Blackrain

If you are looking for a genuine leather strap, with good service, communication, and fair pricing, I would check out Bob's Straps, you will find him in the dealer's section. I have 2 straps from Bob, and both are beautiful, and holding up well with use.

An Oris TT1 Diver with a Blue Face, used, right around $600. Haven't had mine off the wrist for 3 straight weeks, but I have been cooking a lot of things on the grill, and need the rotating bezel

My PAM FER002 was bought from Josh, it arrived with the (common) problem of broken threading at the ends of the leather band, in 3 of the 4 locations! If there was any QC, this would have been caught on site, so methinks not.

I picked up a 4th gen PO from Steve G as my first rep about 3 months ago. Loved it until I read the rep hands were too small. Every time I would look at it, it bothered be. It got less wrist time as other reps came in. I decided to contact Vacuum (I'm CONUS), who told me $120 would get me Genuine Omega hands installed. The following pics are the before and after. The picture with the crown pulled out is the watch with genuine hands. The lume on the rep hands resembled the hour markers in the lume shot with the gen hands. The factory hands also have improved "silver outlining" in the sun at certain angles, something I haven't gotten a picture of yet. Overall, I'm pleased, and now I'm hunting for better band options, as I find the rep bracelet uncomfortable. Enough talk, here are the pictures:

Thanks Mark. I found a link on the friendsofOris forum that suggested $145 to replace the bezel via the factory was the safest way to go, as the Bezel assembly to somehow tied closely to the case on that particular watch. They also polish the case while it is there, so overall I think it will be a wise investment in a gen watch. Thanks again.

After posting a couple of "blue watch" questions on the forum, I had settled on the Oris TT1 Diver with a blue face. I finally found one on eBay ($600). The face and crystal are perfect. It keeps good time. The case and bracelet have scratches I feel I can buff out with some time and the tools I have aquired to buff my SS reps. The blue bezel insert has several deep scratches, and I will not be happy until it is replaced. I called Oris service in NY, and the rep said "$75-100 to open the case, and then we wait for the part from switzerland, and then replace it and close the case up, 4-6 week turnaround". Guy was nice, but open up the case to replace the bezel ring insert? Has anyone worked on the bezel or bezel ring of an Oris TT1 diver? Is this ring replacement a DIY job with a razor blade and some epoxy, or is it a send out to Vacuum or The Zigmeister? Any place to get a ring without using the service center to source one for me from Switzerland? Thanks all.

Thanks for your input guys. I'm probably a little spoiled, as I'm new to the game, and only own "newer" reps, a 4th gen PO, PAM Fer0002, "perfect" LV sub. I think I might stick with the newer models, and go with the "Bond" blue SMP as I had originally intended. Thanks for helping me make an educated choice!

Today I find myself again looking for a "blue" watch, preferably an Omega. I had settled on the "Bond" SMP, but stumbled on an "Elecric blue" Seamaster on Paul's website. The trouble is, the blue looks way to "light" in the pictures. I have attached a pictures of a Gen I found reviewed on timezone. My understanding is that years ago, this watch was more accurate, and now, it is less so. Is it because of the color? I can live with the hands being 1-2mm too short. If you know of someone carrying a more accurate version, please PM me. Anyhow, here are the pics, gen first, Paul's second:

I finally got it open with some duct tape, so all is well Thank god, because the lack of response makes me think there is no cheap tool out there for the likes of me!

Wow, seems like a great value here. I have never owned a strap quite this thick. Any issues with comfort, creasing, etc, with very thick leather straps?

So I have seen some handsome, dressy, vintage Omegas on eBay, and they have caught my eye (this month). 17 jewel movements, 21 jewel movements, different conditions, many have been repaired. Where should one go to learn about such watches before diving in to a competitive eBay auction. I know what my eye likes, I just want to avoid any mechanical clunkers! Thanks all!

So my "perfect" LV Sub from Paul is perfect in MY eyes, except for the giant crown. I'd like to have a better crown put on, I assume I have to have the stem replaced at the same time? Who/What/How can I get this accomplished, CONUS? Thanks in advance!

No, too little upside, with giant downside. Give em a nice Seiko instead.

There's one on the bay right now, starting at 120 but no bids, looks the part: eBay Omega PO for 42 I ordered a strap from Josh for $35 shipped. Depending on how it feels, I might upgrade at a later point

Aren't there ANY options besides dropping $200 for a rubber strap for the 42 PO? The ones on eBay can be $120, but are probably fake? How about a replica band for replica band price? Is the one on Josh's site for $35 any good?