammers etc. run the risk of shattering the pin or slipping and damaging the clasp. See By_Tor's review of the uPO for the tool I use for working with Omega bracelets. I've done a few now, including completely removing and dismantling a clasp to replace the spring, and it has never let me down.

How many threads does one person need to start about the same question?!?!?

Irrelevant. As CC points out.... No one in their right mind is going to stick their neck out and say 100% that you will have no troubles because theirs has been fine, and even if they did you'd be nuts to take the advice on spec as your watch would be a different piece from theirs. What would you expect to do in the event someone did give you the assurance you seek and then your watch fills up - sue them for misleading you?! Give the dealer grief because someone else got a watch from them better than yours?! Or would you just come in here and start a flame war against said dealer or member who gave you the answer you wanted? Your question has no sensible or reasonable answer - the only way is to satisfy yourself in the way I described.

The date window on this dial is in the wrong place to match up with an ETA28xx/Omega Cal.1120 series movements. Take a close look and you will see the 3 o'clock marker is bigger on the quartz versions as the datewheel is set closer to the centre of the watch.

Sorry if this sounds a bit flippant, but how would we know? I'd take any such claims from any dealer with a large pinch of salt and wouldn't even consider wasting the huge premium charged for such a 'service' from our sellers. You seem to hold a lot of sway in Andrew's claim, but how can you be so sure? If it matters that much to you buy the basic watch and get it waterproofed and pressure tested by a trusted watchmaker of your choice with the money you saved.

Well, the only thing I can say in response to the above is that, like many reps when they have been on the market for a while, the quality must have dropped since the initial batches were released. We already know that pretty much from the offset there have been two versions of this watch offered by different dealers. I have one of the earliest mushroom-colour dial models (the actual first one Neil/TTK obtained and used for his photographs) which I got about a year ago. The version I have has a heavy, thick walled case that the movement fits into with no spacer, while some dealers were showing a thinner walled case which used a brass spacer to hold the movement. My watch has sat side-by-side with a gen and there is no discernable difference in the colour/finish of the dial. I agree the lume is lacking, but that is an entirely separate issue. Can you be sure that the one you are comparing is the 'best' version of the rep available? PS. I've been searching for a post I did way back when I got my Link Chrono on the differences between the two version, with pictures, but I think it might be on old RWG.

It is going to be making the short trip to Glasgow, then Tuscany for Easter!

Actually, the only SMPs I'm aware of with the He valve in the correct place were the '2005' 007 with the ST-18 Seagull movement, and the first run of black 'Pierce Brosnan's choice' SMPs with an Asia 21J movement. Both are now highly sought after for this reason.

I think you are thinking of the Planet Ocean. Seamaster Pro rubber straps are common as dirt.....

All we are needing is a new dial and caseback!!

Never heard of the Black Eyed Peas?

I don't want to pull the 'use the search' thing, but I can say for certain that practically every question you ask has been specifically addressed in one or more posts as the uPO is one of the most discussed watches in this forum's history. Start by reading By-Tor's review (that will cover the bracelet, dial, etc.) and then look for general advice on waterproofing. There are even pictures somewhere in here of a uPO in a pressure testing tank!!!!

We've got Lords in charge here, not commoners. We don't need a constitutional change.